[Effect of vermicompost and fungi inoculation on growth characteristics and steviosid content of stevia rebaudiana bert]

Background: According to the importance of Stevia rebaudiana that it's sweetener steviol glycosides, has been introduced in recent year as a natural alternative for saccharose, the evaluation of bio-fertilizers effects on growth and development of stevia is necessary

Objective: In this research the effect of vermicompost and mycorrhiza on growth traits and steviosid [ST] content in Stevia rebaudiana was studied

Methods: This research was conducted in faculty of agriculture of Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran, through a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The first factor was different levels of vermicompost [0, 10% and 20%] in basal medium including garden soil + 15% by weight Cow manure and also garden soil alone as a control treatment. Second factor was mycorrhiza fungi including inoculation Glomus mosseae and Piriformospora indica and treatment of non-inoculated plants.

Results: The bio-fertilizers had significant effect [P and le;0.01] on the studied parameters. The maximum amount of growth parameters [chlorophyll content, and fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and root] was obtained treatment of 20% of vermicompost and Glomus mosseae inoculation. The highest content of steviosid was obtained in end of vegetative growth stage and control treatment

Conclusion: Application of vermicompost significantly improved the chlorophyll content and growth traits and also the highest their amounts were obtained in combination treatment of vermicompost and mycorrhizal inoculation

Software designation to assess the proximity of different facial anatomic landmarks to midlines of the mouth and face

Recognition and determination of facial and dental midline is important in dentistry. Currently, there are no verifiable guidelines that direct the choice of specific anatomic landmarks to determine the midline of the face or mouth.The purpose of this study was to determine which of facial anatomic landmarks is closest to the midline of the face as well as that of the mouth.Frontal full-face digital images of 92 subjects [men and women age range: 20-30 years] in smile were taken under standardized conditions commonly used anatomic landmarks, nasion, tip of the nose, and tip of the philtrum were digitized on the images of subjects and aesthetic analyzer software used for midline analysis using Esthetic Frame. Deviations from the midlines of the face and mouth were measured for the 3 clinical landmarks; the existing dental midline was considered as the fourth landmark. The entire process of midline analysis was done by a single observer and repeated twice. Reliability analysis and 1-sample t- tests were conducted.The Intra-class correlation coefficients [ICCs] for reliability analysis of RFV and RCV measures made two times revealed that the reliabilities were all acceptable. The results indicated that each of the 4 landmarks deviated uniquely and significantly [P<.001] from the midlines of the face as well as mouth in both males and females.There was a significant difference between the mean ratios of the chosen anatomic landmarks and the midlines of the face and mouth. The hierarchy of anatomic landmarks closest to the midline of the face is: [1] midline of the commissures, [2] nasion, [3] tip of philtrum,[4]dental midline, and [5] tip ofthe nose. The closest anatomic landmarks to the mouth midline are: [1] tip of philtrum, [2] dental midline, [3] tip of nose, and [4] nasion

[Rapid Micropropagation of Lemon verbena [Lippia citriodora L.] using in vitro culture]

The genus Lippia contains more than 200 species that Lemon verbena [Lippia citriodora] has a high medicinal value. Therefore expansion of its acreage using development of rapid and new propagation methods has a high importance. The aim of this study was to present a rapid, new and effective method, using nodal segments, for large scale propagation of this plant. In order to the shoot micropropagation, lateral buds on nodal segments were placed on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxin and cytokinin hormones. Root induction was studied in the media containing IBA, NAA and activated charcoal. For acclimatization, plants were transferred to plastic bags containing a mixture of vermiculite, perlite and soil. The highest number of shoots was obtained on the MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP in combination with 0.1 mg/L IBA and well-developed shoots were rooted on the MS medium with 0.5 mg/L IBA and 2 gr/L activated charcoal. According to the high rate of proliferation in the media supplemented with BAP and IBA [3 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively], this technique can be used instead of conventional propagation methods, as a quick and economical technique to propagation of a wide range of the same plants

[Ability of iron oxide nanoparticles in ion silver removal from synthetic wastewater]

