EVALUATION OF THREE WILD SPECIES OF ALMOND ON THE BASIS OF THEIR MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS

Due to the suitable climatic conditions, Iran is one of the most important growing centre for wild and domesticated species/varieties of almond. Because of the adaptability of wild almond species to severe environmental conditions and resistance to drought, salinity and some pest and diseases, these can be used as rootstock for almond cultivars and in breeding programs for rootstock improvement in Iran. In this study, seeds of Amygdalous scoparia, A.webbii and A. orientalis were planted. The analysis of variance showed a significant difference between species. However, A. scoparia had highest stem height and leaf length. At the end of the experiment, the thickest stems were developed by A. scoparia, whereas the thinnest stems by A. orientalis. A. webbii produced more number and longer roots per seedling than the other two species. The correlation between various morphological traits showed that a few shoot characters were significantly correlated with root traits. However, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, root number and root diameter for P. webbii, and leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length and root number characters for P.scoparia, and stem height, leaf number, leaf length, petiole length, internode length and root number for P. orientalis were found to be important morphological traits to evaluate seedling charactristics of wild almond genotypes before their nursery test

Effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients� restless legs syndrome

Objectives: To determine the effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients� restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Ninety hemodialysis patients with RLS were randomly allocated into two intervention groups and one control group, each consisting of 35 participants. The control group received routine care, and the intervention groups received effleurage massage with lavender and glycerin oil in addition to routine care for one month. RLS intensity was measured among the three groups using the Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale. Results: At the beginning of the study, the results showed no significant difference among the three groups� scores. At the end of the study, the mean RLS scores were significantly lower in the intervention groups compared to the control group (F = 63.4, p � 0.001). This difference was not significant between the two intervention groups; nonetheless, the differences between the control and lavender oil groups, as well as the control and glycerin oil groups, were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed the effectiveness of the oils through the effleurage massage for reducing RLS in a sample of hemodialysis patients. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

The effect of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on growth indices of healthy neonates

Abstract Therapeutic touch is emphasized by healthcare professionals for improvement of neonates' growth and development. However, inconsistencies exist regarding effects and methods of massage in neonates. The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess and comprise intervention and control groups regarding the effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) by mothers on growth indices of healthy term neonates. Sixty healthy term neonates were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Mothers of neonates in the experimental group were trained to perform TKS for their newborns at home before feeding for at least 28 consecutive days, two times a day, and 15 min each time. Neonates in the control group were not required to receive this intervention. The neonates’ growth indices were measured within 24 h after birth, and then at days 14 and 28. During the study and the three consecutive measurements, no significant difference was found between the mean weights, heights, and head circumferences of the neonates in the two groups (p > 0.05). Keywords: Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation Growth indices Neonates Mother's touc

Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Decreasing Microbial Contaminations in Raisins of Bavanat Region

