Phyto-Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Typha azerbaijanensis Aerial Part and Root Extracts.

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were phyto-synthesized using Typha azerbaijanensis aerial part and root extracts, and their biological activities were investigated. Methods: This study was conducted in the Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran in 2019. In this experimental study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were phyto-synthesized and the physicochemical properties of AgNPs were determined using UV-Vis (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Antibacterial and anticancer activity of synthesized AgNPs was determined using microdilution assay, and MTT 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) methods, respectively. The apoptotic effects of AgNPs were investigated using Real-Time PCR and flow cytometry techniques. Results: Morphological analysis of the synthesized AgNPs confirmed the spherical shape of AgNPs with an average size of 10.67 to 16.69 nm. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of phytochemicals from T. azerbayenensis extract at the AgNP surface. Antibacterial experiments showed that phyto-fabricated AgNPs had significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The AgNPs were significantly cytotoxic against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) through induction of apoptosis. Conclusion: The phyto-synthesized AgNPs had biological activities could be useful in pharmaceutical applications.

Approach for determination of detonation performance and aluminum percentage of aluminized-based explosives by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Energetic materials containing aluminum powder are hazardous compounds, which have wide applications as propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. This work introduces a new method on the basis of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique in air and argon atmospheres to investigate determination of aluminum content and detonation performance of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)-based aluminized explosives. Plasma emission of aluminized RDX explosives are recorded where atomic lines of Al, C, H, N, and O, as well as molecular bands of AlO and CN are identified. The formation mechanism of AlO and CN molecular bands is affected by the aluminum percentage and oxygen content present in the composition and plasma. Relative intensity of the Al/O is used to determine detonation velocity and pressure of the RDX/Al samples. The released energy in the laser-induced plasma of aluminized RDX composition is related to the heat of explosion and percentage of aluminum.

Environmental impact assessment of the industrial estate development plan with the geographical information system and matrix methods.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is environmental impact assessment of the industrial estate development planning. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 in Isfahan province, Iran. GIS and matrix methods were applied. Data analysis was done to identify the current situation of the region, zoning vulnerable areas, and scoping the region. Quantitative evaluation was done by using matrix of Wooten and Rau. RESULTS: The net score for impact of industrial units operation on air quality of the project area was (-3). According to the transition of industrial estate pollutants, residential places located in the radius of 2500 meters of the city were expected to be affected more. The net score for impact of construction of industrial units on plant species of the project area was (-2). Environmental protected areas were not affected by the air and soil pollutants because of their distance from industrial estate. CONCLUSION: Positive effects of project activities outweigh the drawbacks and the sum scores allocated to the project activities on environmental factor was (+37). Totally it does not have detrimental effects on the environment and residential neighborhood. EIA should be considered as an anticipatory, participatory environmental management tool before determining a plan application.

Pentoxifyllin attenuates the systemic inflammatory response induced during isolated limb perfusion with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha and melphalan.

BACKGROUND: Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rhTNF-alpha) and melphalan harbors the risk of septic shock-like syndrome. Pentoxifyllin (PTX) produced a beneficial effect on cytokine response and survival in animal experiments of septic shock, and we were interested to explore its effect during TNF-ILP in humans. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients underwent TNF-ILP and received PTX (30 mg/kg/day), whereas another 13 consecutive patients did not. PTX was given systemically after the limb extracorporeal circulation was started. Cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and pulmonary vascular resistance were recorded via a Swan-Ganz catheter. Blood levels of TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein were determined before, during, and after ILP. RESULTS: After reperfusion, systemic levels of TNF-alpha were significantly less increased in the PTX group (peak, 2.8 vs. 1.3 ng/mL; P <.05), as were interleukin-6 values (peak, 68 vs. 22 pg/mL; P <.02) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein plasma levels (peak, 215 vs. 105 micro g/mL; P <.03). Differences in cardiac index, SVR, and mean arterial blood pressure were not significantly different. Norepinephrine or dobutamine to maintain SVR was less required in the PTX group. CONCLUSIONS: PTX attenuates systemic cytokine production and influences components of the systemic inflammatory response after TNF-ILP. PTX may play a beneficial role in the management of septic shock-like syndrome, particularly in patients with leakage from the ILP circuit.