Computational and in vitro analyses on synergistic effects of paclitaxel and thymoquinone in suppressing invasive breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: In the present experiment, we evaluated the impact of thymoquinone (TQ) and paclitaxel (PTX) treatment on MDA-MB-231 cell line growth inhibition via controlling apoptosis/autophagy. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: MDA-MB-231cells were exposed to PTX (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 nM), TQ (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM), and combinations for 48 h. After the MTT assessment, dose-response curves and IC50 values were calculated, and the combination synergism was evaluated using the Compusyn software. Following the treatment with PTX, TQ, and combinations at IC50 doses, the expression of apoptosis and autophagy genes was assessed in cells. The GraphPad Prism program was used to analyze the data, and Tukey's test at p < 0.05 was then run. PTX, TQ, and their combinations inhibited MDA-MB-231cell proliferation and viability dose-dependently. TQ reduced the effective concentration (IC50) of PTX in co-treatment groups. PTX and TQ showed antagonistic effects when cell proliferation declined above 70%. Antagonistic effects shifted into additive and synergistic effects upon increasing PTX concentration, indicated by diminished cell proliferation below 70%. PTX-TQ co-treatment significantly enhanced P53 and BAX expression while reducing Bcl-2 expression. Also, their combination increased Beclin-1, ATG-5, and ATG-7 expression in treated cells. CONCLUSION: Effective concentrations of TQ and PTX had synergic effects and inhibited breast cancer cells via prompting apoptosis and autophagy in vitro.

Resveratrol Nanoformulation Inhibits Invasive Breast Cancer Cell Growth through Autophagy Induction: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) for resveratrol (RSV) delivery and assess their effectiveness in inducing autophagy in MDA-MB 231 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, Pure and RSV-loaded Cs NPs (RSV. Cs NPs) were prepared via the ionic gelation method, and their physicochemical properties were characterized using standard techniques, and RSV release was measured in vitro. MDA-MB 231 cells were incubated with RSV, Cs NPs, and RSV. Cs NPs and Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated following the MTT test. Cell viability was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and autophagy was evaluated using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: NP formation was confirmed with the analysis of FTIR spectra. Pure and RSV. Cs NPs had 36.7 and 94.07 nm sizes with 18.3 and 27 mV zeta potentials, respectively. Above 60% of RSV entrapped within NPs was released in an initial burst manner followed by a gradual release till 72 hours. Cs and RSV. Cs NPs restrained cell proliferation at lower concentrations. RSV. Cs NPs showed the highest anticancer effect and stimulated autophagy, indicated by increased Beclin-1 ATG5, ATG7, LC3A, and P62 expression. CONCLUSION: RSV. Cs NPs show promising effects in inhibiting invasive breast cancer (BC) cells in vitro by inducing autophagy.

Investigation of the effects of different substrates on the promotion of the soil microbial consortium, encompassing bacteria and fungi, in the bioremediation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209).

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is recognized as an emerging and hazardous pollutant in numerous ecosystems. Despite this, only a few studies have concurrently investigated the biodegradation of BDE-209 by a microbial consortium comprising both bacteria and fungi. Consequently, the interactions between bacterial and fungal populations and their mutual effects on BDE-209 degradation remain unclear. Our main objective was to concurrently assess the changes and activity of bacterial and fungal communities during the biodegradation of BDE-209 in a real soil matrix. In the present study, various organic substrates were employed to promote soil biomass for the biodegradation of BDE-209. Soil respiration and molecular analysis were utilized to monitor biological activity and biomass community structure, respectively. The findings revealed that the use of wheat straw in the soil matrix resulted in the highest soil respiration and microbial activity among the treatments. This approach obviously provided suitable habitats for the soil microflora, which led to a significant increase in the biodegradability of BDE-209 (49%). Biomass survival efforts and the metabolic pathway of lignin degradation through co-metabolism contributed to the biodegradation of BDE-209. Microbial community analysis identified Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria-Betaproteobacteria), Firmicutes, Bacteroides (bacterial phyla), as well as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (fungal phyla) as the key microorganisms in the biological community involved in the biodegradation of BDE-209. This study demonstrated that applying wheat straw can improve both the biological activity and the biodegradation of BDE-209 in the soil of polluted sites.

A probabilistic health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in edible vegetable oils consumed in Hamadan, Iran.

