Bracken-fern Extracts Induce Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Certain Cancer Cell Lines

Roudsari, Motahhareh Tourchi,Bahrami, Ahmad Reza,Dehghani, Hesam,Iranshahi, Mehrdad,Matin, Maryam Moghadam,Mahmoudi, Mahmud Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.12

Bracken fern [Pteridium aquilinem (L.) kuhn (Dennstaedtiaceae)] is one of the most common species on the planet. It has been consumed by humans and animals for centuries. Use by some human groups is because they believe bracken fern is good for health as plant medicine. However, it is also one of the few known plants that can cause tumors in farm animals. Many interested groups have focused their attention on bracken fern because of these interesting features. In order to evaluate the biological effects of exposure to this plant in cellular level, human cancer cell lines were treated with the fern dichloromethane extracts and the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were studied. Anti-proliferative/cytotoxic effects were evaluated by cell count, MTT assay and flow cytometry methods with three different cancer cell lines, TCC, NTERA2, and MCF-7, and two normal cells, HDF1 and HFF3. Pro-apoptotic effects of the extracts were determined by DAPI staining and comet assay, on TCC cancer cells compared to the normal control cell lines. Cellular morphology was examined by light microscopy. Our present study showed that the extract caused DNA damage and apoptosis at high concentrations ($200{\mu}g/mL$) and also it may induce cell cycle arrest (G2/M phase) at mild concentrations (50 and $30{\mu}g/mL$) depending on the cell type and tumor origin. These results indicate that bracken fern extract is a potent source of anticancer compounds that could be utilized pharmaceutically.

Learning, memory, and sensory perception are impaired by exposure to the organophosphate, ethion, and the insect growth regulator, hexaflumuron, in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

Delkash‑Roudsari Sahar,Hossein Goldansaz Seyed,Talebi-Jahromi Khalil,Abramson Charles I. 한국응용곤충학회 2024 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.27 No.1

Insecticides are a major tool for controlling pest species. Their widespread use results in damage to non-targeted insects, with honey bees particularly at risk. During foraging, honey bees learn and remember floral charac teristics that are associated with food. As insect pollinators, honey bees inadvertently contact chemicals which can have multiple negative impacts. The toxicity of two insecticides from different classes, ethion (47.79 mg a.i. L − 1 ) and hexaflumuron (500 mg a.i.L − 1 ), on learning, memory, and sensory perception were evaluated. We found that oral exposure to ethion had adverse effects on learned proboscis extension toward reward-associated odors and colors. In addition, we showed reduced sucrose consumption and sucrose responsiveness after expo sure. Hexaflumuron also impaired olfactory learning and memory and decreased responsiveness to sucrose and water. Exposure to sub-lethal concentration of the cholinergic organophosphate insecticide, ethion (47.79 mg a.i. L − 1 ), and the field-recommended concentration of hexaflumuron (500 mg a.i.L − 1 ), significantly impaired behavior involved in foraging. Our results suggest that several behavioral characteristics of honey bees be evaluated when testing an insecticide rather than relying on just one behavioral measure.

Multiple Effects of Bracken Fern under in vivo and in vitro Conditions

Tourchi-Roudsari, Motahhareh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Several toxic substances have been detected in plants which are responsible for animal and human diseases. Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is one example, widely distributed in many parts of the world. It is known to cause cancer in humans and other animals. In fact, man can be directly or indirectly exposed to the danger by consuming fern, contaminated water, milk, meat, and spore inhalation. Experimental studies have shown an association between bracken exposure and gastric cancer, and research has shown genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in vitro. This paper describes and reviews toxic, carcinogenic, genotoxic/cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects of bracken and included possible toxic agents. The chemistry of Ptaquiloside (PT) reactions is emphasized, along with bracken problems in livestock, possible pathways of exposure in man, and control for human health.

Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Reduced IPE Beam Sections Connections with Box-Stiffener

M. Tahamouli Roudsari,H. Jamshidi K.,SH. Moradi 한국강구조학회 2018 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.18 No.1

Reduced Beam Section (RBS) is a new type of connection in steel moment resistant frames that was introduced after the Northridge earthquake of 1994. The application of RBS connections associated with reduced beam flange width can aid in accelerating web, flange, and lateral-torsional bucklings in the beam. To fix this problem, a new type of stiffener called the boxstiffener was presented in this study, which exactly encases the reduced portion of the beam. First, 4 laboratory tests were performed on RBS connections made of IPE140 and IPE270 sections in the two conditions of ‘with’ and ‘without’ a boxstiffener. Laboratory results showed that the stiffener considerably enhanced the connection ductility without a significant increase in the connection’s resistance. To examine other sizes of IPE sections, a verified Finite Element model was utilized. The results of the numerical models also confirmed the suitable performance of the box-stiffener.

Presenting a New Detail for the Rigid Connection Between I-Shaped Beam and Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Column with Stiffened Channel Link

Mehrzad Tahamouli Roudsari,Shohreh Sohaei,Morteza Torkaman,Seyed Ali Safaee,Salar Tahmasebi,Saleh Mohammadi,Mohammad Mehdi Ghiasvand 한국강구조학회 2020 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.20 No.2

Connections play an important role in the response of steel moment resisting frames to seismic loading. Prequalified rigid connections are applicable to I-shaped or box columns. In I-shape beam to concrete-filled tube (CFT) column connections, continuity and doubler plates cannot be added to the column. Various details have been proposed to address this issue, many of which are not constructionally convenient to implement. The aim of this study is to present a simple and suitable detailing for I-shape beam to concrete-filled tube column connections. To that end, six full-scale experimental samples were built and subjected to cyclic quasi-static loading. In the samples, stiffened and un-stiffened channel links were used to connect the beam to the column. In each sample, the stiffeners were installed on a different position on the channel link. The results showed that compared to the connection in which the beam is directly connected to the column, using the stiffened channel link with stiffeners along the beam’s flange increases the strength and ductility of the connection by 12% and 72%, respectively. Considering their desirable performance and easy implementation, these connections can be considered as a suitable detailing for I-shape beam to CFT column connections in seismic regions.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Eff ect of a New Type of Channel Stiff ener on the Seismic Behavior of Steel Shear Wall Incorporated Moment Resisting Frames

M. Tahamouli Roudsari,M. Torkaman,L. Shirkhani,M. R. Nasimi,M. Mirzaei 한국강구조학회 2019 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.19 No.6

In recent years, Steel Plate Shear Walls, a seismically resistant system with the ability to increase the energy dissipation capacity, have been widely employed. In the present work, with the aim of assessing and improving the seismic parameters of moment resisting frames with steel shear walls, four experimental samples (a special steel moment resisting frame, a moment resisting frame incorporating a thin steel shear wall, a moment resisting frame with steel shear wall and short UNP stiff eners, and a moment resisting frame with steel shear wall and buckling-resistant knee brace) were investigated. The samples were subjected to quasi-static pushover loading until the drift of 10% was reached. Then, based upon verifi ed Finite Element models, the eff ect of axial loading on the seismic parameter of the frames including eff ective stiff ness, ultimate strength, ductility, strength reduction factor, and energy dissipation capacity was evaluated. The results showed that UNP stiff eners exert a signifi cant infl uence on the seismic behavior of moment resisting frames with steel shear walls and therefore they are recommended to be used in regions with high seismic risk.

Random imperfection effect on reliability of space structures with different supports

Mehrzad Tahamouli Roudsari,Mehrdad Gordini 국제구조공학회 2015 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.55 No.3

The existence of initial imperfections in manufacturing or assembly of double-layer space structures having hundreds or thousands of members is inevitable. Many of the imperfections, such as the initial curvature of the members and residual stresses in members, are all random in nature. In this paper, the probabilistic effect of initial curvature imperfections in the load bearing capacity of double-layer grid space structures with different types of supports have been investigated. First, for the initial curvature imperfection of each member, a random number is generated from a gamma distribution. Then, by employing the same probabilistic model, the imperfections are randomly distributed amongst the members of the structure. Afterwards, the collapse behavior and the ultimate bearing capacity of the structure are determined by using nonlinear push down analysis and this procedure is frequently repeated. Ultimately, based on the maximum values of bearing capacity acquired from the analysis of different samples, structure’s reliability is obtained by using Monte Carlo simulation method. The results show the sensitivity of the collapse behavior of double-layer grid space structures to the random distribution of initial imperfections and supports type.

