Prevalence of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers in Kermanshah Province, Iran: A Ten-year Period

Optimization of Antibacterial, Structures, and Thermal Properties of Alginate-ZrO2 Bionanocomposite by the Taguchi Method

Developing novel antibacterial chemicals is constantly necessary since bacterial resistance to antibiotics is an inevitable occurrence. This research aimed to find the ideal conditions for using antibacterial zirconia (ZrO2) NPs with polymer alginate nanocomposites. Using the Taguchi method, alginate biopolymer, zirconia NPs, and stirring time were utilized to construct nine nanocomposites. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the development of nanocomposites with appropriate structural properties. Antibacterial efficacy against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm was the highest when the nanocomposite was formed under the circumstances of experiment 6 (zirconia 8 mg/ml, alginate 70 mg/ml, and 40 min stirring time). Alginate/zirconia bionanocomposites generated using the in situ technique proved efficient against S. mutans. Nanoparticles have a high surface-to-volume ratio and surface energy, which can cause them to agglomerate and make their antimicrobial effectiveness problematic. Using zirconia nanoparticles in an alginate polymer matrix in the form of nanocomposite can increase the stability of nanoparticles. Due to the advantageous antibacterial qualities of this bionanocomposite, it can be utilized in various medical materials and dental appliances.

Common Polymorphisms of Interleukin-10 (-1082A/G, -592A/C, and -819C/T) in Oral Cancers: An Updated Meta-Analysis

The mechanisms of genetic alteration are checked to be responsible for the oral cancer incidence. Herein, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between -1082A/G, -592A/C, and -819T/C polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-10 and susceptibility to oral cancer. We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases until May 2019 to find the studies reporting the association between the IL-10 polymorphisms and the oral cancer risk. Rev Man 5.3 software was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The CMA (version 2.0) software showed the results of publication bias. In addition, SPSS (version 22.0) was used for meta-regression analysis. Out of 8 studies included in this meta-analysis, 7, 6, and 5 studies reported -1082A/G, -592A/C, and -819T/C polymorphisms, respectively. The pooled ORs of the allele, homozygote, heterozygote, dominant, and recessive models were 1.64 (95% CI: 1.26-2.13), 2.99 (95% CI: 1.32-6.79), 1.64 (95% CI: 1.16-2.33), 1.77 (95% CI: 1.25-2.49), and 2.44 (95% CI: 1.21-4.92), respectively, showing a significant association for -1082A/G polymorphism, but not for -592A/C, and -819T/C polymorphisms with the risk of oral cancer. However, subgroup analysis showed an association for -592A/C polymorphisms, Caucasian ethnicity, and hospital-based controls. In summary, the findings of this meta-analysis illustrated an elevated risk of oral cancer related to -1082A/G polymorphism, but there was no association between -592A/C and -819C/T polymorphisms and the risk of oral cancer.

Optimum synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate-Co3O4 bionanocomposite with the highest antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant bacteria

Increased multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria are considered one of the most challenging problems of the present century. The present study aimed to identify the optimum conditions for synthesis of Polyhydroxybutyrate-Co3O4 bionanocomposite with the highest antibacterial activity via in situ synthesis. Nine experiments with different amounts of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) biopolymer and Co3O4 nanoparticles and different stirring times were designed using Taguchi method. The antibacterial activity of synthesized nanocomposites against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was evaluated using colony forming units (CFU) and disc diffusion methods. The characterizations of products were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The synthesized bionanocomposites completely prevented the growth of bacteria under the conditions of experiments 5 (Co3O4 4 mg/ml, PHB 1 mg/ml and stirring time: 90 min) and 9 (Co3O4 8 mg/ml, PHB 2 mg/ml and stirring time: 60 min). The results showed that nanocomposite formation improved structural properties, thermal stability and antibacterial activity. PHB-Co3O4 bionanocomposite can be used in various fields of pharmacy, medicine and dentistry due to its desirable antibacterial properties.

Application of Taguchi method in the optimization of synthesis of cellulose-MgO bionanocomposite as antibacterial agent

In this study, optimal conditions to form cellulose-MgO nanocomposite with antibacterial properties were evaluated. Applying the Taguchi method, 9 experiments were designed and the effects of different concentrations of biopolymers cellulose (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/ml), MgO nanoparticles (2, 4 and 8 mg/ml) and stirring times (30, 60 and 90 min) on antibacterial activity of synthesized nanocomposites were assessed. The characterizations of products were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results showed that the nano-composite produced in the conditions of experiment 9 (MgO 8 mg/ml, cellulose 2 mg/ml and stirring time of 60 min) has the strongest antibacterial activity. The outcomes of both methods of colony forming units (CFU) and disc diffusion indicated that the antibacterial activity of cellulose-MgO nanocomposite was significantly higher than its components (P <0.05). Thermal analysis indicated improvement in the thermal stability of the cellulose biopolymer after the formation of the nanocomposite. Due to the improvement of the antibacterial properties of cellulose-MgO nanocomposite compared to its components, we can use it as a new antibacterial agent in the fields of pharmaceutical, medicine and dentistry.

