Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Nitro Phenol in Aqueous Solution by the AgInS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Microwave Heating Technique

Background: With increasing demands for environmental protection, photocatalysis has attracted great attention, and AgInS2 based photocatalysis are an attractive system to study.Methods: In this work, AgInS2 (AIS) nanoparticles were synthesized via the microwave heating process with the power of 900 W for 5 min, which showed excellent photocatalytic activities upon the degradation of 4-nitro phenol (4-NP) under visible light irradiation.Results: The optimum catalyst showed the removal efficiency up to 97%, of 4-NP with the 15 mg L−1 concentration from the water after 80 min photocatalytic reaction time. The mechanism of photocatalysis was also analyzed. The product was characterized by PXRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed the particle morphology, with the average size of 70 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed that the resultant product is a pure orthorhombic phase of AIS nanoparticles. The band gap energy of 1.96 eV estimated by the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), exhibited that this product can be prone for photocatalytic activity in the visible region.Conclusions: It is suggested that the AgInS2 nanoparticles developed in our work can provide a new platform for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Nitro Phenol in Aqueous Solution by the AgInS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Microwave Heating Technique

Background: With increasing demands for environmental protection, photocatalysis has attracted great attention, and AgInS2 based photocatalysis are an attractive system to study.Methods: In this work, AgInS2 (AIS) nanoparticles were synthesized via the microwave heating process with the power of 900 W for 5 min, which showed excellent photocatalytic activities upon the degradation of 4-nitro phenol (4-NP) under visible light irradiation.Results: The optimum catalyst showed the removal efficiency up to 97%, of 4-NP with the 15 mg L−1 concentration from the water after 80 min photocatalytic reaction time. The mechanism of photocatalysis was also analyzed. The product was characterized by PXRD, FE-SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope revealed the particle morphology, with the average size of 70 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed that the resultant product is a pure orthorhombic phase of AIS nanoparticles. The band gap energy of 1.96 eV estimated by the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), exhibited that this product can be prone for photocatalytic activity in the visible region.Conclusions: It is suggested that the AgInS2 nanoparticles developed in our work can provide a new platform for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts under visible light irradiation

Increased Expression of CCAT2 LncRNA in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Background: The non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most prevalent type of skin cancers, which at least involves 2-3 million people annually. In recent decades, we have witnessed a considerable rise in the incidence of NMSC in Iran. In this paper, we studied the expression of the new lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) in cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).Methods: The sample included 36 patients and 30 healthy subjects, of whom, we extracted the total RNA from tissues. Using the cDNA synthase, we conducted the real time PCR. Using the SPSS software, we analyzed the data and drew the graphs by PRISM software. The index of P<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The values of CCAT2, TCF7L2 and MYC indicated a considerable expression rise in the NMSCs in comparison with the controls. In addition, the expression of CCAT2 was found  to be higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors. According to results, there is a relationship between CCAT2 and NMSC initiation as well as the progression. The CCAT2 functions by its downstream genes, TCF7L2 and MYC, with an impact on the Wnt signaling pathway.Conclusions: based on the results, the lncRNA CCAT2 acts as a potential biomarker for NMSC pathogenesis

Increased Expression of CCAT2 LncRNA in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Background: The non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most prevalent type of skin cancers, which at least involves 2-3 million people annually. In recent decades, we have witnessed a considerable rise in the incidence of NMSC in Iran. In this paper, we studied the expression of the new lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) in cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).Methods: The sample included 36 patients and 30 healthy subjects, of whom, we extracted the total RNA from tissues. Using the cDNA synthase, we conducted the real time PCR. Using the SPSS software, we analyzed the data and drew the graphs by PRISM software. The index of P<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The values of CCAT2, TCF7L2 and MYC indicated a considerable expression rise in the NMSCs in comparison with the controls. In addition, the expression of CCAT2 was found  to be higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors. According to results, there is a relationship between CCAT2 and NMSC initiation as well as the progression. The CCAT2 functions by its downstream genes, TCF7L2 and MYC, with an impact on the Wnt signaling pathway.Conclusions: based on the results, the lncRNA CCAT2 acts as a potential biomarker for NMSC pathogenesis

Moderate to low knowledge and Positive Attitude towards Medicinal Plants leads to High Consumption of these Plants during Pregnancy

Background: In recent years, the use of medicinal plants in developing countries has increased significantly. However, these plants can cause adverse effects on the mother and fetus. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of use, knowledge, and attitude towards the use of medicinal plants in pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was performed in 2020 on 290 pregnant women referring to Shahroud health center. The first part of the questionnaire included demographic information and the second part included information related to knowledge, attitude, behavior, reasons for using medicinal plants, source of information, etc. The significant level was set at 0.05. Results: 61% of the participants had used the medicinal plants at least once during pregnancy. Most pregnant women had moderate knowledge (50%) and a positive attitude (73.1%) towards the use of medicinal plants. Behavior was significantly associated with knowledge (Pvalue=0.011) and attitude (Pvalue=0.014). The most common problem during pregnancy that caused the use of medicinal plants was heartburn (43.4%) and the main reason for the use of these plants was the availability of them at home or taking from acquaintances (36.6%). 57.2% had obtained their information about medicinal plants from the family. Conclusions: Due to the relatively high frequency of the use of medicinal plants during pregnancy and low knowledge about it, informing and increasing knowledge about medicinal plants during pregnancy is very important. Keywords: Pregnancy, Pregnant women, Medicinal plants, knowledg

Effect of Different Activation Mechanism of T Cells on Immunoregulatory Properties of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) have ability to regulate immune response via proinflamatory cytokines. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of different mechanism for T cell activation and adjacency on immunoregulatory properties of MSC.Methods: Bone marrow MSCs were purchased and T cells were obtained from whole blood sample. T cells were activated by two different mechanisms using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and then co-cultured with MSC using transwell cultures (Indirect contact) and usual plate (Direct contact). After 96 hours TGF-b concentration in culture medium and indole amine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in cell lysate were assayed. We used ANOVA and T-test for statistical analysis and 0.05 was considered as significant level.Results: Our result showed a significant increase of TGF-b secretion and IDO activity. Increase in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) groups was more significant than lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) in compare with control.Conclusions: The present study confirmed immunoregulatory effect of BM-MSC. Also this study showed that MLC of BM-MSCs and T cells have more immunoregulatory effects than LTT.