Probability Analysis of Double Layer Barrel Vaults Considering the Effect of Initial Curvature and Length Imperfections Simultaneously

M. Tahamouli Roudsari,M. Gordini,H. Fazeli,B. Kavehei 한국강구조학회 2017 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.17 No.3

Load carrying capacity of reticulated space structures majorly depend on the structures’ imperfections. Imperfections in initial curvature, length, and residual stress of members are all innately random and can affect the load-bearing capacity of the members and consequently that of the structure. The present study investigated the effect of the probability distribution of initial curvature imperfection and lack of fit of members on the load-bearing capacity of double-layer barrel vault space structures with different types of support. A random number was first assigned to each member using gamma and normal distributions for initial curvature and member length imperfections, respectively. Afterwards, the ultimate bearing capacity and the collapse behavior of the structure was determined using nonlinear finite-element analysis in OpenSees software and finally structures reliability was acquired. The results demonstrate that the collapse behavior of doable-layer barrel vault space structures is sensitive to the random distribution of initial imperfections.

Digestive proteolytic activity in larvae and adults of Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Sahar Delkash-Roudsari,Arash Zibaee,Mohammad Reza Abbci-Mozhdehi 한국응용곤충학회 2014 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.17 No.3

Digestive proteolytic activity in larvae and adults of Bactrocera oleae was studied using specific substrates andinhibitors. The optimal pH for general proteolytic activity was 4 and 10 for soluble and membrane-bound fractionsof larvae, and 9 for the soluble fraction of adults. The highest activities of general proteases were revealed attemperatures of 25 °C and 45 °C for both the soluble andmembrane-bound fractions of larvae as well as the solublefraction of adults. Determination of the specific protease activities demonstrated the presence of serine and cysteineproteases in addition to two exopeptidases in the larvae and adults. However, trypsin-like protease, chymotrypsinlikeprotease, and two exopeptidases of larvae, and chymotrypsin-like protease as well as cathepsin L of adults hadno activity in the soluble fraction. The presence of specific proteases was verified by using specific inhibitors such asPMSF, TLCK, TPCK, E-64, EDTA, phenanthroline, and DTT. Finally, feeding of B. oleae larvae on different olive varietiesrevealed the highest trypsin-like protease, chymotrypsin-like protease, elastase, cathepsin B, cathepsin L, andcathepsin D on Amigdalifolia, Coratina, Baladi, Mari, Conservalia, Baladi, and Arbequina, respectively. These resultsshowed digestive proteolytic activities in B. oleae for the first time, and could be the basic knowledge required forfinding a control procedure to decrease the damage of this destructive pest around the world.

Explaining the barriers and facilitators of ethnic and traditional food choices from the viewpoints of women

Arezoo Haghighian Roudsari,Abouali Vedadhir,Jamal Rahmani,Ali Milani Bonab 한국식품연구원 2019 Journal of Ethnic Foods Vol.6 No.-

Background and objectives: Women’s food choices and preferences are important as key decision-makers in household food handling, especially the selection of local and traditional foods that can potentially affect health and disease profile. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of choosing local and traditional foods from the perspective of women living in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out using a semi-structured in-depth interview with 22 women aged 30–64 years old in Tehran (capital of Iran). The participants were recruited through purposive sampling with the maximum variation such as occupation, the district of residence, and education. Data collection and analysis were done simultaneously from the beginning of the study using the MAXQDA 10 software. Results and conclusions: The four main themes explored from the participants’ statements included: “cultural contexts,” “social barriers and motivations,” “convenience, accessibility, and skills,” and “religious considerations.” The lessons derived from family, experiences, beliefs, ethnicity patterns, influences from traditional medicine, and priorities in a lifetime, family preferences, routine complications, facilities and ingredients, cookery skills, and religious rules and occasions were extracted as sub-themes including the barriers and facilitators of local and traditional foods in women. Considering the diversity of local and traditional foods in Iranian culture, encouraging the varied consumption of these foods could contribute to the sustainability of diet in communities. Therefore, emphasizing the special role of Iranian women in the household, it is necessary to educate women in order to regenerate the local and traditional food patterns in our country.