Does vitamin D supplementation improve ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve and vitamin D deficiency: a before-and-after intervention study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of vitamin D supplementation on ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve and vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: The study is a before-and-after intervention study that was performed on women with diminished ovarian reserve referred to Shahid Mofteh Clinic in Yasuj, Iran. Eligible women were prescribed vitamin D tablets at a dose of 50,000 units weekly for up to 3 months. Serum levels of vitamin D and AMH were evaluated at the end of 3 months. Significance level was also considered P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Our results have been showed there was a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels of participants before [12.1(6.5)] and after [26(9.15)] the intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in serum AMH levels of participants before [0.50(0.44)] and after [0.79(0.15)] the intervention (P=0.02 ). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results of the current study support a possible favorable effect of vitamin D on increase AMH expression by acting on the AMH gene promoter. Therefore, it is possible that vitamin D increases AMH levels without changing the antral follicle count/ovarian reserve.

Culture of dental pulp stem cells on nanoporous alumina substrates modified by carbon nanotubes.

PURPOSE: Alumina substrates are one of the commonly used scaffolds applied in cell culture, but in order to prevent formation of biofilm on the alumina substrate, these substrates are modified with carbon nanotube. METHODS: The alumina substrate was made by a two-step anodization method and was then modified with carbon nanotubes by simple chemical reaction. The substrates were characterized with FTIR, SEM, EDX, 3D laser scanning digital microscope, contact angle (CA) and surface free energy (SFE). To determine how this modification influences the reduction of biofilm, biofilm of two various bacteria, Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), were investigated. RESULTS: The biofilm on the modified substrate decreased due to the presence of carbon nanotubes and increased antibacterial properties. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were cultured onto flat alumina (FA) and nanoporous alumina-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (NAMC) substrates to examine how the chemical modification and surface topography affects growth of DPSCs. CONCLUSION: Cell attachment and proliferation were investigated with SEM and Presto Blue assay, and the findings show that the NAMC substrates are suitable for cell culture.

Nanoporous solid-state membranes modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes with anti-biofouling property.

PURPOSE: Nanoporous membranes have been employing more than before in applications such as biomedical due to nanometer hexagonal pores array. Biofouling is one of the important problems in these applications that used nanoporous membranes and are in close contact with microorganisms. Surface modification of the membrane is one way to prevent biofilm formation; therefore, the membrane made in this work is modified with carbon nanotubes. METHODS: In this work, nanoporous solid-state membrane (NSSM) was made by a two-step anodization method, and then modified with carbon nanotubes (NSSM-multi-wall carbon nanotubes [MWCNT]) by a simple chemical reaction. Techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle (CA), surface free energy (SFE), protein adsorption, flow cytometry, and MTT assay were used for membrane characterization. RESULTS: The BSA protein adsorption capacity reduced from 992.54 to 97.24 (µg mL-1 cm-2) after modification. The findings of flow cytometry and MTT assay confirmed that the number of dead bacteria was higher on the NSSM-MWCNT surface than that of control. Adsorption models of Freundlich and Langmuir and kinetics models were studied to understand the governing mechanism by which bacteria migrate to the membrane surface. CONCLUSION: The cell viability of absorbed bacteria on the NSSM-MWCNT was disrupted in direct physical contact with carbon nanotubes. Then, the dead bacteria were desorbed from the surface of the hydrophilic membrane. The results of this research showed that NSSM-MWCNT containing carbon nanotubes have significant antimicrobial and self-cleaning property that can be used in many biomedical devices without facing the eminent problem of biofouling.

Sonochemical-solvothermal synthesis of guanine embedded copper based metal-organic framework (MOF) and its effect on oprD gene expression in clinical and standard strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The guanine incropped Cu based metal-organic framework (Guanine-Cu-MOF) was synthesized by facile one-step sonochemical method by simply mixing of 4-4, biphenyldicarboxylic, guanine and copper nitrate (Bio-Cu-H2bpdc-Gu). The prepared guanine-MOF was characterized by using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. The morphology of prepared material was sponge-shaped which it was well documented, together with the presence of existing functional groups. The effect of prepared material on oprD Gene Expression was investigated in Clinical and Standard Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO-1) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of prepared samples against P. aeruginosa strains were determined through the broth micro-dilution method. The expression of oprD gene in strains affected by Cu-H2bpdc-Gu was quantitatively investigated through real-time PCR. MIC of Bio-Cu-H2bpdc-Gu was 400 µg/mL for the standard and clinical strains of P. aeruginosa, while, MBC of this compound was 700 µg/mL for standard strain and 800 µg/mL for clinical strains. The highest and the lowest rate of oprD gene expression were found to be 3.6 and 1.1 fold in the strains, respectively.

