Amygdalin/chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol/cerium-tannic acid hydrogel as biodegradable long-time implant for cancer recurrence care applications: An in vitro study

Cancer recurrence following surgery is a serious and worrying problem for the patient. Common treatment strategies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, are restricted because of low uptake of the drugs, poor pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicity issues for healthy tissues. The development of engineering platforms for improving the postoperative treatment of cancer can help solve this problem. In this study, the ceria-tannic acid nanoparticles (CeTA-NPs) were successfully synthesized and characterized. Chitosan-polyvinyl/alcohol (CS-PVA) hydrogels containing CeTA NPs (CS-PVA/CeTA) and amygdalin as an anticancer substance were fabricated using freeze-thaw and immersion-drying techniques. The swelling and degradation behaviors, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of as-prepared hydrogel were done. The apoptotic effects of amygdalin/CS-PVA/CeTA hydrogel were evaluated by flow cytometry technique on a human colorectal cancer (SW-480) cell line. The CeTA-NPs were investigated as antibacterial and cross-linker agents for greater stability of the hydrogel network. The CS-PVA/CeTA hydrogel demonstrated good safety and antibacterial activity. The results of swelling and biodegradation suggest that CS-PVA/CeTA hydrogels can inspire long-time application. The anticancer effects of the amygdalin/CS-PVA/CeTA hydrogel were confirmed by apoptosis results. Hence, amygdalin/CS-PVA/CeTA hydrogel can be a promising candidate for long-time biomedical application.

Chitosan-polyethylene oxide/clay-alginate nanofiber hydrogel scaffold for bone tissue engineering: Preparation, physical characterization, and biomimetic mineralization

This study aimed to prepare a novel organic-mineral nanofiber/hydrogel of chitosan-polyethylene oxide (CS-PEO)/nanoclay-alginate (NC-ALG). The effects of NC particles on the mineralization and biocompatibility of the scaffold were investigated. A layer-by-layer scaffold composed of CS-PEO and NC-ALG was prepared. The morphological properties, swelling, biodegradation, and mechanical behaviors of the scaffolds were evaluated. Furthermore, scaffolds were characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Bone-like apatite formation ability of the scaffolds was determined by the mineralization test in a simulated body fluid (M-SBF). In addition, the crystalline phase of bone-like apatite precipitates was investigated by XRD analysis. The cell compatibility of the scaffolds was also studied with osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 by MTT assay. Notably, the incorporation of NC particles in CS-PEO/ALG scaffolds is suitable for bone tissue regeneration which enhances bone-like apatite formation. Further, the hemolysis and MTT assays demonstrated that CS-PEO/NC-ALG scaffold was compatible and safe for MC3T3 cells.

A facile and high-sensitive bio-sensing of the V617F mutation in JAK2 gene by GSH-CdTe-QDs FRET-based sensor

This study aimed to directly detect the V617F point mutation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene in the target DNA using a FRET-based biosensor. The water-soluble GSH-CdTe-QDs were synthesized by a one-step process, then GSH-QD conjugated to the termini amino-modified oligonucleotides target via carboxylic groups on the QD surface. The prepared QDs-DNA biosensor was applied in the quantitative and rapid detection of V617F mutation with a detection limit of 3 × 10^-9 mol L^-1 based on the FRET mechanism. In other words, detecting the V617F mutation by bio-sensing technology would be much simpler, cheaper, time-saving, highly sensitive, and more convenient than molecular diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the nano-biosensor was applied to detect the V617F mutation in clinical samples compared to the common ARMS-PCR (Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction) standard method. The results revealed that the GSH-capped biosensors would be effective for V617F mutation detection in samples distinguished with satisfactory analytical outcomes. Therefore, the designed fluorescence nanoprobe is suitable for the specific detection of V617F mutation of the JAK2 gene in clinical samples.

Sulfonated ethylenediamine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones

Abstract:

In the present study, a new magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst, Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3-en-SO3H/H2SO4, was prepared through the immobilization of sulfonated ethylenediamine on the silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles. The catalyst was fully characterized by several physicochemical techniques, including FT-IR, FESEM, TEM, EDS, VSM, XRD and TGA. The resultant nanocatalyst was then utilized in the green synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones via the cyclocondensation reaction of various aldehydes and ketones with anthranilamide in refluxed EtOH. Short reaction times, high product yields, environmentally friendly reaction conditions, simple operation and reusability of the catalyst are important features of the present procedure. The catalyst can magnetically be recycled and reused several times without notable loss in activity.

