Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Ions: Oxidative Stress Responses and Toxicity in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) Grown in vitro

Mozafar Bagherzadeh Homaee,Ali Akbar Ehsanpour 한국원예학회 2016 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.57 No.6

Under in vitro conditions, we examined the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver (Ag) ions on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in terms of silver accumulation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress responses, and antioxidative defense systems. At all concentrations (except at 2 mg・L-1), the amount of Ag in the shoots and roots of Ag ion-treated plantlets was significantly higher than in plantlets treated with AgNPs. In both treatments, total ROS and superoxide anions were increased at concentrations greater than 2 mg・L-1. Damage caused by oxidative stress, such as ion leakage and cell death, was significantly higher in plantlets treated with AgNPs than those treated with Ag ions. Significant increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase (GR),were found in both AgNP-treated, and Ag ion-treated plantlets compared to the control. However, in AgNP-treated plantlets, GR activity was significantly decreased at 20 mg・L-1. A significant reduction in glutathione (GSH), ascorbate (ASA), and the ratios of GSH to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and ASA to oxidized ascorbate (DHA)were observed in plantlets treated with both AgNPs and Ag ions at concentrations higher than 2 mg・L-1. Moreover, a greater decrease in GSH and ASA contents was seen in plantlets treated with AgNPs compared to those treated with Ag ions. The present study indicates that both AgNPs and Ag ion treatments impose oxidative stress on potato plantlets under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, based on plantlets’ responses to oxidative damage, the observed alteration in the activities of radical scavenging enzymes and the depletion of GSH and ASA, AgNPs seem to have higher toxicity than the equivalent mass of Ag ions.

New Findings on Breast Cancer Stem Cells: A Review

Azam Bozorgi,Mozafar Khazaei,Mohammad Rasool Khazaei 한국유방암학회 2015 Journal of breast cancer Vol.18 No.4

Since the introduction of the “cancer stem cell” theory, significant developments have been made in the understanding of cancer and the heterogenic structure of tumors. In 2003, with the isolation of cancer stem cells from the first solid tumor, breast cancer, and recognition of the tumorigenicity of these cells, this theory suggested that the main reason for therapy failure might be the presence of cancer stem cells. This review article describes breast cancer stem cell origin, the related cellular and molecular characteristics, signaling pathways, and therapy resistance mechanisms. The databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase were explored, and articles published on these topics between 1992 and 2015 were investigated. It appears that this small subpopulation of cells, with the capacity for self-renewal and a high proliferation rate, originate from normal stem cells, are identified by specific markers such as CD44+/CD24-/low, and enhance a tumor’s capacity for metastasis, invasion, and therapy resistance. Cancer stem cell characteristics depend on their interactions with their microenvironment as well as on the inducing factors and elements. Although uncertainties about breast cancer stem cells exist, many of researchers believe that cancer stem cells should be considered as possible therapeutic targets.

Efficient Multicast Tree Construction in Wireless Mesh Networks

Amir-Abbas Nargesi,Mozafar Bag-Mohammadi 한국통신학회 2014 Journal of communications and networks Vol.16 No.6

Multicast routing algorithms designed for wireline networksare not suitable for wireless environments since they cannotefficiently exploit the inherent characteristics of wireless networkssuch as the broadcast advantage. There are many routing protocolstrying to use these advantages to decrease the number of requiredtransmissions or increase the reception probability of data(e.g., opportunistic routing).Reducing the number of transmissionsin a multicast tree directly decreases the bandwidth consumptionand interference and increases the overall throughput of the network. In this paper, we introduce a distributed multicast routingprotocol for wireless mesh networks called NCast which take intoaccount the data delivery delay and path length when constructingthe tree. Furthermore, it effectively uses wireless broadcast advantageto decrease the number of forwarding nodes dynamicallywhen a new receiver joins the tree.Our simulation results show thatNCast improves network throughput, data delivery ratio and datadelivery delay in comparison with on demand multicast routingprotocol. It is also comparable with multichannel multicast eventhough it does not use channeling technique which eliminates theinterference inherently.