Magnetic based nanocomposite sorbent combination with ultrasound assisted for solid-phase microextraction of Azure II in water samples prior to its determination spectrophotometric.

Present report designed for monitoring and recovery of Azure-II (Az-II) using ultrasound assisted- dispersive-magnetic nanocomposites-solid-phase microextraction (UA-DMNSPME) based on Zn@Cu-Fe2O4-NCs-CNT sorbent. The full contribution of conventional factors like pH, sorbent amount, eluent volume and sonication time on response were studied and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) combined with central composite design (CCD). According best figures of merits were achieved at following conditions: pH of 8.0; 5.0 mg sorbent and 5 min sonication which all accumulation Az-II was efficiently eluted by 180 µL of dimethylformamide which consequently permit achievement recovery of 99.8 ±â€¯1.1%. Under specified best conditions using 10.0 mL of sample at various conditions lead to detection limit (based on 3Sb/m), limit of quantification (10Sb/m) and the enrichment factor of 3.8, 12.6 ng mL-1 and 75.2, respectively. The while method has linear response over 30-4500 ng mL-1 of Az-II with acceptable correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9996. Inter- and Intra-day precision expressed as relative standard deviation (n = 3) and the preconcentration factor were 1.1-4.0%, 1.4-5.0% and 55.6, respectively. Good recoveries (95.2-103.3%) with low relative standard deviations (1.1-5.0%) strongly support successful applicability of present method for Az-II preconcentration and determination.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of phenolic acids from broccoli vegetable and using sonochemistry for preparation of MOF-5 nanocubes: Comparative study based on micro-dilution broth and plate count method for synergism antibacterial effect.

The aim of this work was comparison study of dilution and plating method for evaluation of the synergism effect of metal-organic framework nanocubes (MOF-5-NCs) and broccoli extract (Brassica oleracea) on antibacterial activity of standard and clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. For this purpose, sonochemical synthesis of MOF-5-NCs was performed and it was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, FESEM and EDS techniques. Maceration extraction (ME) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) methods in three different solvents were prepared and applicability of their extracts were compared in some cases such as radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. The HPLC/UV analysis was applied for separation, identification and evaluation of phenolic acids in prepared broccoli extracts. Then, antimicrobial activity of MOF-5NCs and broccoli extract against gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated by detection of minimal inhibition concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and zone of inhibition (ZOI). The results of in vitro assays showed that dilution method due to flase estimation of 4% viability percentage which is not logic by consideration of MBC well could not be able to estimate MBC. Therefore, plate count method was performed for precise calculation of MBC. MIC of broccoli extract and MOF-5-NCs on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were 7.81mgmL-1 and 3.13mgmL-1, respectively.

Isotherms and kinetic study of ultrasound-assisted adsorption of malachite green and Pb2+ ions from aqueous samples by copper sulfide nanorods loaded on activated carbon: Experimental design optimization.

Copper sulfide nanorods loaded on activated carbon (CuS-NRs-AC) was synthesized and used for simultaneous ultrasound-assisted adsorption of malachite green (MG) and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution. Following characterization of CuS-NRs-AC were investigated by SEM, EDX, TEM and XRD, the effects of pH (2.0-10), amount of adsorbent (0.003-0.011g), MG concentration (5-25mgL-1), Pb2+ concentration (3-15mgL-1) and sonication time (1.5-7.5min) and their interactions on responses were investigated by central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology. According to desirability function on the Design Expert optimum removal (99.4%±1.0 for MG and 68.3±1.8 for Pb2+ions) was obtained at pH 6.0, 0.009g CuS-NRs-AC, 6.0min mixing by sonication and 15 and 6mgL-1 for MG and Pb2+ ions, respectively. High determination coefficient (R2>0.995), Pred-R2-value (>0.920) and Adju-R2-value (>0.985) all are good indication of best agreement between the experimental and design modelling. The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second order model and adsorption isotherm follows the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 145.98 and 47.892mgg-1 for MG and Pb2+ ions, respectively. This adsorbent over short contact time is good choice for simultaneous removal of large content of both MG and Pb2+ ions from wastewater sample.