Ion silver from the internal surfaces tubes and generators inter to industrial wastewater by corrosion process. These ions have harmful effects on plants, animals and humans. Iron oxide is commonly used to removal chemical contaminates. However, the used of nanoparticles in removing pollutants is more effective than the mass. In this study, using of iron oxide nanoparticles for removal silver ions from synthetic industrial wastewater was investigated and the effective parameters were optimized for the better removal. This study is a experimental-laboratory that iron oxide nanoparticles was synthesized by exposing nZVI into air and then Ag+removal efficiency was studied in batch system. Also, the impact of the important field parameters including pH, iron oxide nanoparticles concentration, retention time, and temperature were investigated. After centrifugation and filtration, the amount of ion silver was determinate by flame atomic absorption. The results of this research showed that iron oxide particles were reacted with Ag+in nano scale. The maximum removal at pH=3, nano iron oxide concentration 35 g L-1 and 25°C was 99.2%.In optimum condition [pH=3, nano iron oxide concentration 10 g L-1, 5 hours reaction time and 25°C temperature] 87% of Ag+was removed. The concentration of nano iron oxide and pH had significant effect on the Ag+removal. The results showed that Ag+removal in acidic pH controlled by absorption on surface then reduction by atomic core. While, removal in basic pH controlled by absorption. The studies showed that iron oxide nanoparticles have high ability to remove Ag+and decrease of chemical pollution of Ag+from industrial wastewater

[ review on pharmacological effects of Ferula assa - foetida L.: a systematic review]

Ferula assa - foetida L., commonly known as Asafetida is an herbaceous, moncarpic, perennial medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family. The main origin of Ferula assa - foetida is the steppes of Iran and Afghanistan. Asafetida gum-resin has a long history for food additive and medicinal uses. In Asian traditional medical systems Asafetida gum-resin has been expected to be used as digestive system, cleansing and strengthening the gastro-intestinal tract, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, laxative, sedative and stomachic. Due to its current uses as well as its pharmacological effects further information needs for future clinical studies. The aim of this review was to provide an update overview of research studies focused on the pharmacological effects of Asafetida gum-resin. A computerized search of published articles was performed using the electronic database such as MEDLINE to 2010. The results indicate that, the large numbers of articles published on pharmacological effects of Asafetida over recent three decade. Asafetida gum-resin exert several pharmacological effects including, anti-histamine effect in gastero intestinal system, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anticholinerginc, and hypoglycemic as observed in experimental and clinical studies. In conclusion the present scientific-based evidence provides good information about pharmacological effects of asafetida gum-resin. This information may be useful to researcher for induction of clinical trial for this herbal medicine in treatment of traditionally recognized application such as gastrointestinal disease, cancer, hypertension and diabetes

[Assessment the education compariment to two ways: group education and computer education on quality of life in the children 8-12 years suffering from asthma in the Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan]

Asthma is one of the chronic diseases of childhood that affects patients' quality of life. Planned education is considered as an important factor in management of sufferers from chronic diseases. Subsequent implementation of such programs leads to almost 70% decrease in chronic diseases and reduction of the confined-to-bed individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of group vs. computer education on the quality of life in 8-12 year old children suffering from asthma in Zanjan Vali-e Asr Hospital. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 80 children aged 8-12 years who were suffering from moderate to mild asthma. Data collection tool was a questionnaire in which 11 items were about individual characteristics and 25 items were about quality of life concerning physical, psychological, mental and social dimensions. Samples were selected by a non-random method and then they were randomly divided into two categories; group and computer education. The questionnaires were completed by the researcher before and after the intervention. After one month the data were collected and then analyzed statistically. According to the analyses, mean and ranking of the quality of life in our study, regarding WHO standards, indicated an increase in the quality of life and there was a significant increase after the intervention in the quality of life in both groups [p<0/05]. The findings showed that not only education in both ways was helpful in the improvement of the quality of life, but the computer based education had an outstanding impact on it. Therefore, perseverance and promotion of the quality of life by means of continuous computer education for these patients are recommended

[Bioassay for toxicity assessment of zinc oxide and titanium oxide to escherichia coli ATCC 35218 and staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 bacteria]

