Performance evaluation of forest management plans (Case study: Iranian Caspian forests)

The aim of this research was to measure the relative efficiency of forest management plans in north of Iran. In order to fulfill the research, data of 12 forest management plans were collected from the financial balance sheets of Shafaroud Forest Company during a ten years period. First of all, basic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models (BCC and CCR) were used to determine the efficiency. Then, due to the structure of the forest management plan, cost efficiency and revenue efficiency models based on DEA were used in order to measure the efficiency. Results indicated that 8 forest management plans were efficient based on BCC and CCR models. Furthermore, the results indicated that only one forest management plan was efficient based on cost efficiency and revenue efficiency models. These results could be due to the input oriented properties of the models, rational management and optimal use of resources

Cloning and Expression of N-terminal Region of IpaD from Shigella dysenteriae in E. coli

Genus Shigella is one of the important members of the family enterobacteriacae. There are numerous antigens in Shigella carrying by a 220 kb plasmid. Among them, IpaD is the key virulence factor of S. flexneri. Apart from having effectors function that is essential for host cell invasion and intracellular survival, this protein also controls the secretion and translocation of other effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. In the present study, we have cloned and expressed the ipaD in E. coli. The ipaD gene was amplified by PCR. Prokaryote expression vector pET-28a(+)- ipaD was constructed, and used to transform E. coli BL21DE3 plySs. The expression of recombinant protein induced by IPTG was examined by SDS-PAGE. Western blot were used to determine immunoreactivity of IpaD-His by a rabbit monoclonal antibodies against his-tag. SDS-PAGE demonstrated that the constructed prokaryotic expression efficiently produced IpaD at the 1 mmol/L of IPTG. IpaD protein was able to react with the rabbit monoclonal antibody against His-tag.  IpaD is essential for Shigella spp invasion. N-terminal region is most significant functional fragment of IpaD. Purification of IpaD from the wild type of Shigella is difficult furthermore profound study on a specific domain on the N-terminal of IpaD by using the wild type of purified IpaD is not feasible.

UVA + B treatment affects antioxidant system and phytochemicals of parsley plant under different concentrations of Zn

Decline in ozone layer that followed by enhanced solar UV radiation is a limiting factor for some plants. In this study the effect of UVA+UVB radiation on parsley plant was studied hydroponically at different concentrations of Zn (1.5 and 6.5 µm). UV radiation at both concentrations of Zn, slightly decreased the plant growth and significantly increased the carotenoids, flavonoids, total phenols and H2O2 contents, but had no effect on chlorophylls content. At concentration of 1.5 µm of Zn, UV radiation caused significant increases in the MDA and anthocyanin contents and the activities of POD and CAT enzymes, but decreased the soluble sugars and protein contents. At concentration of 6.5 µm of Zn, UV radiation caused significant increases in the CAT activity, but had no significant effect on other parameters. Results suggest that parsley plant tolerates UVA+UVB radiation particularly at concentration of 6.5 µmof Zn.</p

Immunogenicity of a New Recombinant IpaC from Shigella dysenteriae Type I in Guinea Pig as a Vaccine Candidate

ABSTRACT Background: Recombinant vaccine technology is one of the most developed means in controlling infectious diseases. However, an effective vaccine against Shigella is still missing. Objective: To evaluate recombinant IpaC protein of Shigella as a vaccine candidate. Methods: In this study we cloned IpaC gene into an expression vector in prokaryotic system. The protein expression was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and WesternBlotting analysis. The recombinant protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Guinea pigs were immunized with the recombinant protein and the level of immunogenicity was examined by ELISA and Western blotting of IpaC. Challenge test was done through the intraoculary injection of Shigella dysenteriae (6×108 CFU/eye) and after 48 hours was scored for keratoconjunctivitis. Results: The results showed a remarkable level of immunogenicity in terms of antibody response and protection against keratoconjunctivitis in tested animals. The recombinant IpaC protein provided a protective system against Shigella dysenteriae type I during the challenge test. Conclusion: The results showed the potential of using recombinant IpaC in preparation of vaccine in perspective studies

Investigation of the Influence of Sucrose and Cholesterol on the Phase Transition Temperature of nanoliposomal formulation besides using particle size Reduction Techniques (Ultrasonication/High Pressure Homogenization)

Introduction: The successful application of nanoliposoms as an effective drug delivery system depends on their stability in the medium. In this article, influence of additive materials such as cholesterol and sucrose besides two natural and synthesized phospholipids have been investigated. Methods: In the present study, designing and synthesis of nanoliposomal formulations were prepared using thin film method. This liposomal suspension was downsized by two methods, the high-pressure homogenizer and ultrasound to form small unilamellar vesicles. The size distributions, zeta potentials and phase transition temperature of formulations were all determined by a zetasizer and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). In addition, the contribution of nanoliposomal formulation has been investigated by HPLC and FTIR methods. Results: Results of the DSC measurments indicated that incorporation of unsaturated phospholipid (SOY PC) may cause phase separation with partial miscibility in the liposome bilayer containing of DPPG. The optimal nanoliposomal formulation was composed of (DPPC: CHOL: mPEG2000-DSPE) with the mole percents equal to (83:15:2), respectively. In addition, sucrose has been used in the formulation with a total amounts six times greater than that of the lipids. The properties of optimized nanoliposome have been shown as the size average 104nm, zeta potential 8.04mv and phase transition temperature of lipid less than 37&deg;C which were stable enough to be utilized for loading and releasing bioactives in body temperature. Conclusion: Finally the produced nanoliposomes were stable vesicles in the proper size, phase transition temperature and surface charge without any aggregation and fusion

New Approach for the Synthesis, Entrapment of Hydrophilic Drugs and Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Characteristics of PH-sensitive Nano-Liposome: Improving Therapeutic Efficacy of Doxorubicin in Order to Treatment Bone Tumor and Reducing the Side Effects of Doxorubicin

Introduction: Cancer is one of the most harmful disease throughout the world. Doxorubicin is an anti-cancer agent, used in the treatment of various types of the cancer such as bone cancer. There are several adverse effects related to clinical usage of Doxorubicin for long time. The present study aimed to investigate the reducing side effects and enhancing the therapeutic effect by liposomal carrier. Methods: Liposomes containing DPPG and cholesterol with the molar ratio of 70:30 with the Doxorubicin were synthesized by pH- gradient method. The average diameter of nanoparticles and surface charge was determined by Zeta-Sizer instrument. The amount of drug loaded and drug-released was determined using dialysis. The surface morphology and internal lamella was evaluated by TEM and SEM. Results: The average size of liposomal Doxorubicin obtained using Zeta-Sizer was 126 nm. The encapsulation efficacy of liposomal Doxorubicin was 89%. The total amount of drug release during 48 hours in acidic medium studied by dialysis technique was 46%. Conclusion: In this study, investigation of loading Doxorubicin into nano-liposome with the slow- released kinetic was carried out to improve the solubility and bioavailability of Doxorubicin in order to delivery to osteosarcoma cell line