Antibacterial, anti fungal and E. coli DNA cleavage of Euphorbia prostrata and Pelargonium graveolens extract and their combination with novel nanoparticles

As there are a lot of antibacterial and anti-fungal resistant pathogens, researchers attempt to substitute antimicrobial drugs with various medical plants and novel nanoparticles. The present study was conducted to characterize antimicrobial activities of Euphorbia prostrata and Pelargonium graveolens extract alone and in combination with Mn-Ni@Fe3O4-NPs & Mn: Fe (OH)3-NPs on the DNA cleavage of E. coli and also Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus oryzae, and Candida albicans. The effects of antimicrobial activities on above scenarios were evaluated using disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and E. coli DNA electrophoresis methods. The results showed that the effects of antibacterial assay values of Euphorbia prostrata & Mn: Fe(OH)3 was 21.00 mm for E. coli and while it was 19.5 mm for Euphorbia prostrata & Mn-Ni@Fe3O4 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 100mg/mL. The highest level of DNA cleavage was seen in mixed of Euphorbia prostrata & Mn: Fe(OH)3 nanoparticles. In conclusion, the combination of Euphorbia prostrata and Pelargonium graveolens extracts with nanostructures showed synergic effects on eliminating the bacteria via DNA destruction and others mechanisms. Moreover, the synergistic effect of nanoparticles with plant extracts seems to bring about new choices for the treatment of infectious diseases

Safflower Seed Oil, Containing Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid, Enhances the Stemness of Cultured Embryonic Neural Stem Cells through Notch1 and Induces Neuronal Differentiation.

Embryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs) could differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study was aimed to determine the effect of safflower seed oil, which contains linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA), and palmitic acid (PA), on cultured eNSC proliferation and differentiation, in comparison to linoleic acid alone. Results showed that safflower seed oil, but not LA, increased significantly the viability and proliferation of eNSCs. Moreover, treatment of NSCs by safflower seed oil, but not LA, resulted in a significant increase in mRNA levels of notch1, hes1, and Ki-67, and protein levels of notch intracellular domain (NICD), in comparison to controls, indicating an enhancement of stemness. Finally, safflower seed oil, but not LA, caused an increase in the number of oligodendrocytes (MBP+), astrocytes (GFAP+) and neurons (ß-III tubulin+) of which only the increase in ß-III tubulin positive cells was statistically significant. In summary, OA and PA, present in safflower seed oil may prove beneficial for the enhancement of eNSCs and their neuronal differentiation.

Simultaneous removal of Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions via their complexation with HBANSA based on a combined ultrasound-assisted and cloud point adsorption method using CSG-BiPO4/FePO4 as novel adsorbent: FAAS detection and optimization process.

Ultrasound irradiation, cloud point and adsorption methods were coupled to develop a new technique for the simultaneous removal of Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions after their complexation with (E)-4-((2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino) naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (HBANSA). In order to reduce cost and improve practicability of process, chitosan gel (CSG) composited with bismuth(III) phosphate/iron(III) phosphate nanoparticles (CSG-BiPO4/FePO4) were hydrothermally synthesized followed by their characterization using FE-SEM, EDS and XRD analysis. The operational parameters such as metal ions concentration, CSG-BiPO4/FePO4 mass, sonication time and temperature were investigated and optimized using central composite design (CCD). In addition, the possible significant correlation between these variables and removal efficiency was studied from which the maximum efficiencies were obtained at 5.57mg/L, 51.49°C, 0.018g and 10.73min corresponding to metal ions concentration, temperature, CSG-BiPO4/FePO4 and sonication time, respectively. Moreover, at these conditions, the removal percentages of the Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were found to be 96.24, 93.73, 95.55 and 97.47, respectively. After applying various isotherms, the Langmuir isotherm model was found to be most appropriate model for describing and fitting the experimental equilibrium data and thus maximum mono-layer adsorption capacities of 8.61, 8.54, 8.65 and 8.62mgg-1 were obtained for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions, respectively. The study of kinetics showed well applicability of pseudo second order kinetic model with maximum mass transfer rate in adsorption process.

Design and construction of nanoscale material for ultrasonic assisted adsorption of dyes: Application of derivative spectrophotometry and experimental design methodology.