This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of Titanium Oxide [TiO2] and Zinc Oxide [ZnO] nanoparticles as two of most widely used nanoparticles. The result of this study can help to designing environmental standard and legislations for nanoparticles. Different concentrations of nano ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles were added to nutrient Agar culture media. Then, definite numbers of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were added to culture media and inhibition of these bacteria growth was measured in comparison to controls. Obtained data were analyzed to determine nanoparticles' EC50 and NOEC [No Observed Effect Concentration] using SPSS ver.16 and Probit standard test. 24-hours EC50 of nano ZnO using E. coli and S. aureus determined to be 5.47 mg/L and 2.38 mg/L respectively. In addition, 24-hours EC50 of nano TiO2 using E. coli and S. aureus determined to be 5366 mg/L and 3471 mg/L respectively. In the case of ZnO nanoparticles, no observed effect concentration determined to be 1.15 and 3.28 mg/L for E. coli and S. aureus respectively and in the case of TiO2 nanoparticles no observed effect level determined to be 1937 and 1184 mg/L for E. coli and S. aureus respectively. This study showed that acute toxicity of nano ZnO is by farmore than that of nano TiO2. Regarding the EPA acute toxicity criteria, nano ZnO is categorized as moderately toxic and nano TiO2 is categorized as practically non toxic. Hence, regarding the acute toxicity, in recommending exposure criteria and environmental disposal standards, compared to nano TiO2, nano ZnO requires more attention

[Effect of phenol in aqueous solutions on toxicity ofnano-TiO2 and nano-Fe/TiO2 particles]

Specific and unique characteristics of nanoparticles may entail specific and unique hazards. In addition, they may also exhibit toxicity under certain conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the toxicity of phenol-exposed and phenol-unexposed nano-TiO[2] and nano-Fe/TiO[2] particles. Stock solutions of the afore-mentioned nanoparticles were prepared at different concentrations and a sample of each was exposed to phenol. This was followed by exposing Daphnia Magna to the phenol- and non-phenol-exposed nanoparticles. LC[50], NOEC and the concentrations at which mortality rates were 100% were determined 12 to 96 hours after exposure, while for the determination of the mortality rate of Daphnia the Probit model in SPSS version16 software was used. The results revealed that [1]. The 48-hr LC[50] values for phenol-unexposed nano-TiO[2] and nano-Fe/TiO2 particles were 2705 and over 15000 mg/m[3], respectively. The corresponding values for the phenol-exposed samples were 414 and 1253. [2]. The 48-hr NOEC values for the phenol-exposed TiO[2] and FeTiO[2] were 41 and 789, respectively, the corresponding values for unexposed samples being 1253 and over 15000 mg/m[3]. [3]. In addition, the 48-hr 100% mortality rates for phenol-unexposed nano-TiO[2] and nano-Fe/TiO2 particles were, respectively, 1253 and over 15000 mg/m[3], while for the phenol-exposed samples the corresponding rates were 1090 and over 2108. With regard to 48-hr LC[50], the findings show that the toxicity of both nano-Fe: TiO[2] and TiO[2] increases as a result of exposure to phenol, the increase being 12-fold for the former and 6.5-fold for the latter. In general, however, based on LC[50], it can be said that the toxicity of Fe:TiO2 nanoparticles, which has better catalytic characteristics, is lower in comparison to TiO[2] nanoparticles. Thus, using Fe:TiO2 in preference to pure TiO[2] should be investigated further, as it will be less hazardous to the environment

[Mandibular malignant triton tumor: a case report]

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors [MPNSTs] are very rare. Malignant triton tumor is an aggressive variety of MPNSTs with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. In this study we reported the clinical, radiographic, histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of an intramandibular malignant triton tumor. The patient was a 31 year-old male who was referred to maxillofacial surgery ward of Mashhad dental school with a painful swelling in the anterior part of mandible and facial asymmetry. After histopathological evaluation, surgery was performed and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of Triton tumor. Patient was referred for further necessary treatments. In cases of mandibular tumors with initial histopathologic findings of sarcoma, uncommon differential diagnosis such as peripheral nerve sheath tumors must be considered as well