In this study, potential toxic element (PTEs) including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium(Cd), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in traditional and industrial edible vegetable oils (peanut, sunflower, olive and sesame) collected from Hamadan, west of Iran were determined using Inductivity Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Besides, probabilistic health risk assessment (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) was identified via total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) and cancer risk (CR) by the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model. The ranking of concentration PTEs in traditional and industrial edible vegetable oils was Fe > Zn > As > Pb > Cd. The in all samples, content of PTEs in industrial oils were upper than traditional oils (p < 0.001). The level of PTEs in most of vegetable oils was lower than permissible concentration regulated by Codex and national standard. In term of non-carcinogenic, consumers were at acceptable range (TTHQ < 1) due to ingestion both traditional and industrial vegetable oils content of PTEs. In term of carcinogenic, CR the both adults and children was higher than acceptable range (CR < 1E-6), Hence consumer are at unacceptable risk due to ingestion industrial vegetable oils content of inorganic As. Therefore, it is recommended to implement control plans for PTEs in vegetable oils consumed in Hamadan, Iran.

The anti-cancer effect of chitosan/resveratrol polymeric nanocomplex against triple-negative breast cancer; an in vitro assessment.

Herein, the authors synthesised chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) as a resveratrol (RSV) carrier and evaluated their efficacy in stimulating apoptosis in MDA-MB 231 cells. Blank (Cs NPs) and RSV- Cs NPs (RSV-Cs NPs) were synthesised via ionic gelation and characterised by using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering/Zeta potential and RSV release. MDA-MB 231 cells were treated with RSV, Cs NPs and RSV-Cs NPs (24, 48, and 72 h), followed by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell toxicity was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase assay, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to explore apoptosis induction. FTIR spectra confirmed the NPs via the formation of cross-linking bonds. Cs and RSV-Cs NPs sizes were about 75 and 198 nm with 14 and 24 mV zeta potentials. The RSV entrapment efficiency was 52.34 ± 0.16%, with an early rapid release followed by a sustained manner. Cs and RSV-Cs NPs inhibited cell proliferation at lower concentrations and IC50 values. RSV-Cs NPs had the most cytotoxic effect and stimulated intrinsic apoptotic pathway, indicated by increased Bcl-2-associated x (BAX), BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, P53 expressions, reduced Bcl-2 and upregulated caspases 3, 8 and 9. RSV-Cs NPs have a great potential to suppress invasive breast cancer cell proliferation by targeting mitochondrial metabolism and inducing the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

The Level of Heavy Metal in Fresh and Processed Fruits: A Study Meta-analysis, Systematic Review, and Health Risk Assessment.

Intake of fruits is important for health. However, it can be a contamination source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The present study aimed to investigate the concentration of PTEs such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and Iron (Fe) in various fresh and processed fruits. All the studies related to the concentration of PTEs in fresh and processed fruits by international databases including were included and non-carcinogenic risks assessment was evaluated based on the total hazard quotient (TTHQ). According to findings highest concentrations of As, Cd and Pb were observed in pineapple, mango, and cherry, while the lowest concentrations of these metals were found in berries, pineapple, and berries. Regarding trace elements, peach and cucumber represented the highest and lowest concentrations of Fe, respectively. Moreover, the highest and lowest concentrations of Cu were related to plum and banana, respectively. Considering the type of continents, the highest concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Fe, Ni, and Cu among fresh and processed fruits belonged to Pan American Health Organization (EMRO), EMRO, African Region (AFRO), European Region (EURO), AFRO, and Western Pacific Region (SEARO). Eventually, the non-carcinogenic risk assessment of the heavy metal in fresh and processed fruits indicated that the risk pattern was different in various countries and the calculated TTHQ level in infants was below 1. Overall, the consumption of fresh and processed fruits is safe and does not pose a risk to the health of consumers.

Application of fingernail samples as a biomarker for human exposure to arsenic-contaminated drinking waters.

This study evaluated the relationship between arsenic uptake via drinking water ingestion and arsenic concentration in fingernails as a biomarker for human exposure. For this purpose, we collected fingernail samples from 40 healthy participants of arsenic-affected rural regions of Kaboudrahang County, the west of Iran. A total of 49 fingernail samples were also collected from individuals who lived in areas where contamination of drinking water sources with arsenic had not been reported. It was found that the fingernails arsenic contents in 50 and 4.08% of the samples collected from arsenic-contaminated and reference villages were higher than the normal arsenic values of nails (0.43-1.08 µg/g), respectively. Based on the results of adjusted multiple linear regression, a significant association was found between groundwater and fingernails arsenic concentration (p < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant association was shown between arsenic in the fingernail samples and gender (p = 0.037). Fingernails arsenic contents were not significantly affected by other variables including age, smoking habits, and BMI (p > 0.05). In light of the results of this study, the use of biological indicators such as fingernail tissues due to easier sampling and less risk of external contamination is suitable for assessing exposure to heavy metals in contaminated areas.