The effects of pomegranate peel extract on recurrent aphthous stomatitis

As high as 20% of the population is thought to have recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), hence, finding new therapeutic agents may be needed. Pomegranate (Punica granatum), has been extensively used in the folk medicine of many cultures, as it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In this study, it is hypothesized that a topical form of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) may shorten the duration, accelerate the healing and reduce the pain of RAS patients. The presented randomized, double-blind study was conducted on 56 patients. Herein, 28 patients were advised to apply PPE gel, and the other 28 patients were given placebo gel, twice daily for one week. Efficacy evaluations were made at days 0 (before using the gel), 3, 5 and 7. The mean values of ulcer size, pain and healing duration of ulcers were compared in both groups. PPE gel was significantly effective in reducing the pain (p<0.001), ulcer size (p<0.001), and healing duration of ulcers (p<0.001) over a period of one week. PPE in the form of oral gel can be used in the management of aphthous ulcers.

In vitro evaluation of anticancer activity of sodium hyaluronate-titanium dioxide bionanocomposite

The purpose of the current research is to optimize the synthesis of sodium hyaluronatetitanium dioxide nanocomposite with the highest anticancer activity. To this end, the Taguchi method was followed to design nine experiments with different ratios of sodium hyaluronate biopolymer, titanium dioxide nanoparticles and stirring times. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the synthesis of the nanoparticle and nanocomposite. The comparison of anticancer activity level of synthesized nanocomposites using MTT assay showed that the nanocomposite synthesized in the conditions of experiment 9 (8 mg/ml of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, 2 mg/ml of sodium hyaluronate biopolymer and 60 min stirring time) had the maximum anticancer activity against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line. According to the results, the Taguchi method can be employed as an effective and useful strategy to save time and cost in order to determine the optimal conditions for the synthesis of sodium hyaluronate-titanium dioxide nanocomposite with the most favorable anticancer activity.

Synthesis and anticancer properties of bacterial cellulose-magnesium oxide bionanocomposite

Given the increase in global mortality rate due to various types of cancer, the present study aimed to develop optimal conditions for the synthesis of cellulose-magnesium oxide nanocomposite with favorable anticancer activity. For this purpose, the Taguchi method was used to design nine experiments with varied ratios of cellulose biopolymer, magnesium oxide nanoparticles and different stirring times. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the formation of cellulose-magnesium oxide nanocomposite. The anticancer activity level of nine nanocomposites studied was evaluated using MTT assay on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line. The nanocomposite synthesized in experiment 9 (8 mg/ml of magnesium oxide, 2 mg/ml of cellulose and stirring time of 60 min) showed the highest growth inhibitory activity on the cancer cells. Based on the attained results,e cellulose-magnesium oxide nanocomposite synthesized in optimal conditions can be used as an eligible anticancer agent.

Optimized Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles as Bactericidal Agents

Increased antibiotic resistance of microorganisms as well as the need to reduce health-care costs necessitates the production of new antimicrobials at lower costs. For this reason, this study was aimed to optimize the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles with the greatest antibacterial activity. In this study, 9 experiments containing different proportions of the factors (magnesium nitrate, NaOH, and stirring time) effective in the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles were designed using the Taguchi method. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using the coprecipitation method, and their antibacterial activity was evaluated using colony-forming unit (CFU) and disk diffusion. Morphology, crystalline structure, and size of synthesized nanoparticles were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optimum conditions (0.2 M magnesium nitrate, 2 M NaOH, and 90 min stirring time) for the synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles with the greatest antibacterial activity were determined using the Taguchi method. The results of colony-forming unit and disk diffusion revealed the optimal antibacterial activity of synthesized nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The results obtained from FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles with favorable conditions. Also, according to the SEM image, the average size of synthesized nanoparticles was determined to be about 21 nm. According to the results, magnesium oxide nanoparticles can significantly reduce the number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and can be used as an appropriate alternative to commonly used antibacterial compounds in order to tackle drug resistance among pathogens.

Preparation, structural characterization, thermal properties and antifungal activity of alginate-CuO bionanocomposite

In this study, the antifungal activity rate of alginate-CuO bionanocomposite was assessed against Aspergillus niger using colony forming units (CFU) and disc diffusion methods. Employing the Taguchi method, nine experiments were designed for the synthesis of alginate-CuO nanocomposite with the highest antifungal activity. The nanocomposite synthesized under the conditions of experiment 5 (4 mg/mL CuO nanoparticles and 1 mg/mL alginate biopolymer with stirring time of 90 min) showed the greatest inhibition rate on fungal growth (83.17%). In the optimum conditions for the synthesis of alginate-CuO nanocomposite with the highest antifungal activity the second level of CuO NPs (14.14%), alginate biopolymer (8.16%) and stirring time (5.63%) showed the best improvement performance on inhibiting the fungal growth. The results of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of alginate-CuO nanocomposite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) indicated that the thermal stability of alginate biopolymer and CuO nanoparticles were improved by the formation of the nanocomposite. Due to the favorable properties of alginate-CuO nanocomposite, its antifungal feature can be used in various biomedical fields.