Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Seawater and Sediments, Human and Ecological Risks, Northern Coastline of Persian Gulf.

This study aimed to assess 13 PAHs concentrations and induced human and ecological risks in seawater and surficial sediments of eight estuaries in the northern coastline of the Persian Gulf, Iran, 2021. The range of Σ13 PAHs concentration was 0.24-8.83 µg L-l and 3.1-11.46 µg g-1 dry weight, and the mean value was 4.99 µg L-l and 6.06 µg g-1 dry weight in seawater and sediment, respectively. Two, three and four rings PAHs were dominant with 29.33% and 41.33% of ΣPAHs in seawater and sediment, respectively. The primary source of PAHs was both pyrolytic and petrogenic. Most PAHs' calculated health (DCR, HQs, TEF, MEF) and ecological risks (SQGs) values in seawater were in the moderate range or high-risk values for damage to the marine environment. It is concluded that the pollution of PAHs should be carefully considered, and the government should make a proper action plan to minimize the pollution.

Microplastics in the atmosphere of Ahvaz City, Iran.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic size cutoff of 10 µm (PM10) has been collected using a high volume air sampler at two locations (urban and residential) in the city of Ahvaz, Iran, for sixteen 24-hour periods over four months (late summer to early winter). Microplastics (MPs) in the PM were isolated after sample digestion and were subsequently characterised by established techniques. All MPs sampled (n = 322) were of a fibrous nature, with polyethylene terephthalate, nylon and polypropylene being the dominant polymers and consistent with textiles and fabrics as the principal source. Despite a distinct seasonality (temperature and wind) over the study period, the abundance, size and colour of the fibres exhibited no clear temporal trend, and no clear differences were observed between the two sites. Concentrations of MPs ranged from none detected to about 0.017/m3 (median = 0.0065/m3) and are at the low end of ranges reported in the recent literature for various urban and remote locations. While some MPs may have a local origin, the weathering of other MPs and their acquisition of extraneous geosolids and salts suggests that long-range transport is also important. Back-trajectory calculations indicate that regional sources are mainly to the north and west of Ahvaz, but a southerly, maritime source is also possible in late autumn. Although concentrations of MPs in the atmosphere are well below those encountered in indoor air, further studies are required to elucidate their potential ecological impacts.

Antimicrobial properties of Peganum harmala L. seeds' smoke in indoors: applications and prospects.

Peganum harmala L., known as Harmal or African, Syrian Rue, Espand (in Iranian culture), and Ozallaik (in Turkey), is a perennial herbaceous glabrous plant, which offers many antimicrobial activities in indoor air. In this regard, in the present study, we aimed at evaluating the disinfectant effects of Peganum harmala L. (PHL) seed smoke on microbial load in air. For this reason, the effects of four doses of PHL seeds (5, 10, 15, and 20 g) and various sampling times in the range of 0-30 min were examined on its antibacterial and antifungal effects. The experiments were conducted at two different areas including a classroom located at the health faculty of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences and a residential area with a similar volume of 60 m3. Tryptic soy agar (TSA) was applied as a specific bacterial culture medium, and sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was used as a specific fungal culture medium. The concentration of bacteria and fungi in the indoor air of the residential area decreased by 71.4 and 94.7%, respectively. In the educational area, the concentration of bacteria and fungi decreased by 92.8 and 88.9%, respectively. In conclusion, the PHL smoke showed antibacterial and antifungal effects, which may be due to its alkaloids harmine properties, while it causes an increase in the concentration of particles in the air of indoor environments. Therefore, it can be used as an indoor air disinfectant for decreasing the load of bacteria and viruses in a closed space.

Heavy metals risk assessment in fish species (Johnius Belangerii (C) and Cynoglossus Arel) in Musa Estuary, Persian Gulf.

