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In this study, the effect of Tragopogon collinus extract on the viability of probiotic bacteria, physicochemical and sensory properties of probiotic yogurt was investigated. For this purpose, Tragopogon collinus plant extract was extracted using ultrasound method and the amounts of phenolic compounds and chemical compounds of the extract were measured. The results showed that the amount of total phenolic compounds in Tragopogon collinus plant extract was equal to 890.04±2.18 mg gallic acid per gram and most of the extract compounds included n-Hexadecanoic acid (24.25), 4-vinyl guaiacol (19.78). B-Caryophyllene (15.55) and Heneicosane (9.45). In order to investigate the effect of Tragopogon collinus extract on the properties of probiotic yogurt during the 15-day storage period, 3 treatments including control, extract with a concentration of 750 ppm, extract with a concentration of 1000 ppm and physicochemical properties including pH, acidity, synergy, viscosity, viability probiotic bacteria and sensory properties (color, odor, taste and general acceptance) were examined. The results showed that the addition of Tragopogon collinus extract to yogurt affects the physicochemical properties. Samples with extract had lower pH and synergy and higher acidity and viscosity compared to the control sample (P <0.05). Also, in these samples, the process of reducing the survival of probiotic bacteria during the storage period was slower than the control treatment, and despite the effect of the extract on the physicochemical properties of yogurt, yogurt containing the extract was acceptable in terms of sensory properties. In general, Tragopogon collinus extract can be used to enhance the quality and organoleptic properties of beneficial dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes leads to both structural and functional dysfunction in the tissues and causes problems such as fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks moderate intensity endurance training on skeletal muscle fibrosis in diabetic rats. Methods: Twenty eight adult male wistar rats in the weight range of 200-250gr, randomly assigned to four equal groups: diabetes and training, diabetes control, healthy and training, healthy control. After twelve hours of food deprivation, intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin solution method was used. Two weeks after STZ injection, the moderate intensity endurance training protocol was performed for six weeks. Twenty four hours after the last training session, soleus and EDL muscles were dissected. Mason’s trichrome staining method was used for analysis of fibrosis. Results: Compared with the healthy control group, diabetes caused a significant increase in fibrosis in soleus muscle (P=0.002) and extensor digitorum longus muscle (P=0.048). Also, endurance training resulted in significant reduction of fibrosis in soleus muscle in the Diabetes and training group compared to the diabetes control group (P=0.043), but endurance training did not have a significant effect on fibrosis of the extensor digitorum longus muscle (P=0.341). The exercise also significantly reduced blood glucose levels in the diabetic group compared to the control group. Conclusion: It seems that moderate intensity endurance training could inhibit from muscle fibrosis caused by diabetes. So, it is suggested that moderate intensity endurance training could be used as a non-pharmacotherapy intervention for inhibition of fibrosis in diabetic patient’s muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Docetaxel (DTX) is one of the most potent anticancer drugs in the taxane family. The commercial formulation of DTX for clinical use consists of high concentrations of tween80, which has been caused serious patient`s difficulties. Therefore, preparation of novel drug delivery system with ability of removing tween 80 and targeting on cancer tissue can lead more effective and also decrease side effects. This study is focused on preparation, characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation of docetaxel and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) against a tumor cell line. Materials and Methods: NPs of DTX and PLGA was prepared by a modified emulsification/solvent diffusion method. Then the obtained NPs were characterized and evaluated. For this purpose, 10000 viable cells were seeded in each well of 96-well plate and after 24 hours of incubation different concentrations of conventional and NPs were added to the wells. Then mitochondrial dehydrogenase activities in living cells were determined at 24, 48 and 72 hours by MTT assay. Results: The average diameter of the NPs was approximately 184.3 ± 14.6 nm with poly dispersity index of 0.15. Notably, the results showed significant increase in cytotoxicity of the NPs against the A549 cell line. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) of free drug and NPs was 20.66 ± 0.22, 18.27 ± 0.45, 10.64 ± 0.38 and 0.57 ± 0.04, 0.16 ± 0.04, 0.07 ± 0.01 (μg/ml) at 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the higher cytotoxicity of DTX-PLGA NPs on human lung cancer cell line. The present formulation can be considered for the further studies on other cell lines and in vivo evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current study, earthquakes occurred in northwest of Iran in the past 20 years were relocated using JHD algorithm. A dense seismic network is usually required to produce a stable and precise earthquake location, i.e., improved quantitative and qualitative earthquake data are achieved due to various parameters including low amount of azimuthal gap. Combining data from different seismic networks in the study area can be effective and useful to improve earthquake locations. Thus, a list of earthquakes in the northwest region of Iran was developed using data available from different seismic networks. The recorded earthquakes data by the seismic network stations of Iran and neighboring countries were collected and a complete data set of earthquakes in the region was prepared. Then, the information from 30,000 recorded and reported earthquakes in the area