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Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerosis -the accumulation of lipid deposits within the linings of arteries- is a major cause of death in developed countries. This disease, based on the involved site and its characteristics, induces specific clinical symptoms that may vary. In spite of our knowledge about this disease, however, some of its principal characteristics are unknown. Trace elements , found in human and animal tissues in about mg/kg or less , have a major role in most aspects of substances metabolism in the body so, their role in health , nourishment and disease in human have been proved. Today, it is believed that there is a significant relationship between the level of alteration of these elements and most the diseases such as atherosclerosis. Therefore, this research was undertaken to evaluate the level of copper and zinc in the serum according to the number of coronary stenosis in the patients with coronary atherosclerosis against the control group. Materials & methods: In this research, 243 subjects- including 60 people (25 female, 35 male) with average of 50.55±9.313 years as control group and 183 subjects (52 female, 131 male) with average of 57.38±10.4 years as case group- were examined. According to clinical examinations and angiographic results and based on the numbers of coronary arteries involved (zero, one, two or three), the case and control groups were assigned into the four groups. There was no coronary vessels stenosis in control group. The case and control groups were compared for background and confidence variables. CTA- 2000-- atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for analysis of trace elements and biochemical parameters were measured with RA-1000 auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed using Version 10.0 of statistic SPSS package and the results were analyzed using T-test and ANOVA. p<0.05 was the spot for statistical significance. Findings: The mean level of copper and zinc serum in control group was 0.848±0.260 PPM and 0.562±0.204 PPM respectively, while in the second group, it was 0.918±0.205 PPM and 0.578±0.208 PPM respectively, and in case of the third group, it was 1.022±0.241 PPM and 0.643±0.182 PPM respectively, and in the fourth group the results were 1.125±0.241 PPM and 0.718±0.211 PPM respectively. The mean level of copper and zinc serum in all the three case groups compared with the control group increased. Such differences in the view of statistical analysis were significant, (p<0.001).The levels of Cu/Zn and Zn/Cu in these patients compared with the control group were Measured. There were no significant differences between them based on the statistical analysis. Conclusion: According to the results of this research and the previous ones, it is important to maintain the normal level of plasma copper and zinc in the serum . Any abnormal changes in these levels in the serum may increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

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Introduction: Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of mortality in developed countries. Many researchers, in the past, have proved that factors such as: smoking, high blood cholesterol level and high blood pressure play a major role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Investigations to find the etiology of the disease have supported the idea that the trace elements may play a role in initiation or progress of atherosclerosis. It has been proved that the trace elements have an essential role in most aspects of metabolism in the body, but still the relationship between the variation of these trace elements with some diseases such as atherosclerosis has not been proved. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the serum copper and zinc levels in patients with obstruction of one of the coroner vessels named LAD (Left Anterior Descending) against the control group. Materials and methods: In this study, 247 subjects, patients and healthy (control) who have referred to Shahid Modaress hospital, Tehran, were evaluated, including 64 people as the control group (27 female and 37 male) with mean age of 50.88±9.4 years and 183 people as the test group (59 female and 124 male) with mean age of 57.66±9.7 years. According to the results of angiography, there was no sign of obstruction in the control group, but in the test group, there were LAD obstructions. The test and control groups were compared for background and confidence variables. The measurement of trace elements was performed by means of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results were calculated by software of SPSS ver. 10.0 and Chi Square and ANOVA statical tests. Findings: Mean value and standard deviation of serum copper and zinc were studied in both the test and control groups. Mean value of serum copper level in the test group was 0.98±0.25 ppm which in comparison with the mean value of the control group, 0.90±0.27 ppm was higher a difference which was significant (P<0.05). Mean value of serum zinc level in the test group was 0.63±0.22 ppm which in comparison with the mean value of the control group, 0.65±0.20 ppm was lower a difference which was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this and the previous studies, it is important to maintain the normal levels of plasma copper and zinc in the serum since their abnormal levels in the serum may increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

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Introduction: Crohn’s disease is a chronic and inflammatory abnormality. It causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hands celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by gluten sensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals. Zinc is an essential element that has important physiological roles in the body. The aim of this study was to compare the level of zinc in patients with celiac and crohn’s diseases. Materials & Methods: The level of zinc in patients with celiac and crohn’s diseases was estimated by atomic absorption spectrometry. In this study, data were analysed using MATLAB software version 6.5. Findings: The result of this study showed that there is no statistically significant difference between the level of zinc in celiac patients and crohn patients. Mean serum concentration of zinc in celiac and crohn’s patients was 71±6 μg/l of 70±6μg/l respectively. Discussion & Conclusion: Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac and crohn’s diseases affect the zinc absorption in the small intestine. Thereby reducing the concentration of this element is not unexpected in people with both celiac and crohn’s diseases. Therefore, in order to accelerate the patient’s improvement and also to alleviate the symptoms in these patients, the administration of zinc supplements is recommended.