In this study the possible health effects of consumption of benthopelagic (Johnius Belangerii (C); JB) and demersal (Cynoglossus Arel; CA) fishes were evaluated. These fish species living in the Musa estuary (the biggest estuary in the south of Iran and in the northern coastline of Persian Gulf) are likely to be polluted with Hg, V, Ni and Tl. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to estimate fish intakes in the residents of Mahshahr city. Also, heavy metal concentrations were determined in fishes and compared with the maximum permissible levels (MPLs). The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) showed high bioaccumulation ability for Hg and Tl in both fish spices. The ratio of TDI/EDI showed the importance of the health hazard by both fish consumption. Also, Hg and Tl in fishes had a higher calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) than the limits. Regarding with the high possibility of serious health concerns associated with Hg and Tl contamination in the Musa estuary, it is suggested to do appropriate and urgent actions by the governors.

The effects of melatonin supplementation in adjunct with non-surgical periodontal therapy on periodontal status, serum melatonin and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic periodontitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis are two common chronic diseases with bidirectional relationship. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of these two diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin supplementation in adjunct with non-surgical periodontal therapy on periodontal status, serum melatonin and inflammatory markers in type 2 DM patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial study, 50 type 2 DM patients with CP were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention and control groups received either 6 mg melatonin or placebo (2 tablets) once a day. Serum levels of melatonin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque index were evaluated in all subjects pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: Melatonin supplementation significantly increased the mean serum levels of melatonin after intervention. The mean changes of melatonin were significantly higher in intervention group compared with control group. IL-6 and hs-CRP levels were significantly (p = 0.008 and p = 0.017, respectively) reduced in the intervention group. The mean changes of IL-6 were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (p = 0.04). In the intervention group, PD and CAL were significantly decreased after intervention (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the mean change of PD and CAL between the intervention and control groups after intervention (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin supplementation in adjunct with non-surgical periodontal therapy might improve inflammatory and periodontal status in T2DM with CP.

The effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) in chronic stable angina on serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid profile.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Chronic stable angina (CSA) is the primary sign of CAD. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a substantial role in pathogenesis and progression of CAD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of powdered Melissa officinalis (MO) on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile in patients with CSA. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 80 patients with CSA. The subjects were randomly assigned to obtaineither oral MO 3 g/d (n=40) or placebo (n=40) for eight weeks. Anthropometric indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: The mean serum concentrations of triglycerides, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and high sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) were lower in the intervention group compared with placebo (p<0.01) post intervention. Moreover, the mean serum concentration of paraxonase 1 (PNO1) and HDL-c were higher (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Oral MO supplementation improves the lipid profile, MDA, hs-CRP, and PNO1 in patients with CSA.

Effects of Chicory Leaf Extract on Serum Oxidative Stress Markers, Lipid Profile and Periodontal Status in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis.

AIM: The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of chicory leaf extract on serum oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, and periodontal status in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial 40 patients with chronic periodontitis were allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a 1-gram chicory leaf methanolic extract capsule twice daily for 8 weeks. In the control group, participants received a placebo capsule (containing 1 gram wheat flour) twice daily for 8 weeks. All participants had nonsurgical periodontal therapy during the study. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid, lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]), and pocket depth (PD) were assessed before and after intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that mean serum TAC, uric acid, and HDL-C increased and mean serum MDA, TG, LDL-C, and TC decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to their baseline and the control group post-intervention. A significant difference was observed in mean PD between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Chicory leaf extract as an adjunct nutritional approach with nonsurgical periodontal therapy may be helpful in controlling periodontal status.