Trifolium pratense extract increases testosterone and improves sperm characteristics and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.

Male reproductive dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Trifolium pratense exhibits antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. We investigated the effects of an extract of T. pratense on serum antioxidant status, sperm characteristics, testicular tissue changes and testosterone level in diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: 1, untreated control; 2, diabetic; 3 and 4, 100 or 200 mg/kg T. pratense extract treated, respectively; 5 and 6, diabetic 100 or 200 mg/kg T. pratense extract treated, respectively. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After 3 weeks, serum glucose, testosterone and nitric oxide (NO); sperm parameters; testicular histology and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated. In diabetic rats treated with T. pratense extract, sperm motility, count and viability, as well as TAC and testosterone were increased significantly compared to untreated diabetic rats, while serum NO and bcl-2 and p53 expression was decreased significantly compared to untreated diabetic rats. T. pratense extract reduced testicular tissue destruction caused by diabetes.

Synergic effect of bee pollen and metformin on proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells: Rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility associated with metabolic complications. Several classes of pharmacological agents have been used to manage PCOS. These drugs have shown adverse effects. Various studies showed the bee pollen (BP) as a substance rich in phytoestrogens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BP and metformin alone and in combination with proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the rat model of PCOS. In this experimental study, 54 Wistar rats (180-210 g), was injected 2 mg of estradiol valerate intramuscularly and six rats were considered as control. After 60 days, the rats were divided into control, sham, and experimental groups. The rats were treated with bee pollen (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and metformin (300 mg/kg), either individually or in combination. Ovarian histology assessment was examined by H&E staining. The serum levels of NO and TNF-α were evaluated. The expressions of P53 and Ki67 were measured by IHC. In the BP and metformin-treated PCOS group, the preantral and antral follicles increased, and cystic follicles significantly decreased (p < .01). The levels of TNF-α, NO, as well as the expressions of Ki67 were decreased in the treated groups compared to the PCOS group (p < .01). On the contrary, apoptosis increased in the groups treated with BP compared to the untreated group (p < .01). BP individually or synergistically with metformin improved the symptoms of PCOS.

Teucrium polium Extract Enhances the Anti-Angiogenic Effect of Tranilast in a Three-Dimensional Fibrin Matrix Model.

OBJECTIVE: Angiogenesis plays a dominant role in many pathophysiologic disorders, including cancer. Tranilast, which is an anti-fibrotic drug, is also suggested as an anti-angiogenesis agent. As Teucrium polium (TP) is known as an herbal medicine with antitumor properties, this study aimed to investigate the effects of TP and Tranilast on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in vitro model of angiogenesis, as well as rat's aortic ring ex vivo model. METHODS: In this study, The HUVECs were treated with various doses of TP and Tranilast each one alone or in combination together. Cell survival test, aortic ring ex-vivo assay, and evaluating mRNA expressions of VEGFA and TGF-ß ligands and receptors were performed. RESULTS: The survival rate of HUVECs has significantly (p <0.05) reduced by TP and Tranilast. The combination of both TP and Tranilast significantly reduced cell viability as compared to the administration of TP or Tranilast alone. As well, the treatment of HUVECs with TP and/or Tranilast significantly (p <0.05) decreased TGF-ß1, TGF-ß 2, TGF-ßRI, and TGF-ßRII mRNA expression levels, but not the expression of TGF-ß3 and TGF-ßRIII in the TP-treated cells. Image analysis showed that TP and/or Tranilast inhibited vascular growth in the aortic ring assay. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly support the anti-angiogenic effects of the TP and Tranilast combination on both in vitro and ex vivo models of angiogenesis. However, further investigations in in vivo models and human studies are needed before human use.

Deterministic and probabilistic human health risk assessment approach of exposure to heavy metals in drinking water sources: A case study of a semi-arid region in the west of Iran.

