Low-temperature argon plasma jet with cascading electrode technique for biological applications

In this study, the design, performance, and characteristics of a low-temperature argon plasma jet with cascading electrode technique (APJCE) are presented. APJCE is designed based on a tip-ring structure with a cascading ring. The effect of plasma jet driven by repetitive high-voltage microsecond pulses in APJCE structure was measured qualitatively in local surface temperature detection system. Then, by applying the generated plasma jet to biological surface and measuring and characterizing the electrical parameters, we obtained a plasma jet, which is electrically and thermally in the cold plasma regime. Simulation of the electric field distribution in the nozzle also yielded similar results to the experimental results. Finally, by cascading electrodes, we guided the plasma column to the nozzle output so that the plasma temperature within four centimeters of the nozzle output is 37 °C. The resulting plasma jets were studied by atomic emission spectroscopy and the intensity of the spectral lines of the atmospheric argon plasma jet spectra was obtained as a final experimental result at the output.

Micromorphological characters variation of lemma and palea in subtribe of Loliinae (Poaceae)

The subtribe Loliinae is one of the largest subtribes of Poeae with about 600 species. Festuca is a large genus with close relations to other genera as Lolium, Castellia, and Vulpia. The taxonomic history of the Festuca-Lolium species group is very complicated. The polyploidy and hybridization make it more confusing. Due to the morphological similarities between genera identification is very difficult, the aim of the present study is to provide the taxonomic characters for the delimitation of the taxa of subtribe Loliinae. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques for the evaluation of the lemma and palea surface micromorphology for 33 species of this subtribe. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to show the species groupings. Factor analysis based on the principal component analysis showed the diagnostic importance of each of the characters. The lemma and palea epidermal patterns of Castellia, Festuca, and Lolium were examined, and results revealed that Lolium and Vulpia sensu lato species made separate groups nested in the Festuca clusters. The length of the long cell of the lemma, prickle in the lemma and palea, the wall shape of long cells of the lemma, wax type, silica bodies of lemma and palea, and the short cells in palea were important diagnostic characters for the species studied. The measured and evaluated set of lemma and palea micromorphological features was unable to provide the delimitation of the Festuca genus as subgeneric or sectional level. Present observations illustrated a heterogeneous assemblage as Festuca that needs further study for delimitation.

Enhancement of polyphenolic content extraction rate with maximal antioxidant activity from green tea leaves by cold plasma

A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) atmospheric cold plasma was evaluated as a tool to increase the extraction rate of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity from green tea leaves. The effects of nitrogen DBD cold plasma on changes of color and surface morphology were investigated. Optimum conditions of cold plasma treatment (treatment time and generation power) were obtained by response surface methodology. After the nitrogen DBD cold plasma at 15 W of the generation power for 15 min, the TPC and antioxidant activity of green tea increased by 41.14% and 41.06%, respectively. The catechin also increased by 103.12%. The scanning electron microscopy results showed cell ablation and ruptures of the green tea leaf surface after nitrogen DBD cold plasma treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The developed DBD cold plasma source fed by nitrogen gas can be a suitable procedure for green and useful extraction of phenolic compounds from natural sources in the food industries.

Estudio etnobotánico de áreas del noroeste de la provincia de Isfahan, Iran

Irán es un país que ha utilizado de manera destacada las plantas medicinales desde la antigüedad. En este estudio, documentamos los datos etnobotánicos de los condados de Golpayegan, Shahin Shahr y Meymeh (provincia de Isfahán) por primera vez en Irán. El estudio de campo y la recolección de plantas se realizaron en diferentes temporadas en 2016 y 2017. Los datos etnobotánicos se analizaron utilizando información proveniente de cuestionarios realizados a 27 informantes. En total, se registraron 48 plantas de 24 familias de las áreas estudiadas. Las familias Asteraceae (36%) y Lamiaceae (23%) son las que contienen un mayor número de plantas citadas. Las hojas (45,83%) y las semillas (18,75%) son las partes de planta más utilizadas. Este estudio indica la importancia de las plantas útiles de las áreas estudiadas y la necesidad de realizar este tipo de investigación en otras partes del país con el fin de preservar esta valiosa información de los habitantes locales.

Comparative anatomical and micromorphological study of some Rumex species (Polygonaceae)

Rumex (Polygonaceae) is a large genus of annual, biennial and perennial species in temperate regions of the world. In Iran it is represented by 23 species and some hybrids classified in three subgenera. The species identification is difficult due to the importance of fruit features in species separation despite the fact, that plants lose their flower and some other features while bearing fruits. Providing the individuals with the proper set of diagnostic features is very difficult. There are inadequate anatomical studies of Rumex. The present study reports the first detailed stem anatomy and epidermis micromorphology of 6 species of Rumex in Iran. Main aims of this study were to find the diagnostic value of the adopted features. Cross sections were made by hand and double colored. Dorsal and ventral leaf epidermises were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results of stem anatomical study showed that collateral vascular bundle is only present in R. chalepensis and oxalate calcium druse crystals were only absent in R. elbrusensis. The micro-morphological study of epidermis showed that all species studied had anisocytic stomata type, but there were differences in the epidermis and stomata cell size. Species relationships based on the results have been discussed.