Introduction  Raisins are dried grapes and are prepared from some varieties of grapes (Vitis vinifera) in different ways, such as exposing grapes to direct sunlight and mechanical methods. There is a possibility of contamination of various types of raisins with different microorganisms during the stages of harvesting and drying grapes, transportation and marketing of raisins, especially when they are presented in open boxes. The traditional process of preparing and packing raisins in Bovanat region (the main raisin production area of Fars province) makes this product prone to microbial contamination dangerous for human health. The history of consumption of raisin is very old. The Bible provides the first written mention of raisin around 1000 B.C., drying is one of the oldest methods of food preservations; the main purpose of this experiment is reducing the moisture content to level which allows safe storage without spoilage. It has been reported that the use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatments reduces the microbial contamination loads in dried raisins. Moreover, washing with hydrogen peroxide solution can markedly reduce the loads of human pathogens including Escherichia coli. Primitive methods of making and packaging of raisins in Bavanat region contribute to make them vulnerable to microbial contamination and may be harmful for health. This research was conducted in order to determine the initial microbial contamination on the surface of three types of raisins prepared from the Keshmeshi grape cultivar and using hydrogen peroxide to reduce these microbial contaminations. Materials and Methods The use of hydrogen peroxide as a potential antimicrobial treatment was investigated for three types of raisins in Bovanat region. For this purpose, three samples of raisins (Sun-dried, Shade-dried and Sultana raisins) have investigated. Raisins samples randomly were purchased from a local retailer in Shiraz (Iran). For this experiment, raisin samples with uniform size were selected and damaged or diseased berries were discarded. Two concentrations of hydrogen peroxide applied to microbial disinfection were 0% and 0.9%. The raisins that were prepared underwent a treatment process where they were dipped for 5 minutes in solutions containing either 0% or 0.9% hydrogen peroxide. Afterward, the raisins were washed with distilled water for 1 minute to remove any residue. A control group was also included, consisting of raisin samples treated with water (0% hydrogen peroxide). For each sample, measurements were taken for microbial count, population of yeasts and other molds, Aspergillus, Coliform bacteria, and Escherichia coli. The experiment was designed as a factorial (2x3) based on a completely randomized block design with 3 replications. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, and mean data were compared using Duncan's multiple range tests at a 1% probability level.   Results and Discussion  The results showed that there was a significant difference (P≤1%) between hydrogen peroxide concentration treatments regarding to microbial contamination. There was also a significant difference (P≤1%) between the raisin samples in terms of microbial contamination. The results also revealed the presence of high amount of microbial infection on surface of all raisin samples. The microbial contamination load of Sultana raisins was higher than other raisins. The results also indicate that Escherichia coli was not detected in both sun-dried and shade-dried samples, but it was observed in Sultana raisins. Surface disinfection of Sultana raisin samples with 9% of hydrogen peroxide removed Escherichia coli infection. Hydrogen peroxide was effective in reducing the microbial contamination of all three raisin samples. It seems hydrogen peroxide to be more effective in reducing microbial contamination in sun-dried and shade-dried samples. Sultana raisin had highest contamination of mold and yeast while sun-dried and shade-dried raisins were lowest. The effect of hydrogen peroxide on reducing mold and yeast contamination was not the same in all raisin samples, so that the highest effect on reducing mold and yeast contamination was found in sun-dried and shade-dried raisins. The least effect on this contamination was observed in sultana raisins. Aspergillus was not detected in sun-dried and shade-dried samples but it was observed in sultana raisins. Hydrogen peroxide was not effective against Aspergillus. The microbial contamination of all raisin samples which affected by 0.9% hydrogen peroxide was decreased significantly (P≤1%). Effect of hydrogen peroxide at 0.9% on removing of microbial infection in sun-dried and shade- dried raisins was similar and it was more than Sultana raisins. Conclusion All three raisin samples were infected with Coliform bacteria, mold and yeast. In the case of Escherichia coli infection, it was detected only in sultana samples. Hydrogen peroxide was effective in reducing the microbial infection of all raisin samples. It was more effective in reducing the total number of microbes in sun-dried and shade-dried raisins. Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 0.9% is effective for eliminating the microbial infection of raisins, and the use of hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 0.9% can be used to disinfect raisins

Evaluation of the behavior of native Iranian almond species as rootstocks

Abstract: Iran is one of the most important regions for origin and diversification of wild almond species in the world. Over 20 species, naturally distributed in many regions, have been identified to date in Iran. These can be used as rootstocks in different Prunus species such as almond or peach due to their adaptability to severe (drought) environmental conditions and resistance to some pests and diseases. Results showed that P. eburnea had the most stem biomass, and P. scoparia the least leaf area and the largest root system among the three species, which can indicate better adaptation to drought conditions. The correlations between the measured traits suggest that the relationship between shoot and root morphology is unique for each species. In addition, results indicated that P. eburnea had the highest seed germination percentage and P. elaeagnifolia the lowest. Finally, there was significant difference between wild rootstocks in grafting success, with P. scoparia and P elaeagnifolia showing the best behavior