Major and minor criteria for gastric dystemperaments in Persian Medicine: Sari gastric dystemperament criteria-I (SGDC-I)

BACKGROUND

Gastric disorders are one of the most common human ailments, which impose a huge economic burden on countries. In Persian Medicine (PM), it is possible to predict the susceptibility to gastric diseases with diagnosis of gastric Mizajes (temperaments) and dystemperaments. The semiology of gastric dystemperaments has been investigated in PM textbooks, although the value of each sign and symptom is not mentioned. Consequently, this research is designed to determine the major and minor criteria for classifying gastric dystemperaments on the basis of valid manuscripts and with the help of PM specialists in the present era.

METHODS

This was a consensus-based study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, reference PM textbooks were studied. Symptoms and signs of gastric dystemperaments were collected and listed in four groups. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews with a sample of PM experts were carried out. Phase three included a focused group discussion with experts. Eventually, findings were integrated from the three study phases in a two-day meeting in Sari City.

RESULTS

Selected criteria included eight major and eight minor criteria for hot-cold dystemperament, as well as six major and eight minor criteria for wet-dry gastric dystemperament.

CONCLUSION

Modern lifestyles and the interfering factors are responsible for some changes in diagnostic signs and symptoms according to PM. This was the first step to coordinate PM diagnostic criteria for gastric dystemperaments. Further studies are recommended to reach a unique protocol in the field of PM diagnostics. The next step includes design and validation of national diagnostic tools.

Quality Assessments of the Fried Oils in Fast Food Restaurants of Yazd, Iran

Background: Oils and fats are among the important constituents of foods. Lipid oxidation can cause changes in taste, flavor, smell, color, texture, and nutritional value of the foods. Deep-fat frying (temperatures of 150 to 200 °C) leads to a series of chemical and physical reactions, so that the oil is oxidized, polymerized, and hydrolyzed. Methods: In a current descriptive cross-sectional study, 100 oil samples were obtained from fast food shops in Yazd city during the spring and summer of 2018. A checklist was prepared including the oil type (oil or fat), odor, color, smoke, and duration of use. The peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and total polar compound (TPC) of the samples were examined. Results: We found that 93% of the oil samples were in form of liquid. In term of color, 45% of the samples had a dark color and about 57% had an undesirable odor during cooking. In 23% of the fast food shops in Yazd, oil is used more than two days. The measurement of peroxide value showed that 73 samples had peroxide values higher than the allowable limits. The allowable average peroxide value was estimated as 2.33 meq/kg. Results showed that 56 samples had allowable FFA level (less than one), while the others were classified as oxidized oils. The p-AV in 55% of the oil samples were higher than 4. According to the results, 46% of the frying oil samples had TPC of higher than 25%, which showed that they should be discarded. Conclusion: The results showed that majority of the fast food shops in Yazd used highly oxidized oils to prepare their food. The absorption of such oils by food can endanger the public health. Therefore, continuous monitoring of fast foods and restaurants as well as training the staff seem necessary.  

Explanation of Dry Liver Dystemperament (sue-mizaj) Concept in Iranian Traditional Medicine (Persian Medicine): A Qualitative Study

Background:

Temperament (mizaj), prakruti and zheng are equivalent basic concepts in different traditional medical schools. In Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM), Liver distemperament is one of the liver diseases not yet objectively defined.

Objectives:

The present study aims to explain the concept of dry liver dystemperament in Iranian Traditional Medicine.

Methods:

This study is a qualitative research based on a hybrid model of concept analysis. In literature review, 11 major academic textbooks of PhD students of ITM as well as, recent investigations were reviewed. In addition, 16 ITM experts were interviewed to collect empirical data. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 software and categorized based on conventional content analysis.

Result:

Here, dry dystemperament of the liver was classified into three main themes of systemic, local, and Para-clinical symptoms and 10 categories. Phenotypic features, skin color, dryness or stiffness in mucus, skin and subcutaneous tissue touch, general or gastrointestinal dysfunction; especially thirst and systemic impressibility speed were the most important clinical diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion:

In this study, a new definition was presented for dry liver dystemperament. Based on the results, there were some scattered symptoms in textbooks, which were of the same importance. However, in empirical phase, the experts of traditional medicine stated that in clinical diagnosis, some signs or symptoms are more important for them. The concept of dry liver dystemperament was classified into 10 categories which were the same as dysfunction in 10 categories that mentioned for general temperament.

The Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L), A Proposed Remedy as to a Fertile Agent in the Viewpoint of Iranian Traditional Medicine

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Infertility is a major problem in medical sciences. Despite recent advances in diagnosing and treatment of infertility, it is still one of the most important medical problems. The aim of this study is to review the role of the parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L), a proposed remedy as to a fertile agent in the viewpoint of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) and review the evidence in the conventional medicine.

