Wet deposition of hydrocarbons in the city of Tehran-Iran

Air pollution in the city of Tehran has been a major problem for the past three decades. The direct effects of hydrocarbon contaminants in the air are particularly important such as their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects which can be transported to other environments via dry and wet deposition. In the present study, rainwater samples were collected and analyzed for 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) as well as fuel fingerprints in two ranges of gasoline (C5–C11) and diesel fuel (C12–C20) using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Mean concentrations of ∑16 PAHs varied between 372 and 527 µg/L and for BTEX was between 87 and 188 µg/L with maximum of 36 µg/L for toluene. Both gasoline range hydrocarbons (GRH) and diesel range hydrocarbons (DRH) were also present in the collected rainwater at concentrations of 190 and 950 µg/L, respectively. Hydrocarbon transports from air to soil were determined in this wet deposition. Average hydrocarbon transportation for ∑PAHs, BTEX, GRH, and DRH was 2,747, 627, 1,152, and 5,733 µg/m2, respectively

Evaluation of efficacy of niosomal clindamycin phosphate 1 solution in comparison to conventional clindamycin phosphate 1 solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A randomized controlled trial

Background Adverse effects including pruritus and erythema as well as increased bacterial resistance have been reported with topical clindamycin. Niosomal structures can lead to improved drug efficacy and decreased side effects because of selective effect on target organ. In this study, we decided to evaluate efficacy of niosomal clindamycin in comparison with conventional form. Methods This study is a double-blinded clinical trial on 100 acne patients divided into 2 groups (50 patients in each group) that has been done from 2014 to 2017 in Kerman, Iran. The efficacy of niosomal clindamycin 1 in comparison with conventional form was evaluated by counting acne lesions and grading acne with Global Acne Grading System. The Chi-square test and student t test were used to determine drug efficacy and side effects. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 (SPSS Statistics, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results There was a significant difference between 2 treatment groups in reduction of acne lesions at the end of the study (P<0.05). The mean score of acne according to Global Acne Grading System at the end of the study was 6.64± 3.26 and 8.21±3.42 in niosomal and control group, respectively and this difference was statistically significant(P=0.023). Conclusion Niosomal clindamycin has higher efficacy without increased adverse effects than conventional type. So, we can use niosomal form in treatment of inflammatory acne lesions, particularly in patients with low adherence to treatment and high expectations from treatment. © 2020 Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. All rights reserved

The magnetic inorganic-organic nanocomposite based on ZnFe<inf>2</inf>O<inf>4</inf>-Imatinib-liposome for biomedical applications, in vivo and in vitro study

Liposomes with innovative chemical and physical properties revealed huge potential as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Major cause of death is cancer and a main issue in cancer therapy is less ability of target trapy. The current research, objects to advance a unique electromagnetic drug delivery system to carry an anticancer drug (Imatinib (IM)) by loading the drug in magnetic liposome nanocomposites in order to reach targeted drug delivery in the presence of AMF (alternative magnetic field) in order to reduce the administration time and drug dose and possible side effects. Well crystallized ZnFe2O4 ultrafine nanoparticles with coral shape and particle size of 22.36 ± 2.21 nm synthesized by a hydrothermal method in the presence of Teucrium polium (a green synthesis). Biocompatibility of the nanoparticles are demonstrated through cytotoxicity test via MTT assay on U87 cell lines. The in vitro results demonstrates that AMF strongly promoted IM release from magnetoliposome nanocomposites as a result of nanoparticle motions in the pool of liposome nanocomposite at the applied frequency, owing to an alteration of the permeability of bilayer. In vivo biodistribution results suggested magnetically controlled accumulation of liposomes in the targeted sites more rapidly and efficiently. These primary results open up novel viewpoints in the use of these carriers in controlled and targeted release of drugs. Definitely, the multidisciplinary method may help improve the efficacy of cancer therapy. © 2020 Elsevier B.V