Increased lignan biosynthesis in the suspension cultures of Linum album by fungal extracts

Bahabadi, Sedigheh Esmaeilzadeh,Sharifi, Mozafar,Safaie, Naser,Murata, Jun,Yamagaki, Tohru,Satake, Honoo The Korean Society of Plant Biotechnology 2011 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.5 No.4

Linum album accumulates anti-tumor podophyllotoxin (PTOX) and its related lignans, which were originally isolated from an endangered species Podophyllum. In the present study, we examined the effects of five fungal extracts on the production of lignans in L. album cell cultures. Fusarium graminearum extract induced the highest increase of PTOX [$143{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ dry weight (DW) of the L. album cell culture], while Rhizopus stolonifer extract enhanced the accumulation of lariciresinol up to $364{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ DW, instead of PTOX. Typical elicitors, such as chitin, chitosan, or methyl jasmonate (MeJA), were shown to be less effective in lignan production in L. album cell cultures. These results verified the advantages of fungal extracts to increase lignan production in L. album cell culture, and suggested potential on-demand metabolic engineering of lignan biosynthesis using differential fungal extracts.

A systematic review of barriers and motivators to physical activity in elderly adults in Iran and worldwide

Soudabeh Yarmohammadi,Hossein Mozafar Saadati,Mohtasham Ghaffari,Ali Ramezankhani 한국역학회 2019 Epidemiology and Health Vol.41 No.-

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify and characterize the barriers and motivations to physical activity (PA) for elderly adults in Iran and other countries. METHODS: We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, and the Scientific Information Database) from 2000 to the November 2017, using “aged 60 and over,” “physical activity” or “exercise,” and “motivator” and “barrier” as keywords. Two reviewers independently performed the search, screening, and quality assessment of the studies. RESULTS: In total, 34 papers were finally included in the study. The most important barriers, based on the frequency of factors, included physical problems, having no companions, and physical barriers to walking. The motivators included improving one’s physical condition, being social, and suitability of the physical environment. CONCLUSIONS: Important motivators and barriers to PA were more closely related to intrapersonal factors than to the interpersonal and environmental domains. The barriers and motivators to PA in the elderly were not markedly different between Iran and other countries. Therefore, a general strategy could be designed to improve PA in the elderly.

Tourism

Maryam,Salmanian,Arezoo,Golkar,Mozafar Mohammadkhani,jafar,Safakhah 세계문화관광학회 2010 Conference Proceedings Vol.11 No.0

According to tourism international organization report, countries income made by tourism has been increasingly developed in recent years. Nowadays tourism is the main power of economic development and growth in many countries and it diversifies the economy by providing opportunities and brings employment and income. According to statistics reported by this organization, tourism is of the main world industries next to oil and machinery industries and has had great role in solving economic problems by for example providing employment and income. This industry has been on main interest of governors in terms of macro investment due to its low cost and it is attempted to identify it. Our country in spite of having high capacities, has failed to keep pace with this growth and develop its internal and external tourism industry. In this study it is attempts to examine Iran‘s status with regard the fact that it has rich valuable natural and cultural treasuries by analyzing tourism importance in different countries. In addition, some recommendations are provided in order to improve some kinds of tourism which are more suitable for Iran with regard to its cultural and religious situation.

Tourism Planning

Maryam. Salmanian,Arezoo. Golkar,Mozafar Mohammadkhani,jafar.. Safakhah 세계문화관광학회 2010 Conference Proceedings Vol.11 No.0

According to tourism international organization report, countries income made by tourism has been increasingly developed in recent years. Nowadays tourism is the main power of economic development and growth in many countries and it diversifies the economy by providing opportunities and brings employment and income. According to statistics reported by this organization, tourism is of the main world industries next to oil and machinery industries and has had great role in solving economic problems by for example providing employment and income. This industry has been on main interest of governors in terms of macro investment due to its low cost and it is attempted to identify it. Our country in spite of having high capacities, has failed to keep pace with this growth and develop its internal and external tourism industry. In this study it is attempts to examine Iran‘s status with regard the fact that it has rich valuable natural and cultural treasuries by analyzing tourism importance in different countries. In addition, some recommendations are provided in order to improve some kinds of tourism which are more suitable for Iran with regard to its cultural and religious situation.