In the current study, the concentration of heavy metals (Ba, Mn, Pb, and Cd) in drinking water resources of 328 villages in Hamadan Province were measured using ICP-OES apparatus during two dry (September 2018) and wet (April 2019) seasons. The assessment of the non-carcinogenic risk of selected heavy metals was conducted based on the recommendations of the USEPA. Also, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty of the effective variables were performed using Monte-Carlo simulations. Based on the results, Mn level in drinking water samples ranged 0.08-25.63 µg/L and 0.08-20.03 µg/L in dry and wet seasons, respectively. Similarly, Ba levels in water samples ranged 0.15-70.13 µg/L and 0.84-65 µg/L. Also, Cd and Pb concentrations in all sampling sites were below the limits of detection (LOD) of the ICP-OES apparatus. The hazard index (HI) values for adult and children were 2.17 × 10-3 and 3.29 × 10-3, respectively, which show a lack of non-carcinogenic risk for the examined heavy metals (Mn and Ba) to the local inhabitants. The results of the sensitivity analyses for adults and children revealed that two variables including metal concentration and ingestion rate of drinking water (IR) had the highest positive effects on the non-carcinogenic risk estimates. It was also found that there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk for the local residents in the studied area due to drinking water consumption.

The relationship between chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water and hearing function in exposed population aged 10-49 years: A cross-sectional study.

It has been documented that arsenic has a potential risk to human health and identified as a risk factor for hearing impairment. However, there are few studies that confirm the ototoxic effect of arsenic, especially on the human auditory system. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the correlation between auditory thresholds at different frequencies (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz) and arsenic levels in drinking water samples. A total of 240 people, divided into two equal groups: exposed and reference, were selected for the auditory tests. It should be noted that, at frequencies from 0.25 to 1 kHz, no hearing loss was observed in the both groups. Based on the results, no significant correlations (p > 0.05) were found between hearing thresholds and confounding variables including gender and BMI. However, smoking and age are known to be the main variables for hearing loss in univariate regression analysis. In the case of age, the hearing loss risk in the older participants was increased compared with the younger participants (4 kHz (OR =1.09; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) and 8 kHz (OR =1.12; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.18)). Smoking habits had significant associations with hearing loss risk at 4 kHz (OR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.47, 8.22) and 8 kHz (OR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.14, 7.95). The multivariate regression analysis showed that age, smoking status, and exposure to arsenic were significantly associated with increased risk of hearing loss. Moreover, no statistically significant correlation (p˃0.05) was observed between arsenic exposure and hearing loss in the logistic regression model compared to the reference group. These outcomes suggest that further investigation and cohort studies with a larger number of participants should be conducted to find an association between arsenic exposure and hearing loss in general population.

Green Tea, A Medicinal Food with Promising Neurological Benefits.

Neurological disorders and their sequelae, as of the widespread and critical humans' complications, affect the body's nervous systems, organ functions, and behaviors. According to WHO, neurological disorders are currently predicted to affect more than one billion people globally. It is well-established that complementary medicine is one of the high accepted interventions that could have been considered for the management of neurological ailments. The current review aimed to compile all the crucial data reporting the investigation on the conspicuous intervention of green tea (made of Camellia sinensis) and related lead compounds (especially l-theanine, epigallocatechin- 3-gallate, epicatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin) for their neurological activities, mechanisms of action, and clinical properties. According to the documents, green tea exhibits antidepressant, anti-neurodegenerative (e.g., anti-Parkinson and anti-Alzheimer), as well as neuroprotective effects.Chief among them, for offering novel work, it is worth focusing on several related assessments with great attention to more extensive standardized clinical trials, and subsequently more in-depth pharmacokinetic studies to safely introduce this beneficial medicinal food as a neuro-effective agent.

Doxorubicin and Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover) extract synergistically inhibits brain and lung metastases in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice.

Trifolium pratense L. (Red clover-T. pratense) commonly consumed as a healthy beverage has been demonstrated to have various biological activities including antioxidant and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimetastasis effects of doxorubicin (DOX) and T. pratense extract in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. In this study, 56 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 8/group) to receive DOX and T. pratense extract in three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. On day 36 after starting treatments, serum cytokines (IL-8 and IL-6) were measured. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed for GATA-3 in the brain and lung, and for CK5/6 in tumor tissues. Metastasis-related gene (matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2] and sirtuin-1 [SIRT-1]) expressions were also measured by real-time PCR. Our results showed that cotreatment with DOX and T. pratense extract improved stereological parameters (i.e., reduction in the volume of metastatic tumors) in the lung and brain and decreased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and IL-6). DOX and T. pratense extract synergistically down-regulated MMP-2 and up-regulated SIRT-1 genes, decreased the number of CK5/6-positive cells in tumor tissues, and inhibited metastasis of GATA-3-positive cells into the lung and brain. The combination of T. pratense extract and DOX synergistically inhibited the metastasis of 4T1 xenograft cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) extract and doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer in tumor-bearing BALB/c mice through modulation of apoptosis and increase antioxidant and anti-inflammatory related pathways.