Physiological responses of olive cultivars to salinity stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of seven promising olive cultivars for southern parts of Iran (‘Amigdalilolia’, ‘Dakal’, ‘Zard’, ‘Dezful’, ‘Tokhm-e-Kabki’, ‘Shiraz’, and ‘Conservalia’) against salinity stress. Biochemical and physiological responses of the cultivars irrigated with saline water application (control, 4, 8, and 12 dS m-1) were evaluated and the tolerant cultivars were identified. In contrast to the tolerant cultivars, the sensitive ones continue to grow with lower rate and died under salinity stress. In general, growth indices of olive cultivars were reduced with increasing salinity stress and the lowest growth indices were obtained under 12 dS m-1 treatment. Results indicated that the accumulation of higher levels of soluble carbohydrates and proline in the leaves of the tolerant cultivars helps them to deal with salinity stress. The results showed that saline waters up to 4 dS m-1 for irrigation can be used for olive cultivars, however, based on the result of this study, it is not recommended to use water sources with higher electric conductivities to irrigate sensitive olive cultivars. We concluded that the tolerant cultivars stopped growth and used their energy to defend against the salinity stress

Effect of IRAK1/4 inhibitor on IL-1β, IL-6, INF-γ and TNF-α expression in breast cancer cells of several lines

Recent studies have shown that inflammation mediated via interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) is associated with cancer cells drug resistance. We aimed to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines as the potential mechanism involved in the development of cancer cells resistance to conventional chemotherapy drugs. Breast cancer cells of BT549, BT20 and MB468 lines were treated with IRAK 1/4 inhibitor alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents methotrexate and topotecan. Expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ genes was quantified by real-time PCR. It was found that IRAK1/4 inhibitor suppressed IL-1β expression in BT549 cells at most and had minimal effect on IL-6 expression in MB468 cells. For the first time we showed that concomitant use of IRAK1/4 inhibitor with topotecan and methotrexate reduced IL-1β, IFN γ, TNF-α and IL-6 expression in BT-20, BT-549, MB-468 cell lines compared to the controls. It is suggested that specific IRAK inhibitors in combination with conventional chemotherapy can be used in cancer treatment to increase drug sensitivity and decrease the risk of tumor recurrence

Effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients’ restless legs syndrome

Objectives: To determine the effects of glycerin oil and lavender oil massages on hemodialysis patients’ restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Ninety hemodialysis patients with RLS were randomly allocated into two intervention groups and one control group, each consisting of 35 participants. The control group received routine care, and the intervention groups received effleurage massage with lavender and glycerin oil in addition to routine care for one month. RLS intensity was measured among the three groups using the Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale. Results: At the beginning of the study, the results showed no significant difference among the three groups’ scores. At the end of the study, the mean RLS scores were significantly lower in the intervention groups compared to the control group (F = 63.4, p ≤ 0.001). This difference was not significant between the two intervention groups; nonetheless, the differences between the control and lavender oil groups, as well as the control and glycerin oil groups, were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed the effectiveness of the oils through the effleurage massage for reducing RLS in a sample of hemodialysis patients. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

Electrochemical determination of the herbicide bentazone using a carbon nanotube b-Cyclodextrin modified electrode

An electrochemical sensor has been developed for the determination of the herbicide bentazone, based on a GC electrode modified by a combination of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with b-cyclodextrin (b-CD) incorporated in a polyaniline film. The results indicate that the b-CD/MWCNT modified GC electrode exhibits efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of bentazone with high sensitivity and stability. A cyclic voltammetric method to determine bentazone in phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.0, was developed, without any previous extraction, clean-up, or derivatization steps, in the range of 10–80 mmolL 1, with a detection limit of 1.6 mmolL 1 in water. The results were compared with those obtained by an established HPLC technique. No statistically significant differences being found between both methods