METHODS

In this literature research, we investigated some important Persian medical and pharmaceutical manuscripts in ITM. The search was conducted with the keyword of the fertile agent, and the parsnip was one of the choices mentioned as a fertile agent which is also available. In order assess the current findings, a search was done in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

RESULTS

In ITM, the parsnip is recognized as a stomach astringent, liver and uterine tonic and Stimulates ovulation. It is named as semen or sexual desire increaser and fertile agent. In the viewpoint of ITM, attention to the health of main or vital members of the body (including the heart, brain, and liver) in addition to the health of the urogenital system, may have led to the treatment of infertility.

CONCLUSION

In some studies, the effects of the parsnip on spermatogenesis, number, and sperm motility are investigated but no studies have been done on women's infertility. This review shows that the parsnip can be as a fertile agent in female infertility. So, further clinical research is recommended.

Explanation of the Concept of Wet Liver Dystemperament (sue-mizaj) in Iranian Traditional Medicine (Persian medicine): A Hybrid Concept Analysis

Objectives: The semiology of liver dystemperament can help in predicting susceptibility to some diseases and improving the treatment process of the liver or general disease such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explain the wet liver dystemperament concept in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) based on a hybrid concept analysis. Materials and Methods: The literature review of this qualitative study focused on evaluating 11 major academic textbooks from the 3rd to 19th century and some databases. In-depth, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 ITM experts with a minimum of five years of clinical experience and maximum variations in terms of gender, age, and clinical experiences for empirical data gathering. Data were analyzed with MAXQAD10 and conventional content analysis. Results: In this study, wet liver dystemperament was classified into three main themes of systemic, local, and Para-clinical symptoms and 10 categories. Conclusions: This manuscript explains wet liver dystemperament as a disorder in general temperament and determines more important diagnostic criteria.

A Historical Review of Persian Medicine Studies into Saliva Manifestations for Potential Applications for Diagnosis and Management of Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Regarding the development of diagnostic tests based on saliva and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the aim of this study is to review Persian Medicine manuscripts in the field of saliva manifestations, its relation to metabolic syndrome, and treatment recommendations.

METHODS

This study is a mini-review. We investigated the canon of medicine and some important Persian medical or pharmaceutical manuscripts from the 9th to the 19th centuries. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were explored for finding relevant information about the relationship between saliva and metabolic syndrome and its treatment.

RESULTS

Studies have suggested that maldigestion is one of the important causes of MetS. Sialorrhea may be an early symptom of maldigestion. Attention to sialorrhea and its treatment may be useful in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome based on PM sources. In PM, sialorrhea is treated with 3 major approaches: lifestyle modification along with simple or compound medicines.

CONCLUSION

Saliva manifestations could be considered as early symptoms of metabolic syndrome. As mentioned in WHO strategies, traditional medicine can be used along with modern medicine due to its effectiveness in the management of various ailments.

Theoretical Explanation of Warm and Cold Gastric Dystemperament in Iranian Traditional Medicine :A Hybrid Concept Analysis

Background:

Gastrointestinal diseases are a major source of mortality and impose high cost in the United States. The stomach is a hollow muscular bag which begins the second stage of digestion. The whole consumed food first passes through this organ, so it is the most important part of the digestive system .Traditional and complementary medicine have always been considered for the selection of new therapies. Iranian traditional medicine is one of the traditional medicine systems whose history dates back to thousands of years ago. In the ITM scientific field which is based on temperament (Mizaj), the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, is of particular importance.

Objective:

This study is aimed at understanding the concept using the qualitative method and hybrid concept analysis, which collect qualitative data.

Method:

This study investigates the stomach-related concepts by studying the books and reviewing the views of the professors and experts in this field and patients' experiences.

Results:

The concept of cold and warm gastric dystemperament was extracted. After the implementation and review of the interview with ITM professors and experts, this concept were out reached.

Conclusion:

In this study, the concept of cold and warm gastric dystemperaments has been gathered from Iranian traditional medicine books and the opinions of experts and patients' experiences so that we could offer it as an acceptable questionnaire in the future by investigating its validity and reliability for quick and better diagnosis of gastric dystemperaments.

Water Intake from the Points of View of Rhazes and Avicenna

Owing to the effect of acute and chronic hypohydration on health and the lethal effects of hyperhydration, an appropriate amount of water intake is important for each individual. Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) is a holistic system one of whose important parts deals with lifestyles and how to maintain health, including the amount of water intake for every person and the appropriate principles of drinking water. In this study, Avicenna's Canon of Medicine, Rhazes' Benefits of Food and Its Harmfulness, and conventional medical articles were reviewed to evaluate the amount of water intake for each person and the principles of drinking water. TIM has expressed an individualized difference in the amount of water intake in the form of temperament and the relationship between the appropriate time of drinking water with other daily activities. In this view, drinking water at the inappropriate time causes liver and gastrointestinal diseases; it can create the foundation for conducting new studies in the field of appropriate water intake and lifestyle changes to reduce malnutrition complications.