Therapeutic strategies against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are associated with drug-induced toxicities. The tropical edible red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is rich in polyphenolic compounds which confer the plant potential anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of T. pratense and doxorubicin (DOX) on the apoptosis and proliferation of 4T1 tumor cells in an allograft model of tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. Fifty-six female 4T1-tumor bearing- BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 8/group) to receive different doses and combinations of DOX and T. pratense extract for 35 days. On the 36th day, serum estradiol (E2), IL-12 and IFN-γ cytokines, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured. Tumor's ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the expressions of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) were also evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and p53 were performed. Our results showed that the co-treatment of DOX and T. pratense (100-400 mg/kg) inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 tumor cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. The co-treatment of DOX and T. pratense (especially at the dose of 400 mg/kg) decreased the serum level of E2 (as a stimulant for breast tumor growth) and increased the serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ along with significant increments in serum GPx and tumor FRAP activities. The co-administration of DOX and T. pratense also decreased the expression of Ki-67 proliferation marker and increased the number p53 positive (i.e., apoptotic) cells within tumors. This was accompanied with the upregulation of pro-apoptotic and down-regulation of antiapoptotic genes. The key findings indicated the synergistic effects of DOX and T. pratense against TNBC xenografts.

Inhibitory effect of resveratrol on the growth and angiogenesis of human endometrial tissue in an In Vitro three-dimensional model of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-dependent disorder and one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic and phytoestrogenic compound with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-estrogenic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of RES on human endometrial growth and angiogenesis in an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model of endometriosis.Human endometrial tissues of endometriosis (endometriotic) and normal (endometrial) subjects (n = 9/groups) were biopsied in sterile conditions and cut into 1 × 2 mm pieces. Tissue fragments of each biopsy were given concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 50, 100 and 200 µM RES for 21 days in 3D culture condition using fibrin as an extracellular matrix. Scoring methods were used for tissue changes, including; cellular invasion, monolayer formation and angiogenesis. Nitric oxide (NO) was measured using Griess's reaction, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate the apoptotic gene expression.The mean of growth scores of endometriotic and endometrial tissue showed a significant dose dependent inhibition (P < 0.05). The levels of NO also significantly decreased in different groups. Apoptotic genes (P53, Bax, Bcl2 and caspase 3) and Sirt1 showed a significant increase in various concentrations of RES in both tissues (P < 0.05).RES exert dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects on human endometrial tissue, and its higher doses suggested it as a natural supplement to inhibit the growth and treatment of endometriosis.

Discovery of stable and intrinsic antiferromagnetic iron oxyhalide monolayers.

Two-dimensional (2-D) antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials have shown promise over their ferromagnetic (FM) counterparts for developing advanced spintronic devices; however, they have been rarely found with high Néel temperatures to date. Here, by employing first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that the family of 2-D iron oxyhalides monolayers, FeOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I), are magnetic Mott insulators with their AFM ground state possessing relatively high Néel temperatures. The structural stabilities of the FeOX monolayers are proved using a set of phonon, molecular dynamics, and elastic constant calculations. The calculated Néel temperature of the FeOCl monolayer is close to that of FeOCl bulk because of the weak van der Waals interaction between the layers. More importantly, the predicted Néel temperatures of FeOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) monolayers can be increased by biaxial compression strain. The Néel temperature of the strained FeOF and FeOI monolayers can approach 200 K, which suggests that they can be robust antiferromagnets with relatively high Néel temperatures compared with other available 2-D magnets. Our calculations show that both the in-plane and the inter-plane magnetic interactions affect the AFM coupling between Fe atoms in FeOX monolayers. The easy axis of the 2-D FeOX is found to be along the in-plane direction. The FeOX monolayers may provide an excellent platform for building novel spintronic devices at the nanoscale.

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of alcoholic/hydroalcoholic extract of Trifolium pratense.