Effect of Different Activation Mechanism of T Cells on Immunoregulatory Properties of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) have ability to regulate immune response via proinflamatory cytokines. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of different mechanism for T cell activation and adjacency on immunoregulatory properties of MSC.Methods: Bone marrow MSCs were purchased and T cells were obtained from whole blood sample. T cells were activated by two different mechanisms using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and then co-cultured with MSC using transwell cultures (Indirect contact) and usual plate (Direct contact). After 96 hours TGF-b concentration in culture medium and indole amine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in cell lysate were assayed. We used ANOVA and T-test for statistical analysis and 0.05 was considered as significant level.Results: Our result showed a significant increase of TGF-b secretion and IDO activity. Increase in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) groups was more significant than lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) in compare with control.Conclusions: The present study confirmed immunoregulatory effect of BM-MSC. Also this study showed that MLC of BM-MSCs and T cells have more immunoregulatory effects than LTT.

Effect of Thymus Vulgaris Ethanol Extract, on Serum Total Antioxidant in Experimental Induced Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOs) Rats

Background: Poly cystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. One of the side effects of PCOS is oxidative stress.. Here we investigated antioxidants effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanoli extract on experimental PCOS induced rats by estradiol-valerat (PPA).Methods: Wistar female rat (n=70) were divided into 7 groups including C1: an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo; C2: extract (0.6cc/rat/orally/daily); C3: induced PCO by single injection of estradiol-valerate (4mg/rat/IM), and T1: PCOS induced  rats + an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo, T2: PCOS induced rats + extract(0.2cc/rat/orally/daily), T3: PCOS induced rats + extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily), T4:PCOS induced rats+extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily) test groups, were received extract supplement, for 60 consequence days. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In last day of study the blood samples of rats in whole groups were obtained and prepared to biochemical analysis.Results: Total antioxidant capacity level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were significantly increased in PCOS treated groups (P<0.03), these parameters in PCOS groups that did not receive extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) in comparison to control. Level of MDA in PCOS groups were significantly increased as compared to control and extract treated groups (P<0.01).Conclusions: Our results disclosed that administration of Thymus vulgaris ethanol extract significantly restitution tissue antioxidants level in PCOS induced rats.

Effect of Thymus Vulgaris Ethanol Extract, on Serum Total Antioxidant in Experimental Induced Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOs) Rats

Background: Poly cystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. One of the side effects of PCOS is oxidative stress.. Here we investigated antioxidants effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanoli extract on experimental PCOS induced rats by estradiol-valerat (PPA).Methods: Wistar female rat (n=70) were divided into 7 groups including C1: an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo; C2: extract (0.6cc/rat/orally/daily); C3: induced PCO by single injection of estradiol-valerate (4mg/rat/IM), and T1: PCOS induced  rats + an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo, T2: PCOS induced rats + extract(0.2cc/rat/orally/daily), T3: PCOS induced rats + extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily), T4:PCOS induced rats+extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily) test groups, were received extract supplement, for 60 consequence days. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In last day of study the blood samples of rats in whole groups were obtained and prepared to biochemical analysis.Results: Total antioxidant capacity level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were significantly increased in PCOS treated groups (P<0.03), these parameters in PCOS groups that did not receive extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) in comparison to control. Level of MDA in PCOS groups were significantly increased as compared to control and extract treated groups (P<0.01).Conclusions: Our results disclosed that administration of Thymus vulgaris ethanol extract significantly restitution tissue antioxidants level in PCOS induced rats.

Cloning and expression of human vasohibin1 gene in E. coli

Background: Angiogenesis is an important process in various physiologic and pathologic states. The most significant stimulator of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In contrast, vasohibin1 acts as an angiogenesis inhibitor which specifically inhibits new vessels formation. The aim of the present study was cloning and expression of vasohibin1 gene in E. coli as well as purification of recombinant vasohibin1 protein. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and cDNA was synthesized by RT-PCR. cDNA was amplified using a specific designed primer set. The PCR product was evaluated by electrophoresis and then cloned in pET28a expression vector which transformed into E.coli BL21 (DE3) as a host. IPTG is used as an expression inducer in media. Alternatively, PCR products were analyzed by sequencing and double digestion with EcoRI and HindIII restriction endonuclease. The expressed protein was purified by Ni-NTA column and confirmed by SDS Page and western blotting. Evaluation of gene inhibition was carried out through western blottting and RT-PCR. Results: No mutation or sequence variants were found in PCR products as a result of sequencing analysis. Moreover, the quantity and quality of expressed recombinant protein in the presence of IPTG with selected vector in E. coli was approximately high. VASH1 significantly prevented the receptor expression. The quality and level of expressed protein in pET28 expression vector indicated the efficacy of the applied system in vasohibin1 production. Conclusions: The produced vasohibin1 protein probably can be used as an angiogenesis inhibitor in further studies on retinopathies