Appetite Reducing Herbal Drugs from the Perspective of Avicenna and Aghili in Iranian Traditional Medicine (Persian medicine)

The increasing prevalence of obesity is one of the major problems of today's society. Man needs food to continue living, daily activities, and even the metabolism of food; and appetite plays an important role in receiving foods. Appetite and weight reducing synthetic drugs, which are mostly costly and have significant side effects, are recommended for some patients, and have limited effectiveness in the treatment of obesity. Given the epidemic of obesity and the lack of satisfaction with synthetic drugs these days, people are more likely to use herbal medicines. Complementary medicine has always been considered for the choice of new treatment. This medicine has a long history. Persian Medicine is one of the traditional medicine systems. This study was a qualitative study on the Books of Canon and the Makhzan Al-Aladvia. Saffron has been introduced in both modern medicine and in Iranian medicine to reduce appetite. In the case of Purslane seed and Chio nut, Figs, Sesame seeds, Camphor, and Solomon's seal, and Opium poppy, which have been appetite suppressant in traditional medicine books, in the books and articles of modern medicine, they have not proved to be appetite reducing. Modern medicine has known Gourd as a weight reducing food with the effects on fat but there is no talk about its effects on appetite. According to traditional Iranian medicine, Chio nut causes anorexia due to weakness in the stomach. Therefore, it is not advisable for weight loss. More clinical studies are conducted to prove the effects of appetite suppressant and weight loss effects of these herbal medicines seem logical.

Antimony(III) Acetate an Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of 1-Amidoalkyl-2-Naphthols

Antimony(III) acetate was used in the one-pot three-component synthesis of multigram quantities of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols from the condensation between aldehydes, 2-naphthol and acetamide under solvent-free conditions at ambient temperature. The present method has several advantages such as high yields, easy purification, mild reaction conditions, easy work-up, survival of different functional groups and very short reaction times.

Antimony (III) Acetate as a Versatile and Efficient Catalyst for Synthesis of 14-Aryl-14H-Dibenzo[a,j]Xanthenes at room Temperature

Antimony (III) acetate was used in the one-pot three-component synthesis of biologically active 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j] xanthenes from the condensation between arylaldehydes and (3-naphthol under solvent-free conditions at ambient temperature. This methodology has a number of advantages such as, short reaction time, easy work-up and high yields.

N,N'-(4-Chloro-benzyl-idene)dipyrimidin-2-amine

The title compound, C₁₅H₁₃ClN₆, contains two pyrimidine rings and one benzene ring, where the dihedral angle between the planes through the pyrimidine rings is 81.57 (10)°, and those between the pyrimidine rings and the benzene ring are 84.02 (8) and 89.46 (7)°, indicating that the three rings are almost perpendicular. In the crystal, inter­molecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into infinite chains along (100).

1-(2-Pyrid-yl)-N,N'-dipyrimidin-2-ylmethane-diamine

In the title compound, C₁₄H₁₃N₇, inter­molecular N—H⋯N and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into infinite one-dimensional chains along (100). A C—H⋯π inter­action also occurs in the crystal.

Integrated-optic Nd:glass laser fabricated by flame hydrolysis deposition using chelates

We have demonstrated an Nd:glass waveguide laser deposited on a silica substrate by flame hydrolysis deposition using chelates. Continuous-wave lasing at lambda = 1062 nm was verified with a threshold of 143 mW and a slope efficiency of 2.1% when the laser was pumped at 807 nm. The flame hydrolysis deposition process using rare-earth chelates produces low-loss films with high Nd concentration and is suitable for multiple rare-earth doping.

Glass fiber laser at 1.36 microm from SiO(2):Nd

By adding 14 mol % P(2)O(5) to the core of a SiO(2):Nd fiber, laser emission was obtained at 1.36 microm. From the fluorescent spectra and laser thresholds for the (4)F(3/2) to (4)I(11/2) and (4)F(3/2) to (4)I(13/2) transitions, the net gain at 1.36 microm is 0.024 dB/mW, and the ratio of excited-state absorption (the (4)F(3/2) to (4)G(7/2) transition) to stimulated emission is estimated to be 0.78.

Gain switching of a Nd(+3)-doped fiber laser

We report the generation of gain-switched pulses near 1.06 microm from a Nd(+3)-doped single-mode fiber pumped at 590 nm. For a 5-cm-long fiber, pulses of 100 nsec at a 1-MHz repetition rate were obtained. For a 1-cm-long fiber, the pulse shortened to 40 nsec at repetition rates of up to 2.5 MHz for a single, independently drivable relaxation oscillation.