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central rotatable experimental design was used to investigate the effect of ultrasound assisted simultaneous adsorption process variables on Cu: ZnS-NPs-AC from aqueous solution. Cu: ZnS-NPs-AC was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). To overcome the severe methylene blue (MB) and brilliant green (BG) dyes spectral overlapping, derivative spectrophotometric method were successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of dyes in their binary solutions. Simultaneous determination of the dyes can be carried out using the first-order and second order derivative signal at 664 and 663nm for BG and MB, respectively. The factors investigated were pH (2.5-8.5), adsorbent mass (0.006-0.030g), sonication time (1-5min) and initial MB and BG concentration (3-15mgL-1). Five levels, which were low level, center point, upper level and two axillar points, were considered for each of the factors. The desirability function (DF: 0.9853) on the STATISTICA version 10.0 software showed that the optimum removal (99.832 and 99.423% for MB and BG, respectively) was obtained at pH 8.0, adsorbent mass 0.024g, sonication time 4min and 9mgL-1 initial concentration for each dye. Besides, the results show that obtained data were adequately fitted into the second-order polynomial model, since the calculated model F value (172.96 and 96.35 for MB and BG, respectively) is higher than the critical F value. The values of coefficient of determination (0.9968 and 0.9943 for MB and BG, respectively) and adjusted coefficient of determination (0.9911 and 0.9840 for MB and BG, respectively) are close to 1, indicating a high correlation between the observed and the predicted values. The ultrasonic amplitude and adsorbent mass were found to be the most effective variable influencing the adsorption process. The adsorption equilibrium was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity of 185.2 and 151.5mgg-1 for MB and BG respectively on adsorbent. The results indicate that pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and intra-particle diffusion model can better describe the adsorption kinetics.

Comparative study on ultrasonic assisted adsorption of dyes from single system onto Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon: Experimental design methodology.

The present study the ultrasound assisted adsorption of dyes in single system onto Fe3O4 magnetite nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon (Fe3O4-MNPs-AC) was described following characterization and identification of this adsorbent by conventional techniques likes field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, particle-size distribution, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A central composite design in conjunction with a response surface methodology according to f-test and t-test for recognition and judgment about significant term led to construction of quadratic model which represent relation among responses and effective terms. This model has unique ability to predict adsorption data behavior over a large space around central and optimum point. Accordingly Optimum conditions for well and quantitative removal of present dyes was obtained best operation and conditions: initial SY, MB and EB dyes concentration of 15, 15 and 25mgL-1, 4.0, 6.0 and 5.0 of pH, 360, 360 and 240s sonication time and 0.04, 0.03 and 0.032g of Fe3O4-MNPs-AC. Replication of similar experiment (N=5) guide that average removal percentage of SY, MB and EB were found to be 96.63±2.86%, 98.12±1.67% and 99.65±1.21% respectively. Good agreement and closeness of Predicted and experimental result and high adsorption capacity of dyes in short time strongly confirm high suitability of present method for waste water treatment, while easy separation of present nanoparticle and its good regeneration all support good applicability of Fe3O4-MNPs-AC for waste water treatment. The kinetic study can be represented by combination of pseudo second-order and intraparticle diffusion. The obtained maximum adsorption capacities correspond to Langmuir as best model for representation of experimental data correspond to dyes adsorption onto Fe3O4-MNPs-AC were 76.37, 78.76 and 102.00mgg-1 for SY, MB and EB, respectively. In addition, the performance comparison of ultrasound-assisted, magnetic stirrer assisted and vortex assisted adsorption methods demonstrates that ultrasound is an effective and good choice for facilitation of adsorption process via. Compromise of simple and facile diffusion.

Effects of hydrophilic extract of Nasturtium officinale on prevention of ethylene glycol induced renal stone in male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Nasturtium officinale is a traditional herb that is used for diuresis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of hydrophilic extract of Nasturtium officinale on ethylene glycol-induced renal stone in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 32 male Wistar rats were randomly divided in six groups and studied during 30 days. Two groups of negative and healthy control received 1% ethylene glycol in water respectively. Low and high dose preventive groups, in addition to 1% ethylene glycol, daily gavaged with 750 mg/kg and 1.5 g/kg of extract respectively. All rats were hold in metabolic cages individually in days 0, 15 and 30 and 24-hour urine samples were collected and checked for urinary parameters of stone formation. In 30th day, rats were anesthetized with ether, and after taking serum sample from them, were sacrificed and their kidneys were sent for pathological evaluation and for presence and volume of calcium oxalate crystals. RESULTS: Percentage of calcium oxalate crystals in negative control groups (75%), preventive groups with low dose (28.6%) and high dose (57.1%) in comparison to healthy control group (12.5%) increased (P < 0.05). In 30th day urinary oxalate concentration in preventive and negative control groups were more than healthy control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This research showed that the Nasturtium officinale extract has no significant effects in urinary and chemical parameters efficient in calcium oxalate stone crystals in rat but its extract in low dose has some preventive effect on renal stone formation.