Multi-layer architecture for realization of network virtualization using MPLS technology

Ghasem Ahmadeyan Mazhin,Mozafar Bag-Mohammadi,Mehdi Ghasemi,Shabnam Feizi 한국통신학회 2017 ICT Express Vol.3 No.1

Network virtualization (NV) increases Internet flexibility by separating policies from mechanisms. This makes developing new applications, managing the Internet, and supporting different applications much easier. In this study, we introduce a multi-layer architecture which combines multi-level multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) technology with NV. The proposed architecture combines the high speed advantage of MPLS with the high flexibility of NV. We use MPLS in MPLS technique and encapsulate each MPLS packet within another when it encounters a new virtual network. Our architecture has the potential to improve Internet flexibility and pave the way for deployment and commercialization of NV in next generation networks.

Antiproliferatory Effects of Crab Shell Extract on Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF7)

Leila Rezakhani,Zahra Rashidi,Pegah Mirzapur,Mozafar Khazaei 한국유방암학회 2014 Journal of breast cancer Vol.17 No.3

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer inwomen. Despite various pharmacological developments, theidentification of new therapies is still required for treating breastcancer. Crab is often recommended as a traditional medicine forcancer. This study aimed to determine the in vitro effect of a hydroalcoholiccrab shell extract on a breast cancer cell line. Methods:In this experimental study, MCF7 breast cancer cell line wasused. Crab shell was powdered and a hydroalcoholic (70° ethanol)extract was prepared. Five concentrations (100, 200, 400,800, and 1,000 μg/mL) were added to the cells for three periods,24, 48, and 72 hours. The viability of the cells were evaluatedusing trypan blue and 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assays. Cell apoptosis was determined usingthe terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelingmethod. Nitric oxide (NO) level was assessed using theGriess method. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance,and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Cell viabilitydecreased depending on dose and time, and was significantlydifferent in the groups that were treated with 400, 800, and 1,000μg/mL doses compared to that in the control group (p<0.001). Increasing the dose significantly increased apoptosis (p<0.001). NO secretion from MCF7 cells significantly decreased in responseto different concentrations of the extract in a dose- andtime-dependent manner (p<0.050). Conclusion: The crab shellextract inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells by increasingapoptosis and decreasing NO production.

Factors affecting the results of comprehensive pre-internship exam among medical students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

Mohammad Rasool Khazaei,Afshin Zarin,Mansuor Rezaei,Mozafar Khazaei 한국의학교육학회 2018 Korean journal of medical education Vol.30 No.2

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the factors affecting the results of comprehensive pre-internship exam (CPIE) among medicals students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, all students (n=240) participating in CPIE over a 3-year period (2012–2014) were selected. Data were gathered by a questionnaire, including the CPIE results and educational and demographic data. Spearman correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U-test, and analysis of variance were used to analyze the association of students’ success with study variables. Also, regression analysis was applied to determine the role of independent variables in students’ success. Results: The frequency of the failed units in apprenticeship course was one of the most important risk factors associated with failure in CPIE. Average scores of pre-internship course were the most important factors of success in CPIE. The CPIE score had the highest direct relationship with grade point average (GPA) of apprenticeship course, total GPA of all three courses, GPAs of physiopathology and basic sciences courses, and score of comprehensive basic sciences examination, respectively. Conclusion: CPIE showed the highest inverse correlation with the number of failed units in apprenticeship course. The most important factors influencing this exam were failure in apprenticeship course and GPA of previous educational stages.