The Effect of Chrysin Nanoparticles in Preventing the Growth of Mcf-7 Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chrysin is a natural and biologically active compound extracted from plants, honey and propolis. Since chrysin has pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, this study was conducted to compare the effect of chrysin and its nanoparticle on breast cancer cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7). METHODS: In this study, chrysin nanoparticles were prepared using chitosan, and then the prepared nanoparticles were dissolved in water, and the cytotoxic effects of 20, 40 and 80 μM chrysin and chrysin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (at the same concentrations) on MCF7 cells were investigated. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 hours, and was compared with viability of the control samples. FINDINGS: The results of this study showed that chrysin and chrysin nanoparticles prevented the growth and proliferation of MCF7 cell line. These effects depend on the concentration of chrysin and its nanoparticles, and it has been shown that the effect of chrysin nanoparticle on cells at a concentration of 40 μM in 72 hours is significant with p<0.001 while it is significant with p<0.01 at the same concentration in 24 and 48 hours. The IC50 value of chrysin nanoparticle was approximately 40 μM. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the chrysin nanoparticle exhibits anti-proliferative activity in breast cancer cells in the laboratory and its effect is greater than that of chrysin

The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Kelussia odoratissma Mozaffarian (KOM) seed on histopathology & joints diameter in experimental model of Incomplete Freund,s adjuvant induced arthritis in rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Arthritis is one of the inflammatory diseases that can cause debilitating problems. Existing drugs have numerous side effects that limit their use. KOM has anti-inflammatory properties due to its flavonoid compounds. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of KOM in an experimental model of arthritis. METHODS: In this experimental study, 46 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: healthy and patient control groups, normal saline recipient , hydrocortisone recipient and 3 groups treated with hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 300, 500 and 700 mg/kg. First, KOM was extracted then arthritis induced by injection of 0.1 cc of Incomplete Freund's adjuvant, and from 15th day KOM extract was injected intraperitoneally. On the last day (31st), their ankle joint was prepared for histological examination and the groups were compared. FINDINGS: The results showed that doses of 300, 500 and 700 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract did not significantly reduce joint diameter. Histologic studies of positive control group showed subcutaneous inflammation, destruction and fibrosis of cartilage and panus formation which subcutaneous inflammation was reduced in the low and high doses of the extract (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of KOM reduced subcutaneous inflammation but had no significant effect on joint diameter and other histopathologic and immunological changes in IFA induced arthritis

Identifying outcome-based indicators and developing a curriculum for a continuing medical education programme on rational prescribing using a modified Delphi process

<p>Abstract</p> <p/> <p>Background</p> <p>Continuing medical education (CME) is compulsory for physicians in Iran. Recent studies in Iran show that modifications of CME elements are necessary to improve the effectiveness of the educational programmes. Other studies point to an inappropriate, even irrational drug prescribing. Based on a needs assessment study regarding CME for general physicians in the East Azerbaijan province in Iran, rational prescribing practice was recognized as a high priority issue. Considering different educational methods, outcome-based education has been proposed as a suitable approach for CME. The purpose of the study was to obtain experts' consensus about appropriate educational outcomes of rational prescribing for general physicians in CME and developing curricular contents for this education.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study consisted of two phases: The first phase was conducted using a two-round Delphi consensus process to identify the outcome-based educational indicators regarding rational prescribing for general physicians in primary care (GPs). In the second phase the agreed indicators were submitted to panels of experts for assessment and determination of content for a CME program in the field.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Twenty one learning outcomes were identified through a modified Delphi process. The indicators were used by the panels of experts and six educational topics were determined for the CME programme and the curricular content of each was defined. The topics were 1) Principles of prescription writing, 2) Adverse drug reactions, 3) Drug interactions, 4) Injections, 5) Antibiotic therapy, and 6) Anti-inflammatory agents therapy. One of the topics was not directly related to any outcome, raising a question about the need for a discussion on constructive alignment.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p/> <p>Consensus on learning outcomes was achieved and an educational guideline was designed. Before suggesting widespread use in the country the educational package should be tested in the CME context.</p

The global distribution of fatal pesticide self-poisoning: Systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Evidence is accumulating that pesticide self-poisoning is one of the most commonly used methods of suicide worldwide, but the magnitude of the problem and the global distribution of these deaths is unknown.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We have systematically reviewed the worldwide literature to estimate the number of pesticide suicides in each of the World Health Organisation's six regions and the global burden of fatal self-poisoning with pesticides. We used the following data sources: Medline, EMBASE and psycINFO (1990–2007), papers cited in publications retrieved, the worldwide web (using Google) and our personal collections of papers and books. Our aim was to identify papers enabling us to estimate the proportion of a country's suicides due to pesticide self-poisoning.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We conservatively estimate that there are 258,234 (plausible range 233,997 to 325,907) deaths from pesticide self-poisoning worldwide each year, accounting for 30% (range 27% to 37%) of suicides globally. Official data from India probably underestimate the incidence of suicides; applying evidence-based corrections to India's official data, our estimate for world suicides using pesticides increases to 371,594 (range 347,357 to 439,267). The proportion of all suicides using pesticides varies from 4% in the European Region to over 50% in the Western Pacific Region but this proportion is not concordant with the volume of pesticides sold in each region; it is the pattern of pesticide use and the toxicity of the products, not the quantity used, that influences the likelihood they will be used in acts of fatal self-harm.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Pesticide self-poisoning accounts for about one-third of the world's suicides. Epidemiological and toxicological data suggest that many of these deaths might be prevented if (a) the use of pesticides most toxic to humans was restricted, (b) pesticides could be safely stored in rural communities, and (c) the accessibility and quality of care for poisoning could be improved.</p

The Antibacterial Effects of Methanol Extract of Ammi majus on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diversity of plants and the increasing tendency to use them for therapies has increased the significance of screening herbal extracts. Several researches have reported the antibacterial effects of plants. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the antibacterial effects of methanol extract of Ammi majus. METHODS: After preparing methanol extract (0.5, 1 and 2%), the antibacterial effects of the plant were measured according to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), disk diffusion method (determining the zone of inhibition) and well diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. FINDINGS: In well diffusion method, the lowest concentration (0.5%) created a 9±0.000 mm inhibition zone diameter, while the highest concentration (2%) created a 12.3±0.57 mm inhibition zone diameter (p<0.001). The photometric tests revealed that the methanol extract of the plant (0.5 to 1%) with mean difference of 0.04 had antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli (p<0.001). However, as the concentration increased (2%), adverse non-inhibitory effects could be observed. The tests based on colony counting method demonstrated that Ammi majus extract 0.5, 1 and 2% have antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (p<0.001). However, only the 2% extract had inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Results of the study demonstrated that methanol extract of Ammi majus has more antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus compared with Escherichia coli