Dispersion of hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles using ultarsonic-assisted in combination with coacervative microextraction for the simultaneous preconcentration and determination of tricyclic antidepressant drugs in biological fluids.

A two-step sample preparation technique based on dispersive micro solid-phase extraction combined with coacervative microextraction is presented for preconcentration and determination of tricyclic antidepressant drugs in biological samples. An important feature of the method is the application of hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles, which in combination with coacervative microextraction method enables development of rapid and efficient extraction procedure in order to achievement of a high extraction efficiency. Simultaneous optimization by experimental design lead to improvement of method with low cost which supply useful information about interaction among variables. Under the optimized conditions, a linear range of 5-1000ngmL(-1) with detection limits from 0.51 to 1.4ngmL(-1) were obtained for target analytes. The method was successfully used for the determination of analytes in biological fluids (plasma and urine) with relative recoveries in the range of 89-105% (RSDs<3.5%).

Ultrasonic enhancement of the simultaneous removal of quaternary toxic organic dyes by CuO nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon: Central composite design, kinetic and isotherm study.

Copper oxide nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon (CuO-NPs-AC) were prepared and fully analyzed and characterized with FE-SEM, XRD and FT-IR. Subsequently, this novel material was used for simultaneous ultrasound-assisted adsorption of brilliant green (BG), auramine O (AO), methylene blue (MB) and eosin yellow (EY) dyes. Problems regard to dyes spectra overlap in quaternary solution of this dyes were omitted by derivative spectrophotometric method. The best pH in quaternary system was studied by using one at a time method to achieved maximum dyes removal percentage. Subsequently, sonication time, adsorbent dosage and initial dyes concentrations influence on dyes removal was optimized by central composite design (CCD) combined with desirability function approach (DFA). Desirability score of 0.978 show optimum conditions set at sonication time (4.2 min), adsorbent mass (0.029 g), initial dyes concentration (4.5 mg L(-1)). Under this optimum condition the removal percentage for MB, AO, EY and BG dyes 97.58, 94.66, 96.22 and 94.93, respectively. The adsorption rate well fitted by pseudo second-order while adsorption capacity according to the Langmuir model as best equilibrium isotherm model for BG, MB, AO and EY was 20.48, 21.26, 22.34 and 21.29 mg g(-1), respectively.

A 9-Month-Old Girl from Iran with Extensive Erythematous Plaques Due to Trichophyton simii, a Zoophilic Dermatophyte.

The incidence of dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton simii is generally considered to be limited to endemic areas, particularly one area of India. However, the high similarity between the morphological features of atypical T. simii isolates and those of other dermatophytes such as Trichophyton interdigitale and Arthroderma benhamiae may lead to misidentification of the cause of dermatophytosis in many instances. We investigated a rare case of tinea corporis in a 9-month-old female with extensive erythematous lesions. Morphological features of the recovered isolate from the culture resulted in the identification of Trichophyton interdigitale. For accurate identification, the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene were sequenced and the isolate was ultimately identified as T. simii. In conclusion, T. simii, which has been formerly known to be restricted to specific endemic regions, appears to be not infrequent in non-endemic areas but instead simply less well-known and consequently underestimated. To determine its actual prevalence of infection, the application of DNA-based molecular methodologies is required.

Fine needle aspiration of subcutaneous masses caused by Aspergillus: a report of 2 cases.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a well-established method for dijfrrentiation of infective from neoplastic lesions. Varions infective agents, such as mycobacteria, leishmaniasis and microfaria can be diagnosed from aspirates, but there are few case reports on fungal infections in aspirates. Cytologic diagnosis of Aspergillus has occasionally occurred on sputum, pulmonary samples, vaginal secretions, endometrial washings and maxillary sinus specimens. One case of hepatic and subcutaneous masses was diagnosed as Aspergillus by fine needle aspiration and confirmed by culture and histology. CASES: Two cases of subcutaneous aspergillosis were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration and confirmed by culture and histology. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a rapid, sensitive and important method of diagnosing Aspergillus and provides a rapid diagnosis, which may be life saving in an immunocompromised patient.