[Evaluation of histopathologic changes in impacted third molar follicles in Mashhad dental school in 2005]

Since remaining impacted teeth may result in pathologic lesions, prophylactic extraction of third molar-which is the most frequent impaction-is among the most common surgical procedures. Our study was performed to evaluate the histopathoiogical changes of impacted molar teeth follicles. In this descriptive study, 54 impacted molar teeth follicles of 50 patients with age range of 15-38, and examined in the surgery ward of Mashhad dental school from June to November 2005, were extracted by a surgeon and pathologic evaluation were performed. In this study, the most commonly extracted teeth were mandibular molars [79%] and 74% of patients were under 25. The most frequent location of the extracted teeth was mesioangular [46%]. In microscopic evaluation of specimens, 61% were unchanged dental follicles, 12.9% were odontogenic cysts and 24% had inflammation. Considering the low incidence of pathologic changes in impacted third molar follicles, it is better not to extract them except in a clear indication. These teeth are better to be monitored by imaging with the 6-12 month intervals

[Osteolipoma of the oral cavity: a case report and review of the literature]

Lipoma is the most common benign tumor which composed 25-50% of soft tissue tumors.This tumor can undergo a variety of changes, one of which is ossification. Osteolipoma is a rare benign tumor which is especially uncommon in the oral cavity. This is a case report of an osteolipoma of the oral cavity in a 68-year-old male who was referred for a painless mass on the mandibular alveolar mucosa since about four years ago. Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of trabeculae of bone and mature adipose tissue confirming to be an osteolipoma.The patient recovered after resection. Osteolipoma can originate from osseous metaplasia within a long-standing lipoma following permanent stress,repeated microtrauma and prolonged ischaemia.Osteolipoma has the same prognosis as simple lipoma.The treatment of choice is excision. There have been no reports of recurrence

Preliminary study on virulence of some isolates of entomopathogenic fungi in different developmental stages of Boophilus annulatus in Iran

To evaluate the virulance of 11 isolates of native entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agent of Boophilus annulatus, in this study, 4 three months old calves were used for tick rearing. 7 Different developmental stages of the ticks, Boophilus annulatus were inoculated by 10 conidia/ml dilution of the fungal isolates in the presence of control groups. The mortality, egg hatchability and reproductive efficiency were determined in different treatments and control groups and the results were analized statisticaly. Metarhizium anisopliae strains DEMI001 and IRAN437C, Beauveria bassiana strain IRAN403C, and Lecanicillium psalliotae strain IRAN468C were the most virulent strains in comparison with their relative strains and caused 80 -100%, 20 - 80%, 0 - 40% and 0- 40% mortality for engorged females respectively. All 11 tested fungi reduced egg laying capability of the ticks several days before their death. The obtained data showed that the entomopathogenic fungi can affect all developmental stages of Boophilus annulatus, but their efficiency varies considerably according to the fungal species and strains. It is demonstrated for the first time the pathogenic effect of Lecanicillium psalliotae against Boophilus annulatus

[Antidermatophytal effects of the ointment, gel and methanolic extract solution of myrtus communis on guinea pigs]

There are many reports about the antimicrobial and the antifungal effects of Myrtal extract. This comparative and experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of Myrtus communis extract on 3 species, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum versus clotrimazole in guinea pigs. In this experimental study, ninthy three guinea pigs [450g body weight] were divided into 27 groups and inoculated with T. mentagrophytes, M. canis and M. gypseum. After the appearance of infections' symptoms, the infected animals in different groups, were treated with the 1%, 2% and 5% of gel, ointment or, the methanolic extract solution of Myrtus communis. One precent Clotrimazole was used for the positive control groups. Guinea pigs which were contaminated with M.canis did not show any signs of recovery after treatment with ointment in contrast to the solution and the gel [p<0.01]. The best results of improvement were observed in the cases infected with T. mentagrophytes but not against M. gypseum. There were no significant differences among myrtal concentrations against T. mentagrophytes. Overall, evaluating the results indicated that the effects of myrtal extracts on the anthropophilic and geophilic dermatophytes on the animal models were much better than 1% clotrimazole, although the animal model is very resistant to this ointment

