فهرست مطالب

Focus on Science
Volume:3 Issue: 4, 2017 Oct - Dec

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1396/10/20
  • تعداد عناوین: 5
|
  • Fatma Lanouar, Iteb Boughattas, Marouen Mkhinini, Noureddine Bousserhine, Mohamed Banni Page 2
    Introduction
    The aim of this work is to investigate the genotoxic effect and related gene expression in the worms Eisenia andrei exposed to four sublethal concentrations of aloin crude extracts (10, 50, 100 and 200 g/kg soils) for 7 and 14 days.
    Methods
    First, worm’s growth after the exposure periods was assessed. Micronucleus (MN) frequency in worm’s coelomocytes was evaluated for the potential genotoxic effect of aloin. The gene expressions regulations were evaluated with the genes involved in DNA repair: the P21 and topoisomerase, The Lysosomal/cytoplasm ratio was scored as general biomarker of cytotoxicity.
    Results
    Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the MN frequency along the aloin increasing concentrations associated with a significant reduction in worm’s growth. Similarly Lysosomal/Cytoplasm ration was highly affected by aloin particularly at higher concentrations and after 14 days of exposure. The gene expression pattern of P21 and Topoisomerase was markedly up-regulated as low concentrations and down–regulated at higher concentrations.
    Conclusions
    Our data should be particularly considered in view of the toxic effect of aloe vera wastes mainly at industrial level.
    Keywords: SP-8203, Alloin, Genotoxicity
  • Alireza Nazari, Masoud Ali Naghipour Page 3
    Introduction
    Kidney stone is a prevalent disease, especially in desert and arid areas like Rafsanjan in Iran. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment of kidney stones that success rate of which depends on various factors. This study aimed at investigating predictive variables of success in ESWL in patients referred to the ESWL Unit of Moradi hospital (Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran) in 2016.
    Methods
    All patients referred to the ESWL unit in the hospital during a 6-month period in 2016 were included in this study. Demographic information, size, location, and orientation of stones were collected from interviews and sonography observations. Finally, the obtained data was investigated with the statistical Chi-square and logistic regression tests.
    Results
    The male to female ratio in patients with kidney stones was almost 2:1, and the overall estimated rate of lithotripsy was 71.7%. There was no difference between the male and female patients in the success of lithotripsy and, in addition, stone location did not affect the rate of success. The only successful predictor of ESWL was stone size. The larger stones were more successful broken than smaller.
    Conclusions
    Stone size plays an important role in the selection of treatment method. Breaking of larger stones is more successful in ESWL due to the greater absorption of ultrasonic energy emitted by the machine and because of the more accurate determination of their location.
    Keywords: Lithotripsy, Achievement, Size, Orientation
  • Subramani Srinivasan, Kathiroli Sujithra, Udaiyar Muruganathan, Raju Murali, Chandran Navetha, Dhananjayan Indumathi Page 4
    Introduction
    Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce the generation of hazardous substances. Since the last few years, natural products especially plant extracts have been extensively explored for their potency to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The current study designed to synthesize Ag NPs adopting a green approach using Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn (N. arbortristis) aqueous leaf extract.
    Methods
    Synthesized Ag NPs were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the prepared Ag NPs were also evaluated for the antibacterial activities.
    Results
    This study portrays a facile synthesis of N. arbortristis leaf extract and were noticed through visual color change to brown color. The achieved results authenticated with UV-Visible spectrum exhibited an absorption band at around 440 nm. The SEM images confirmed that the size of Ag NPs sample was 28-30 nm. FTIR results also confirmed the formation of Ag NPs. The Synthesized Ag NPs have enhanced antibacterial activities against both Bacillus cereus (gram positive) and gram negative bacteria (E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sps).
    Conclusions
    The current study illustrated in a simple one step invention of Ag NPs with better control over the size of the material and the significant antibacterial activity was displayed.
    Keywords: Green Synthesis, Silver Nanoparticles, Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn, Antibacterial Activity
  • Mojtaba Babaei Zarch, Fariba Binesh, Narges Ghanei Page 5
    Introduction
    Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a common neoplasm and one of variety squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) characterized by rapid growth with potential for tissue damage.
    Case Presentation
    A 64-year-old man presented with hyperkeratotic papules that initially appeared on the dorsum of his hand and slowly progressed to form a large annular plaque along with multiple small keratotic plaques and papules. He was depressed and worried about the appearance and lesions. He had a history of multiple surgery on the lesions that had recurrence and finally the surgeon decided to do extensive excision with flap that had recurrence on the donor and recipient site, too. Treatment with Acitretin was started. Evolution of new lesions had decreased and stable lesions had begun to regress.
    Conclusions
    Although the gold standard for the treatment of keratoacanthoma is surgical excision, oral retinoid can be a good choice for multiple recurrent keratoacanthoma.
    Keywords: Keratoacanthoma, Neoplasms, Acitretin
  • Ruohollah Seddigh, Meysam Shabanzadeh, Amir-Abbas Keshavarz Akhlaghi, Mansour Salehi, Masoud Mozhdehi Fard, Elham Shirazi, Hasti Hadizadeh, Reza Bidaki, Fariba Kabiri, Ehsan Zarepur Pages 9-13
    Introduction
    The relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and drug abuse has been indicated in earlier studies. This study was aimed to compare the prevalence of ADHD between Methamphetamine (Glass) abusing and dependent adults, referring to addiction treatment centers in Tehran, with a Control group
    Methods
    In this cohort study, the case group included the over-18-year individuals with only glass abuse background and an at least 1-month interval from their last abuse, referring to the specialist addiction treatment clinic of Iran Psychiatry Hospital and two outpatient addiction treatment centers on West and East Tehran, September 2014 to August 2015. The control Group included some 18-year and above staff at that hospital. The cases were given a combination of three questionnaires and provided with the necessary explanations to answer them. The obtained information was analyzed statistically using SPSS (chi square Test and the t-test).
    Results
    Both the case and the control groups included 60 individuals with a mean of 30.8 years (SD = 8.92) and 32.29 years (SD = 6.85) respectively. The females in the case and control were 10 16.7%) and 37 (62.5%), respectively. The mean scores for the Wender Utah Rating Scale were also 20.21 ± 62.16 and 10.31 ± 14.37. Based on the test analysis, there were some evidence for childhood ADHD for 71.7% of the case group and only 1.6% of the control group. The results of the CAARS questionnaire represent a possible diagnosis of adulthood ADHD for 63.3% of the case group and 1.6% of the control Group.
    Conclusions
    ADHD is much more prevalent over Methamphetamine abusers than the normal population. This dramatic difference indicates the necessity of ADHD examinations to plan an appropriate treatment plan and implementing a more effective treatment for them.
    Keywords: Methamphetamine, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Prevalence