Cytotoxic Activity of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb. Leaves Essential Oil in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Background and objectives: Juniperus excelsa is a flowering plant that has been applied as traditional medicine for treatment of various disorders such as dysmenorrhea, bronchitis and colds, jaundice and tuberculosis. The aims of the present study were analyzing J. excelsa essential oil and investigation of its cytotoxic activity on three breast cancer cell lines.  Methods:  Juniperus excelsa leaves were collected from Dena mountains, located in the south-west of Iran. The composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using MTT assay.   Results: Forty-one components, related to 99.83% of the total oil, were identified. Monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the major components of the volatile oil while α-pinene (73.27%) was the major component. The essential oil showed significant cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (IC50=0.084 µg/mL), MDA-MB-231 (IC50=0.090 µg/mL) and T-47D (IC50=0.124 µg/mL).  Conclusion: The analysis of J. excelsa oil revealed α-pinene and cedrol as the main compounds of the volatile oil that could justifiy its remarkable cytotoxic effect against the tested cell lines

The Relationship between Affective-collective Investment with Psychological Wellbeing due to the Role of Affective Capital among Nurses

Background: Affective-collective investment and affective capital are 2 innovative positive constructs that can bring positive outcomes for the psychological and physical health of nurses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between affective-collective investments with psychological wellbeing among nurses due to the mediating the role of affective capital. Methods: The present study was a correlational study conducted in Amin hospital in Isfahan city. 218 nurses from the hospital entered the study. Data were collected by affective-collective investment and affective capital questionnaires and psychological well-being scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling. Results: The results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between affective-collective investment with affective capital and psychological wellbeing (p < 0.01), and there is a positive significant relationship between affective capital and psychological wellbeing (p < 0.01). Results of structural equation modeling and mediation analysis indicated that affective capital is a complete mediator on the relationship between affective-collective investments with psychological wellbeing. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that by focusing on affective-collective investment in hospital settings, 2 worthwhile goals can be achieved; the promotion of affective capital, and then the promotion of psychological well-being of nurses. &nbsp