Antiepileptic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of basil in mice

Introduction: Epilepsy has been always considered as one of the most prevalent disorders of nervous system and despite various drugs available, there are still some patients who have drug resistance. In traditional medicine, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has been used in treating epilepsy. To achieve an effective antiepileptic drug with few side effects, the antiepileptic effect of O. basilicum was investigated in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy model. Methods: In this experimental research, 48 laboratory female mice (for removing gender factor) were designated in 6 equal groups. The experimental groups comprised control, sham, and four treatment groups receiving the extract at 100, 250, 300, and 350 mg/kg doses (intraperitoneally; ip), 65 minutes before PTZ injection and the factors of epilepsy symptoms and the symptoms frequency were studied. Results: The obtained results of using different doses (100, 250, 300, 350 mg/kg) of the extract indicated that the mice in 100 mg/kg dose group exhibited the highest frequency of epileptic attacks. The samples receiving the extract at 100 and 250 mg/kg doses exhibited the highest and lowest frequency of myoclonic twitches, respectively. In the group treated with 250 mg/kg dose, the symptoms of epilepsy, frequency of epilepsy, and mortality rate respectively increased, decreased, and decreased (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: By the obtained results, the hydroalcoholic extract of O. basilicum at 250 mg/kg dose could be recommended as an effective drug for preventing epilepsy in the animal model.</p

Nanofiber Eye Pad: A Promising Alternative as Skin Carrier

Introduction: The delicate area around the eye is the first place to show signs of aging due to the fact that the skin around the eye is thinner than the skin on the face. Also, facial movements and emotional expression affect this area as well. There are many carriers to apply to the skin. Among them, the pad is a carrier that uses a certain amount of nutrients. Conventional pads are fabrics that are prewetted with nutrients. The problem with them is that the solution phase increases the rate of degradation of unstable elements. Nanofiber pad has high surface-to-volume ratio and its size is within the range of skin pore size, which increases the contact surface between pad and face and improves the nutrients absorption. In this research, we are trying to develop a polymeric nanofiber eye pad which has nutrients within its structure. Methods and Results: The nanofiber eye pad was prepared from gelatin solution containing Q10 powder, Aloe Vera, and ascorbic acid by electrospinning machine at 20 kv on the spunlace media. The results of SEM images show continuous nanofibers without any beeds with an average diameter of 80-300 nm. Microbial analysis was performed on the polymeric solution. The colon size of aerobic bacteria (P.aeruginosa, E.coli and S.aureus) were measured in one-gram solution. The results showed no colonization of these bacteria. A Patch test was performed by inserting a pad on the skin of the volunteer’s arm and recording the results after specific time. The results showed that this pad did not create any redness and swelling on the skin and did not cause any irritation. Conclusions: The nanofiber eye pad containing nutrients does not provide any irritation for the skin, and is a good candidate for replacing an ordinary pad

Science strategy England's Northwest

Title from coverAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:m03/18771 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Antiepileptic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of basil in mice

Introduction: Epilepsy has been always considered as one of the most prevalent disorders of nervous system and despite various drugs available, there are still some patients who have drug resistance. In traditional medicine, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has been used in treating epilepsy. To achieve an effective antiepileptic drug with few side effects, the antiepileptic effect of O. basilicum was investigated in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy model. Methods: In this experimental research, 48 laboratory female mice (for removing gender factor) were designated in 6 equal groups. The experimental groups comprised control, sham, and four treatment groups receiving the extract at 100, 250, 300, and 350 mg/kg doses (intraperitoneally; ip), 65 minutes before PTZ injection and the factors of epilepsy symptoms and the symptoms frequency were studied. Results: The obtained results of using different doses (100, 250, 300, 350 mg/kg) of the extract indicated that the mice in 100 mg/kg dose group exhibited the highest frequency of epileptic attacks. The samples receiving the extract at 100 and 250 mg/kg doses exhibited the highest and lowest frequency of myoclonic twitches, respectively. In the group treated with 250 mg/kg dose, the symptoms of epilepsy, frequency of epilepsy, and mortality rate respectively increased, decreased, and decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: By the obtained results, the hydroalcoholic extract of O. basilicum at 250 mg/kg dose could be recommended as an effective drug for preventing epilepsy in the animal model

Perceptions about Iranian-Kurds’ ethnic-inequality in health

Abstract Background Evidence shows ethnic-inequality is a very effective variable in the Community and individual health associated outcomes. This study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of people’s perception on inequality of health in Iranian-Kurds and its determinants. Methods The study was conducted in the three cities of Marivan, Sanandaj (capital of Kurdistan province in Iran) and Tehran (capital of the country). The study was conducted through 34 in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions with health services users, academic graduates and health delivery service personnel. Results Consensus on social, mental and physical health inequality did not exist within the study participants. However, there were concerns about differences in healthcare access and utilization. Several participants believed that access to health services and socio-cultural differences of Kurds affected the healthcare utilization. Conclusions Since, people perceived ethnic-inequality in healthcare access and utilization, ethnicity must be considered as a mandatory stratifier in monitoring health status and a concern during planning health interventions. People’s awareness, resources management and allocation are factors requiring more consideration when choosing policy options

Comparing Culture and Multiplex PCR Methods to Examine Fastidious Bacteria in Otitis Externa and Media

Ear infection or otitis is a generic term used to refer to ear infection or inflammation. The purpose of the present study was to compare culture and Multiplex PCR methods to identify Alloiococcus otitidis, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenza as three fastidious pathogens causing otitis. 100 patients, who had the physician-confirmed infection of the external ear and otitis media, were randomly sampled. The samples were analyzed with culture and Multiplex PCR. None of the three bacteria were found in samples of otitis externa by culture or PCR. In the case of otitis media three isolates of Alloiococcus otitidis, one isolation of Moraxella catarrhalis, and three strains of Haemophilus influenza were found using culture method. In the case of otitis media three isolates of Alloiococcus otitidis, one isolation of Moraxella catarrhalis, and three strains of Haemophilus influenza were found using culture method, but the rate of these bacteria were 25, 11 and 28 isolates using Multiplex PCR. The Multiplex PCR method was found to be furthermost sensitive, truthful and reproducible screening method for detection of fastidious bacteria

The effect of probiotics on respiratory tract infection with special emphasis on COVID-19: Systemic review 2010–20

To evaluate the effects of probiotics on respiratory tract infection (RTI) a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from January 2010 to January 2020 was conducted. The PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were systematically searched for the following keywords: respiratory tract infection, probiotics, viral infection, COVID-19, and clinical trial. A total of 27 clinical trials conducted on 9433 patients with RTI plus 10 ongoing clinical studies of probiotics intervention in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reviewed. The review looked at the potency of probiotics for the hindrance and/or treatment of RTI diseases, this may also apply to COVID-19. The review found that probiotics could significantly increase the plasma levels of cytokines, the effect of influenza vaccine and quality of life, as well as reducing the titer of viruses and the incidence and duration of respiratory infections. These antiviral and immune-modulating activities and their ability to stimulate interferon production recommend the use of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy to prevent COVID-19. Based on this extensive review of RCTs we suggest that probiotics are a rational complementary treatment for RTI diseases and a viable option to support faster recovery