Dental extractions in patients maintained on oral anticoagulant therapy: comparison of International Normalized Ratio [INR] value with occurrence of postoperative bleeding

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients treated with oral anticoagulant medication undergone dental extraction without interruption of medication and to compare the incidence of postoperative bleeding with International Normalized Ratio [INR] value. This study was a cross sectional study and the data collecting method was direct observation. A total of 362 patients undergone 703 dental extractions without interruption of oral anticoagulant medication were studied. For all patients INR value was measured on the day of surgery and based on INR value, the patients were divided into three groups: Group I with INR of 1.5-2.49, Group2 with INR of 2.5-3.49, and Group 3 with INR of> 3.5. Dental extraction was carried out by two surgeon and if necessary, local hemostatic agents were applied [gelfoam and multiple silk sutures]. The data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 statistical software [Willcoxan and Mann-Whitney tests]. Of the 360 patients undergone oral anticoagulant medication, in 30 patients postoperative bleeding occurred. 11 patients [7.43%] in group one, 10 patients [8.62%] in group two and 9 patients [9.18%] in group three, developed postoperative bleeding. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was not significantly different in three groups. Thus simple dental extractions can be performed without modification of oral anticoagulant therapy. Local hemostasis using gelfoam and sutures would be sufficient to control postoperative bleeding

[Prevalence of cataract in Tehran]

Purpose: to evaluate the prevalence of cataract, lens opacity, and other conditions of the lens among residents of Tehran aged 40 or above, Tehran-Iran

Methods: this study was performed as a part of the population based study on the prevalence of glaucoma among citizens older than 40 in Tehran. A total of 2 160 participants joined the study [50% response rate]. After performing a medical history interview, all participants were examined according to a standard protocol including refraction, visual acuity testing, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the anterior segment. Cataract was diagnosed as any lens opacity with visual acuity of 20140 or less in the absence of other causes of visual loss

Results: the prevalence of lens opacity among right eyes, left eyes, and overall was 29.4%, 30.6%, and 32.4%, respectively. Prevalence of cataract was 8.1% in right and 9.1% in left eyes, respectively. The overall prevalence of cataract was 12%. The rate of pseudophakia or aphakia was 3.9% in right or left eyes and 5.2% overall. The prevalence of cataract in male and female subjects was 14.3% and 10.6%, respectively. The prevalence of cataract among adults older than 50 [17.1%] was 9 times that of the 40-49 age group [1.9%]. The prevalence of lens opacity among males and females was 39.1% and 28.3%, respectively. The prevalence of lens opacity among adults older than 50 [45.7%] was more than 7 times that of the 40-49 age group [6.3%]. The prevalence of grade II lens opacification or over was 33.4%. The most frequent type of lens opacity was nuclear sclerosis followed by cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities

Conclusion: the prevalence of cataract and lens opacity in residents of Tehran aged 40 or over is significant especially among elderly indivisuals and it may be estimated that 240,000 persons in Tehran population have cataract and 648,000 have lens opacity, which is a matter of concern for our health system

[Blood level anti-HBS due to HB vaccine in health care personnel of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital-Yazd]

Objective: about 3% of the Iranian general population are carriers of hepatitis B virus, and about 15% of infected persons will be prone to chronic hepatitis and get cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Up to now no therapeutic regimen has been introduced to eradicate completely this infection

Material and Method: this cross-sectional study was performed on 204 health care personnel of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital [Yazd]. At first, a questionnaire including information about sex, age, vaccination, etc was completed. Anti-HBs were examined by Radim [ELISA method]

Results: from 204 subjects, 162 persons were female. The mean age of studied cases was 32.38 +/- 8.86 years. The mean titer of anti-HBs was 255.2+/- 300.6 mlU/ml, and with consideration of Anti-HBs = 10 mlU/ml as a cut-off value, 88.8% of subjects were immunized against hepatitis B

Conclusion: according to the results and decrease of immunity in health care personnel after years, it is suggested that the Anti-HBs titer should be examined one month after vaccination and be controlled every 5-10 years, and then booster vaccine be injected after reducing Anti-HBs titer to below protective level