Molecular Imaging and Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Oral cancer is known as one of relatively common type of cancer worldwide. Despite the easy access of the oral cavity to examination, oral tumors are diagnosed in more advanced stages of the disease. Imaging techniques have been recently emerged as non-invasive approaches to detect molecular and cellular changes in living cells and organisms. These techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) could help physicians to screen patients with oral tumors particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in early stage of the disease. In this review, we discuss that early detection and diagnosis of oral tumors through using more robust and precise imaging techniques and a variety of cellular/molecular biomarkers not only could lead to more effective and less aggressive form of treatment for the disease but also could improve survival rates and lower treatment costs. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3055-3060, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Molecular imaging and cancer gene therapy

Gene therapy is known as one of the most advanced approaches for therapeutic prospects ranging from tackling genetic diseases to combating cancer. In this approach, different viral and nonviral vector systems such as retrovirus, lentivirus, plasmid and transposon have been designed and employed. These vector systems are designed to target different therapeutic genes in various tissues and cells such as tumor cells. Therefore, detection of the vectors containing therapeutic genes and monitoring of response to the treatment are the main issues that are commonly faced by researchers. Imaging techniques have been critical in guiding physicians in the more accurate and precise diagnosis and monitoring of cancer patients in different phases of malignancies. Imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are non-invasive and powerful tools for monitoring of the distribution of transgene expression over time and assessing patients who have received therapeutic genes. Here, we discuss most recent advances in cancer gene therapy and molecular approaches as well as imaging techniques that are utilized to detect cancer gene therapeutics and to monitor the patients' response to these therapies worldwide, particularly in Iranian Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals.Cancer Gene Therapy advance online publication, 18 November 2016; doi:10.1038/cgt.2016.62.

Melatonin decreases olanzapine induced metabolic side-effects in adolescents with bipolar disorder: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Olanzapine is the frequently prescribed drug in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder, but unfortunately it has metabolic side-effects. On the other hand, in a number of melatonin studies on sleep cycle, regulation of metabolic abnormalities has been reported. Therefore, we aimed to study effects of melatonin in reducing metabolic side-effects of olanzapine in 11-17 year-old patients with bipolar disorder. Seventy-seven 11-17 year-old outpatients entered into the study after their initial diagnosis of bipolar mood disorder by a psychiatrist. After assessing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 patients consented to participate in the study. Of this number, 24 patients were allocated to olanzapine, lithium carbonate, and melatonin and 24 patients were allocated to olanzapine, lithium carbonate, and placebo. Young mania rating scale was performed at baseline. Before treatment initiation and at sixth and twelfth weeks after treatment, Lipid profile, Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) were measured. ANOVA with repeated measure and independent sample t-test were used for data analysis. Nineteen patients in each group completed the study and yielded data for analysis.  ANOVA with repeated measure showed that FBS and Triglyceride (TG) (especially in boys) demonstrated greater increase in the placebo group compared to the melatonin group but the differences were not statistically significant. Melatonin significantly inhibited the rise in Total Cholesterol levels compared to placebo (P=0.032). Mean SBP rose more slowly in the melatonin group (1.05mmHg) compared to placebo (6.36 mmHg) (P=0.023). The trends in DBP did not show any significant pattern. Administration of melatonin along with olanzapine and lithium carbonate could significantly inhibit the rise in cholesterol level and SBP compared to placebo. The effect of melatonin on TG was more obvious in boys. Melatonin was more effective in prevention of SBP rise.

Effect of immunomodulator daraprim on potentiation of vaccine protection of leishmania major in BALB/c mice

In this study, a crude leishmanial antigen, was prepared by son icating Leishmania major promastigotes used to induce immunity in BALB/c mice against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Correlation between the route of antigen injection and the efficacy of induced protection was examined. To enhance the effectiveness of the antigen, an irnmunostimulant drug, daraprim (pyrimethamine), was administered simultaneously with the antigen. The experiment demonstrated that simultaneous intraperitoneal injection of the antigen and daraprim resulted in protection from subsequent development of cutaneous lesions. Results of lymphocyte proliferation from mice immunized with either the antigen or antigen-daraprim mixture showed a signficant response to the antigen. The results suggest that daraprim can be used in prophylaxis programs to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Systematic study of Bromus danthoniae (Poaceae) native to Iran

In this study different varieties of Bromus danthoniae in Iran are considered. Qualitative and quantitative morphological characters were evaluated for 32 accessions. Epidermal features were also studied for these accessions. The most variable morphological characters in the species delimitation were also determined. The varieties show significant variations in features as Awn status, Spike and spikelet length, Nerve number of Upper Glume, Lemma, Palea and Caryopsis length. Diagnostic features based on studied characters are identified and the varieties relationships are discussed.