Objective: Trifolium pratense has many healing properties, including fewer complications of menopause, cancer cell suppression, reducing blood glucose and lipids, as well as cardiovascular beneficial effects. The purpose of this study was to identify the phytochemical and mineral composition of T. pratense. Methods: Plant aerial parts were harvested and dried, and then hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts were prepared. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method was used to identify volatile compounds then liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was used to identify polyphenols and the mineral elements were identify by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer/ICP-AES and scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) methods. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined based on colorimetric method, and total flavonoid content (TFC) was established based on the folin-chiocalteau reagent. Furthermore, two assays (DPPH and FRAP) were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of T. pratense ethanolic extract. Results: A total of 37 polyphenols and 107 peaks were identified by LC-ESI-MS analysis, and the GC/MS method also detected 21 volatile compounds, the most important of which were methylcyclopentane, dimethylpentanal and hexadecanol. A total of 18 mineral elements, including K, Mg, Al, Si, Zn, Ni, Cu, Se, Co, Fe, Mn, and Ca in the plant, were identified ICP-AES and SEM-EDS analysis. Conclusion: T. pratense has many therapeutic compounds such as polyphenol (isoflavone and flavonoids), volatile compounds, and essential mineral elements, which can be formulated purely and used in the pharmaceutical and traditional medicine industries.

Noscapine Inhibiting the Growth and Angiogenesis of Human Eutopic Endometrium of Endometriosis Patients through Expression of Apoptotic Genes and Nitric Oxide Reduction in Three-Dimensional Culture Model.

Noscapine is a natural alkaloid with anti-angiogenesis activities. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of noscapine on eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients (EEE) and normal endometrium (NE) in a three-dimensional (3D) culture model. In this experimental in-vitro study, EEE (n = 8) and NE (n = 8) biopsies were taken from 16 reproductive aged women. The biopsies were cleared from blood and mucus. Each biopsy was cut into small fragments (1 × 1 mm) in a sterile condition. For 3D culture, the endometrial fragments were put between two layers of fibrin jell made of fibrinogen solution [3 mg/mL in Medium199 (M199) + thrombin]. Twenty-four wells of culture dish was divided into 5 groups for each biopsy: the control wells were treated with M199 containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) while, the test wells were exposed to the same media containing one of the noscapine doses (10, 50, 100, and 200 µM). The expression of apoptotic genes, growth score, angiogenesis, and nitric oxide (NO) secretion were evaluated. The mean of growth score of groups exposed to 0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 µM were 2.2 ± 0.55, 1.7 ± 0.45, 1.44 ± 0.27, 0.29 ± 0.1, and 0.1 ± 0.08 in EEE, and also, 2.11 ± 0.6, 1.65 ± 0.5, 0.79 ± 0.41, 0.18 ± 0.1, and 0.1 ± 0.1 in NE, respectively, and the difference between the groups was significant (P < 0.05). The expression of apoptotic genes significantly increased while, the levels of Bcl-2 and Sirt1 reduced (P = 0.004). NO secretion reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in both EEE and NE groups. In conclusion, higher doses of noscapine showed inhibitory effect on growth and angiogenesis of EEE and NE.

A comparative study for the removal of imidacloprid insecticide from water by chemical-less UVC, UVC/TiO2 and UVC/ZnO processes.

BACKGROUND: Chloronicotinic insecticide are a class of pesticides that are commonly used as insecticides. Among the frequently used chloronicotinic pesticide, imidacloprid (IM) was developed in 1986. The residual of this insecticide or any pesticides may have serious public health threats. METHODS: Both degradation and mineralization of the imidacloprid (IM) in aqueous solution was studied under various experimental conditions using different advanced oxidation processes namely, ultraviolet C (UVC), UVC + TiO2, and UVC + ZnO. All the experiments were performed using a lab-scale batch photoreactor with a working volume of 100 mL equipped with low-pressure mercury vapor lamp (9 W, 18 cm long, Philips Co.), emitting UV radiation with maximum intensity at 254 nm. The possible intermediates and a reaction pathway for photocatalytic degradation of the IM were also evaluated. RESULTS: It was observed that under optimal condition for UVC/TiO2 process (C0 = 100 mg/L, pH = 7.5, t = 20 min, TiO2 dose = 100 mg/L), IM was effectively degraded (88.15%) and followed the first order kinetics model. The degradation efficiency increased with increasing of illumination time and is more favorable in alkaline pH compared to acidic pH. Degradation of the IM in photocatalytic process was compared with photolysis showing a significant synergy effect in the case of the photocatalytic degradation process, leading at 20 min illumination time to a 36.7% increase of the IM removal efficiency in comparison to the single UVC. The GC/MS chromatograms before and after treatment confirmed the effectiveness of the UVC/TiO2 process in simplifying the nature of IM and its conversion to more simple and degradable compounds. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneous UVC/TiO2 process was found to be an efficient chemical-less method that is appropriate for degradation of IM from aqueous phase.