Impact of Cranberry Juice Enriched with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Adjunct with Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment on Metabolic Control and Periodontal Status in Type 2 Patients with Diabetes with Periodontal Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Cranberries, high in polyphenols, have been associated with a favorable glycemic response in patients with type 2 diabetes and also are beneficial for oral health. Because type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease have a physiological relationship, this study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that cranberry juice enriched with omega-3 will improve glycemic and lipid profiles and periodontal status in patients with diabetes with periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 41 patients with diabetes (age 35-67 years) with periodontal disease were recruited and randomly assigned to 4 groups: control (C; n = 12), receiving omega-3 (I1; n = 10, 1 g/ twice daily), cranberry juice (I2; n = 9, 200 ml, twice daily), and cranberry juice enriched with omega-3 (I3; n = 10, 200 ml, containing 1 g omega-3) twice daily for 8 weeks. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy was provided for all patients during the study. Fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, probing depth, anthropometric indices, and 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls were measured pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: Glycated hemoglobin was decreased significantly in I1 and I3 groups. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased significantly in the I3 group compared to baseline and compared to I1 and I2 groups. Probing depth was significantly reduced in all groups postintervention. CONCLUSION: Consumption of cranberry juice enriched with omega-3 can be beneficial as adjuvant therapy with nonsurgical periodontal therapy in decreasing glycated hemoglobin, increasing HDL-C, and improving periodontal status in patients with diabetes with periodontal disease.

Determination of nickel and thallium concentration in Cynoglossus arel fish in Musa estuary, Persian Gulf, Iran.

Heavy metals with high bioaccumulation capacity are considered as important contaminants and may be available in high concentrations in environment and biota samples. The main aim of this study was to determine the concentration of nickel and thallium in Cynoglossus arel fish in Musa estuary. Sixty-seven fish samples were collected from Musa estuary during five intervals of 15 days in summer 2013. After biometric measurements, the concentrations of nickel and thallium were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentration of nickel and thallium in muscle tissue of fish samples was 2.458 ± 0.910 and 0.781 ± 1.754 mg kg-1/ww, respectively. The GLM analysis showed a significant negative relationship between nickel concentration and length. In addition, there was a significant positive relationship between thallium concentration and fish length. Nickel concentration exceeded the allowable standards of WHO and FDA in Cynoglossus arel. Therefore, regarding with high consumption of seafood in this region, it is recommended that these fishes should be consumed under a nutritionist counseling.

The Impact of Resveratrol Supplementation on Blood Glucose, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Triglyceride, and Periodontal Markers in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Chronic Periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of resveratrol supplementation along with non-surgical periodontal treatment on blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, triglyceride (TG), and periodontal markers in patients with type 2 diabetes with periodontal disease. In this double-blind clinical trial study, 43 patients with diabetes with chronic periodontitis were participated. Subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention and control groups received either 480 mg/day of resveratrol or placebo capsules (two pills) for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), TGs, and pocket depth were measured in all subjects' pre-intervention and post-intervention. The mean serum levels of fasting insulin and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with control group (10.42 ± 0.28 and 10.92 ± 0.9; 3.66 ± 0.97 and 4.49 ± 1.56, respectively). There was a significant difference in the mean pocket depth between intervention and control groups (2.35 ± 0.6 and 3.38 ± 0.5, respectively) following intervention. No significant differences were observed in the mean levels of fasting blood glucose and TGs between two groups' post-intervention. It is recommended that resveratrol supplementation may be beneficial as adjuvant therapy along with non-surgical periodontal treatment in insulin resistance and improving periodontal status among patients with diabetes with periodontal disease. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of mercury and vanadium concentration in Johnius belangerii (C) fish in Musa estuary in Persian Gulf.

The main aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of mercury and vanadium in Johnius belangerii (C) fish in the Musa estuary. A total of 67 fishes were caught from the Musa estuary during five intervals of 15days in the summer of 2013. After biometric measurements were conducted, the concentrations of mercury and vanadium were measured in the muscle tissue of fish using a direct method analyzer (DMA) and a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. The mean concentration of mercury and vanadium in the muscle tissue of fish was 3.154±1.981 and 2.921±0.873mg/kg w.w, respectively. The generalized linear model (GLM) analysis showed a significantly positive relationship among mercury concentration, length, and weight (P=0.000). In addition, there was a significantly negative relationship between vanadium concentration and fish length (P=0.000). A reverse association was found between concentrations of mercury and vanadium. Mercury concentration exceeded the allowable standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in J. belangerii (C).