Morphological and anatomical studies on Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (Labiatae)

In this study 39 macro-morphological features of 8 populations of Z. clinopodioides Lam. were studied to find their diagnostic features for distinguishing their different subspecies in Iran. Micro-morphological characters of epidermis and pollen grains were considered. In order to determine the most variable morphological characters among the species studied, factor analysis based on principal components analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 9. Palynological studies show the general form of tribe Mentheae. According to the present results, the pollen morphology in Ziziphora clinopodioides may be helpful in elucidating the infra specific relationships. Leaf micro-characters of epidermis were shown to be of great importance in the taxonomy of the Z. clinopodioides subspecies. Using complement macro-characters for taxonomic purposes is highly recommended in Ziziphora L.

Systematic study of weedy species of Setaria (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) in Iran

Weedy species of Setaria (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae, Panicoiodeae and Paniceae) compose one of the worst weed groups interfering with world agriculture and in other disturbed and managed habitats. These weed species (S. glauca, S. viridis and S. verticillata) form the foxtail species-group in Iran. In this study 30 populations from different part of Iran were collected. Morphological traits were studied. Some morphological characters as texture of upper lemma, awn color and ligule shape are used to differentiate Setaria species group in Iran. It is believed that these morphological traits have a lot of overlapping. Morphological variations were evaluated by multivariate statistical methods. This study shows the systematic value of different quantitative and qualitative characters in weedy Setaria species native to Iran. An identification key based on studied characters is provided.

New Bromus (Poaceae) record for the flora of Iran

Bromus danthoniae var. uniaristata Melderis (Poaceae) is recorded for the first time for the flora of Iran.

Systematic study of annual weed Phalaris minor Retz. (Poaceae) in Iran

Phalaris minor is an anuual grass in North temperate regions. This weed is inhabited in damp soils and swamps of Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region. Anatomical structure of leaf trans-sections, dorsal epidermis and morphological variation of 23 accessions of Phalaris minor from different parts of Iran were studied. Coastal and inter-coastal characters were evaluated and the intra-specific variations were studied. Results indicate a lot of variations in shape and wall thickness of long cells, the number and type of short cell, stomata number per leaf area, shape of silica bodies, guard cells and the presence of different kind of hairs. Also sclerenchyma position, the shape of midrib and furrows of leaf blade and the features of vascular bundles show a lot of variations. Different accessions show variations in shoot length and spike shape and length. The results indicate that there may be some ecotypes in Phalaris minor of Iran. Statistical analysis is provided for Iranian populations of weedy Phalaris minor.

Morphological study of Salicornieae (Chenopodiaceae) native to Iran

The tribe Salicornieae Dum. belonging to the subfamily Salicornioideae Kostel (Chenopodiaceae Vent.) includes halophyte plants. These 5 genera and 6 species are distributed in different habitats of Iran. Members of this tribe have reduced vegetative parts, scale like leaves and articulated stems. In this study quantitative and qualitative morphological characters for 46 accessions of Salicornieae were evaluated. Vegetative characters are not sufficient to distinguish these taxa. Our results indicated that vegetative form, globular buds, plant color, stem base disarticulation and presence of node at the base of inflorescence are diagnostic character in this tribe. Besides floral arrangement in inflorescences, bracts shape, color and shape of seeds are important key features in members of Salicornieae in Iran. Seed coat ornamentations and its hairs and color are found to be helpful in distinguishing these taxa. Quantitative characters show variation too, but as they were not significant, they can not help to resolve the taxonomic problems of this tribe in Iran. Based on studied morphological characters, an identification key for members of this tribe in Iran is provided.

A morphological and anatomical study of an annual grass Eremopyrum (Poaceae) in Iran

Eremopyrum (Poaceae) is distributed in various habitats in Iran. This genus is an Irano touranian floristic element and is represented by five species in Iran. In the morphological study 55 quantitative and qualitative characters were evaluated in 26 populations. It was observed that length of lowermost and uppermost glumes and its awn, spike length and lodicules lengths are diagnostic characters. In anatomical studies, the cross sections of the leaf blade and dorsal epidermis were examined and the stomata index was calculated. Characters as frequency of short and silica cells, number of macro hairs, prickles, subsidiaries, shape and number of vascular bundles are diagnostic. Inter- and intra- specific variation in Eremopyrum is evaluated.