Synthesis of Silica Nanostructures and Optimization of their Size and Morphology by Use of Changing in Synthesis Conditions

The aim of the present research was optimization of practical conditions of the sol-gel synthesis. In so doing, silica particles were synthesized using sol-gel method and their size and morphology were investigated by use of SEM and TEM images. The effect of changing molar ratio of reactive including acids and silica pre-matter on the particles' morphology and size was studied. Also, acid type and silica pre-matter used in reaction was examined and the result product of the reaction were investigated in the presence of several acids and two types of silica pre-matter. The reaction time was studied as a very important factor in products' digestion phase which plays a significant role in determining particles’ size and rate of cracking products. Finally, in optimized conditions 50-80 nm diameter nanostructures were synthesized. These products can be used as drug delivery systems

Determination of Zinc, Copper, Cobalt and manganese intensity in Rutilus frisii kutum and Cyprinus carpio fishes of Caspian sea

Background and Objective: Fish as well as other aquatic animals have become an important source of protein diets. Heavy metals due to their specific physical and chemical characteristics as well as their side effects on various ecosystems are considered as a major contaminator of marine environments. Therefore determine determination of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co) and Manganese (Mn) intensity in Rutilus frisii kutum and Cyprinus carpio fishes of Caspian sea. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, levels of Zinc, Copper, Cobalt and Manganese were evaluated, using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (A.S.S) technique, in tissues of two commonly consumed fish in Iran, namely Rutilus frisii kutum and Cyprinus carpio, collected from the southern coastline of the Caspian sea. Results: The mean±SD average concentration of Zn, Cu, Co and Mn were detected as (μg g-1) dry weight of Rutilus frisii kutum’s tissues were 29.97±0.57, 9.45±0.09, 0.30±0.01 and 0.20±0.01, respectively. These values for Cyprinus carpio were detected as: 30.20±0.14, 9.14±0.07, 1.08±0.03 and 0.71±0.02, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that, the concentration of Zn, Cu and Co in Rutilus frisii kutum, Cyprinus carpio fish tissues were higher than standard base of Brian

Efficacy of the Malva sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract for functional constipation: A placebo-controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Malva sylvestris L. flowers extract for treatment of FC. Method: Adults with FC were allocated to receive the M.sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract syrup (MSL, 1g extract/day) or placebo for four weeks. Frequency of constipation symptoms and stool forms were assessed every week. Self-reported improvement was assessed after treatment. Results: Compared with placebo, more increase was observed in defecation frequency (F=18.8, P<0.001) and more decrease was observed in frequency of all constipation symptoms by MSL (F=16.5 to 25.3, all P values <0.001). Also, the MSL group experienced more reduction in frequency of hard stool forms (45.4 vs. 9.1, P<0.001) and reported more improvement in all symptoms (all P values <0.01) than placebo. Conclusion: The M.sylvestris L. flowers aqueous extract is efficacious and safe for the treatment of FC in adult patients. Investigating the mechanisms of action is warranted. IRCT2014031617032N1. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd