Antibacterial Properties of Ajuga chamaecistus Subsp. Scoparia and Chemical Composition of its Oils

In the present study, we reported the essential oils chemical composition and antibacterial activities of the aerial parts of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. ex Benth. Subsp. Scoparia (Boiss.) Rech.f. thatwere collected duringMay 2013 and April 2014 and extracted by SDE (simultaneous distillation–extraction) and Clevenger apparatus. GC/MS analysis of the plant essential oils led to the identification of chemical composition of its oils. The main constituents of the essential oils in two SDE (simultaneous distillation–extraction) and Clevenger apparatus were β-Pinene (23.5%), α-Pinene (6.9%), Limonene (10.8%), Linalool (8.3) and Eugenol (7.7%). Essential oil was tested for their antibacterial activities using Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria. The plant was screened for its antibacterial activity and showed antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, S. paratyphi, B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. dysenteriae

Clinical study of common aeroallergens in Kashan with a hot and dry climate

Objectives: This study represents the first attempt in understanding the prevalence of common allergens in Kashan, based on the clinical data i.e., demographic statistics and available SPTs collected.Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study on 10,000 patients referred to Kashan Asthma and Allergy Clinic from 2006 to 2016, clinical information was extracted through electronic records. Considering risk factors including a family history of atopy, symptoms, smoking, and suitability of sleeping materials, sensitization to 17 aeroallergens was evaluated using SPT.Results: About 44.6% of patients had simultaneous allergic rhinitis and asthma, while 21.2% suffered concurrently from ocular allergy. The most prevalent outdoor sensitization was against weed pollens (62.3%), specially Salsola kali (69.9%), mixed extracts of Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus (58.3%) from Chenopodiaceae family, followed by grasses (44.6%), and trees (35.5%). For indoor allergens, cockroach (32.5%) was the most prevalent aeroallergen, followed by mites (27.1%), mold (23.4%), and animal dander (20.64%).Conclusion: The study showed that reaction to SPT is generally high in Kashan, especially towards weed pollens of the Chenopodiaceae family. Despite her dry climate, the living style in Kashan has traditionally been inclined to keep indoor spaces humid throughout the year and therefore more prone to such indoor aeroallergens as cockroaches, mites, and fungi infestations

EVALUATION OF THE INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF THREE EUCALYPTUS SPECIES CULTIVATED IN IRAN, AGAINST HYPHANTRIA CUNEA DRURY (LEPIDOPTERA: ARCTIIDAE)

In the current study, the larvicidal activity of leaf essential oils from three eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus largiflorens Meull, Eucalyptus oleosa Meull, and Eucalyptus spathulata Hook) against American white moth, Hyphantria cunea Drury 1773 (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), was investigated. Mortality was recorded daily for three days after treatment. Leaf disc bioassays revealed that all three oils had strong insecticidal activity on the experimental insects insofar as 50% lethal concentrations (LC50) for E. oleosa, E. spathulata, and E. largiflorens at 24 h exposure time were 0.36, 0.61, and 1.24%, respectively. The time needed to kill 50% (LT50) values were calculated as 9.09 h with E. largiflorens, 11.03 h with E. oleosa, and 13.03 h with E. spathulata at the highest concentrations (2.5% for E. largiflorens, 2% for E. oleosa, and 2.5% for E. spathulata). Based on probit analysis, an increase in the susceptibility of the insect was associated with an increase in the different concentrations of all oils and the increase in the time of exposure. The results of this study show that leaf essential oils of E. largiflorens, E. oleosa, and E. spathulata might be considered as a potent source for the production of fine natural larvicides

ORIGINAL ARTICLES Bioactive Properties of Oil and Methanol Extracts of Pimpinella aurea DC

Am.-Eurasian J. Sustain. Agric., 3(2): 151-156, 2009 ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of es s ential oil and methanol extracts from aerial parts of Pimpinella aurea. Antimicrobial activity of the P. aurea was tested against 10 bacteria and fungi by disk diffusion method, whereas the extract remained inactive. M in imal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of each active sample were determined. The antioxid ativ e potential of the samples were evaluated using inhibition of free radical 2,2-d iphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and â-caro ten e/lino leic acid as s ay . Th e p o lar s u b fractio n o f th e meth an o l extract w as ab le to red u ce th e s tab le 50 free radical DPPH with an IC of 108 ±0.5 µg/ml, which was higher than that of synthetic antioxidant 50 butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) with IC =19.8 ± 0.5 µg/ml. In contrast the nonpolar subfraction showed majo r effectiv en es s in â-caro ten e/lino leic a c id a s s ay with 65.87% inh ib itio n . Th e amo u n ts o f to tal ph en o lic compounds were als o determined in this s tudy

Design, Simulation and Manufacture of a Multileaf Collimator to Confirm the Target Volumes in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Introduction: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is one of the cancer treatment methods. It is important to selectively aim at the target in this way, which can be performed using a multileaf collimator (MLC). Materials and Methods: In order to specifically irradiate the target volume in radiotherapy to reduce the patient absorbed dose, the use of multileaf collimator has been investigated in this work. Design and simulation of an MLC was performed by a Monte Carlo method and the optimum material for manufacturing the leaves was determined using MCNP4C. After image processing (CT or MRI) in this system, the tumor configuration is determined. Then the linear accelerator is switched on and the beam irradiates the cancerous cells. When the MLC leaves receive a command from the microcontroller, they start to move and absorb the radiation and modulate its intensity. Consequently, the tumor receives maximum intensity of radiation but minimum intensity is delivered to healthy tissues. Results: According to the simulations and calculations, the best material to manufacture the leaves from is tungsten alloy containing copper and nickel which absorbs a large amount of the radiation; by using a 8.65 cm thickness of alloy, 10.55% of radiation will transmit through the leaves. Discussion and Conclusion: Lead blocks are conventionally used in radiotherapy. However, they have some problems like cost, storage and manufacture for every patient. Certainly, the MLC is the most efficient device to specifically irradiate the tumor in IMRT. Furthermore, it facilitates treating the target in different views by rotation around the patient. Thus the patient’s absorbed dose will decrease and the tumor will receive maximum dose

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using <i>Eucalyptus leucoxylon</i> leaves extract and evaluating the antioxidant activities of extract

<div><p>This study was designed to examine the <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant activity of essential oil and methanol extracts of <i>Eucalyptus leucoxylon</i>. Furthermore, the polar fraction of the extract was used as a reducing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Antioxidant activities of the samples were determined by using three different test systems, namely DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid and reducing power. The structure and composition of the prepared Ag NPs were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. Synthesised Ag NPs were almost spherical in shape with an average diameter of about ∼ 50 nm and synthesised within 120 min reaction time at room temperature.</p></div