was compiled. This information includes more than 400,000 seismic phases from databases of International Seismological Center (ISC), Iranian Seismological Center (IRSC), Broadband Iranian National Seismic Network Center (IIEES) and National Seismic Network of Turkey (DDA). This dataset was sorted and the outliers were taken off based on analyzing the travel-time residuals. In the next step, the recorded phases of an earthquake from different stations were combined and a homogeneous catalog was established. This catalog is more complete than the original catalog, e.g., because of increasing the number of phases, azimuthal gap of earthquakes has decreased. In the next step, after the preparation of the data, the hypocenter relocation was done using single event and the JHD algorithms in VELEST computer program. Comparison of RMS of earthquakes indicates a decrease in the RMS due to relocation process. The average value of RMS for the entire earthquakes reduced from 0.69 s to 0.41 s at the final stage, and this shows a reduction in difference between calculated and real earthquake location. The RMS value for more than 90% of earthquakes is less than one second. Thus, a homogeneous catalog of earthquakes in the region was prepared and new results were evaluated and compared with the initial information. Finally, the seismicity patterns in the region were investigated by drawing the hypocenter depth sections in the active seismic areas. Based on the obtained results in many sections, the removal of unrealistic structures due to systematic errors in earthquake location was evident, and in some sections, scattering of the earthquake hypocenter locations reduced and the existing structures were more obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Free-living amoebae (FLA) include various genera habitat in water sources; some FLA can lead to severe complications in high risk people. The present study aimed to isolate free living amoebae using morphological methods in recreational water sources of Tehran. Materials & Methods: This cross sectional study was performed during 8 months in 2014. Seventy five samples from Tehran were collected and filtered. Samples were cultured in 1.5 % non-nutrient bacto-agar. Plates were then monitored for the presence of amoebae daily and positive plates were cloned. In the present study, identification was based on morphological criteria and page key. The page key is based on morphological character of free living amoebae such as trophozoites shape, pseudopodia shape, amoebae nucleus, and endo and ecto-cysts in the cystic form. These criteria could lead to identification of amoeba at the family and genus level. Results: Out of 75 water samples, 18 (24 %) were positive for free living amoebae. Of 40 pond waters, 13 (32.5%) were positive including Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella and Vahlkampfiids (Naegleria) and out of 35 samples 5 (14.2%) strain belonging to Acanthamoeba were identified based on morphological criteria. Conclusion: According to the presence of free living amoebae in recreational water sources, it is necessary to alert swimming pools authorities and high risk people. Additionally, posting alarming signs and educating the high risk people is of utmost importance to prevent free living amoebae-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Retinoids are important molecules that regulate crucial processes of development in all vertebrates. In this article, we study the effect of retinoic acid on testis development. Materials & Methods: A group of newborn NMRI mice was chosen to receive intraperitoneally injections of 25 mg/Kg.b.w of retinoic acid and the control group had no injection. After 21 days, the male animals were isolated and sacrificed in 60 days postpartum, and testes were removed from their bodies. Apparent characteristics of the testes of seven mice from each group were observed. In the light microscopic study, these epithelial cells of the tubules were counted and the diameter of seminiferous tubules were measured with statistical T-test analysis and were compared with control group. Results: The findings showed that the weight of the testes in animals that were affected by retinoic acid did not change significantly compared to control group. In germ epithelium of testis, the thickness of the epithelium and the number of the spermatogonia, round and elongated spermatids has decreased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this article, using the retinoic acid after birth has influence on testis development and its seminiferous tubules epithelium. Retinoic acid has an adverse effect on the cell divisions in seminiferous epithelium, therefore the number of affected germ cells decrease. Therefore, the use of vitamin A and its synthetic derivatives like retinoic acid for pregnant women should be done with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Industrial pollution including trace elements is the ability to exert many biological effects such as cancer and inflammatory diseases on humans. Therefore, in this study, some of the inflammation and cancer awareness factors such as P53 and IL6 and some blood indices are examined along with trace elements to which people are normally exposed. Materials & Methods: The population includes 45 workers subjected to trace elements who are studied in comparison with the control group with some biochemical parameters such as WBC, RBC, and CRP. In addition, gene expressions of p53 and IL6 are measured by Real time PCR technique. Results: The results show that the gene expressions of IL6 and P53 increases significantly (P -Value p53=0.00, IL6=0.0037). Furthermore, the number of red and white blood cells demonstrate a substantial upsurge. The level of liver enzymes of ALT and AST grows. Additionally, ALP reduces and CRP is negative in all the subjects. (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results confirm that industrial pollution is able to induce some changes in gene expressions of P53, IL6, and some blood parameters. It may create serious risks for people who will be exposed to pollution in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]