Search

Objective Rosmarinic acid (RA), an anticancer, antiallergic, and antimicrobial agent, is a secondary metabolite in many plants of the family Lamiaceae including M. officinalis L. The application of nanoparticles (NPs) as a novel elicitor for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds shown that the NPs could affect the secondary metabolites in plants by eliciting the expression of biosynthetic pathway genes. The present paper aimed to assess the effect of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (MIONPs) in comparison with their dissolved counterpart. Materials and methods Foliar application of different concentrations: including 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg/L Fe of ferric chloride and MIONPs on the plant leaves was performed. The relative mRNA levels of TAT, RAS, and HPPR were evaluated with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and compared between treated and untreated samples. Results This study showed the positive effects of ferric chloride and MIONPs on the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of RA. The highest expression level of TAT, HPPR, and RAS genes was observed in plants treated with MIONPs at the concentration of 25 mg/L and the expression of genes decreased as the concentration increased to 50 mg/L. However, the genes expression was still higher compared to the control plant. Conclusions The results showed that the exposure of plants to ferric chloride and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles led to an increase in the expression of the genes under study compared to control samples. However, the application of nano-scale iron particles had more effect than ferric chloride on the expression levels. An increase in the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of RA through treatment with MIONPs provides an opportunity for induction of synthesis and accumulation of RA. Therefore, we hope to be able to enhance the production of RA in M. officinalis L. by using these NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Due to the high rate of inhalers' incorrect use by the elderly, this study aims to evaluate the effect of teaching the use of inhalers to a family caregiver on its correct use by the elderly patients. Subjects and Methods This is a parallel-group randomized clinical trial on 80 older people with a lung disease aged >60 years who use the inhaler incorrectly and their family caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to group A (education) and group B (control) using a block randomization method (4×4 blocks). In group A, teaching of the correct use of inhaler was provided to the caregivers of the elderly orally and practically in one session, while in group B, training was provided only to the elderly. Three weeks later, the two groups were evaluated using a researcher-made inhaler use checklist. Results There was no significant difference in the use of inhaler before and after the intervention in group A (2.58±1.26) and B (2.55±1.22) (P<0.05). Pearson correlation test results showed a significant decrease in the correct use of inhaler with the increase of patients' age (r=-0.24). Conclusion Further studies on the use of family members in elderly patients care, various educational programs by health care providers, and periodic evaluation of the performance of the elderly regarding the use of inhalers are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans with diabetes is documented. Researchers compare and contrast the key dimensions of workplace discrimination involving Americans with diabetes and persons with other physical, sensory, and neurological impairments. Specifically, the researchers examine demographic characteristics of the charging parties; the industry designation, location, and size of employers against whom complaints are filed; the nature of discrimination (i.e., type of adverse action) alleged to occur; and the legal outcome or resolution of these complaints. Findings indicate that persons with diabetes were more likely to encounter discrimination involving discharge, constructive discharge, discipline and suspension – all job retention issues. Persons with diabetes were less likely to encounter discrimination involving hiring, reasonable accommodation, non-pension benefits, and layoff. They were also more likely to encounter discrimination when they were older or from specific ethnic backgrounds, or when they worked for small employers or in the Southern United States. Implications for policy and advocacy are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]