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Introduction: Thyroid gland is one of the biggest endocrine glands. Its hormones are important in growth, development‌ and metabolism of body. The normal activity of thyroid depends on the presence of some trace elements because they are required for the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones.Trace elements such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) have important role in the regulation of physiological processes. They are important for maintaining thyroid health and its normal functions. The aim of this study was to investigate serum Cu, Zn, T3, T4 levels, body mass and thyroid changes in methimazole-induced hypothy-roidism by two different doses. Materials & Methods: Twenty-one adult male rats divided into three groups. The control group received drinking water. Treated groups received two doses of meth-imazole (MMI) low dose group, 20mg/ 100ml in drinking water and high dose group, 100mg/100ml in drinking water, for 42 days. At the end of experiment, the animals were weighed. After anaesthesia and scarification, blood samples were obt-ainned. Serum levels of thyroid hormones and the trace elements, Zn and Cu, were determined by radioimmunoassay and fla-meless atomic absorption methods, respect-tively. The weight of thyroid glands was also measured. Findings: The results of the study showed that MMI-induced hypothyroidism decree-sed serum levels of T4, T3, Zn, Cu and body weight but increased thyroid weight in the treatment groups as compared with the control group (P> 0.05). These effects were more obvious in high dose treatment group. Discussion & Conclusion: This study sug-gests that MMI-induced hypothyroidism decreased thyroid hormones, Zn, Cu elem-ents, body weight but increased thyroid weight. It seems that hypothyroidism exert some of the effects through the decreasing of the elements, Zn and Cu.

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Background: According to the role of microorganisms in nitrogen stabilizer in the fertility of the soil and growth and development of plants, the use of chemical fertilizers zinc sulfate (ZnSo4) as micronutrient index in agricultur. Due to the toxic effects of zinc metal, the aim of this research, isolation and identification of nitrogen stabilizer microorganisms of asparagus rhizosphere and the effect of toxic zinc metal on the growth of bacteria. Material and Methods: In order to isolate microorganisms in nitrogen stabilizer, soil samples from the asparagus rhizosphere preparation in vitro lacks a nitrogen with a temperature of 30 ° c for 48 hours, was cultured, phylogenetic identify it using 16s rRNA do accepted and the MIC strain isolated in different concentrations of zinc metal was determined. Results: Rhizosphere soil samples from the plant among the asparagus a strain of bacteria was isolated, check the phylogenetic it using 16s rRNA species of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was detected and isolated in disallowed MIC concentration 52.32 ppm zinc metal was evaluated. Conclusion: One of the rhizosphere nitrogen stabilizer strains in the plant asparagus, bacterium Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, increase the intake of zinc metal was microorganisms cause damage and the maximum allowable amount of zinc metal in this review, the concentration is less than the 52.32 ppm.

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Introduction: Considering the harmful effe-cts of noise stress on the fertility and sex hormones, it is trying to minimize the effects of stress. In this study, it was deci-ded to use zinc and study the protective effects of zinc supplementation on fertiliz-ation capacity of male rats exposed to noise stress. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study 40 male Wistar rats with weight of 225±25 grams were divided randomly into four equal groups (n=10). Control group: No exposed to noise stress, Group 2: Ex-posed to noise with intensity of 90-120 db. And frequency of 300-350HZ and an ordi-nary one for 50 days at night times. Rats in groups 3 &4: Exposed to noise stress as mention above and received 300 and 500 ppm of zinc respectively. After 50 days the blood samples of rats in four groups were collected and the plasma level of test-osterone, LH and FSH was calculated. Afterwards any group of male rats with ratio of 2:1 coupled with female ones and after 19 days the pregnant mice scarified and produced fetuses was assessed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey and Duncan's tests and p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Findings: This study showed that the plas-ma concentration of testosterone, LH and FSH significantly decrease in rate exposed to noise stress. The number of alive fetuses and weight of them also decreases and the rate of dead and absorb fetuses increased in rate exposed to noise. In this study the role of zinc as a protective agent was well understood. Discussion & Conclusion: we recommend that the living environment of human being to be less affected to this physical pollution. It is suggested that people who live in noisy places a value of zinc uses.

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The protective effects of zinc on malathion-induced acute oxidative injury in ‎male rats ‎ Abstract Introduction: Malathion is one of the most toxic organophosphorus insecticides (OPIs). OPIs may induce oxidative stress in various tissues leading to generation of free radicals and alteration in antioxidant system. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of Antioxidant effects of zinc were evaluated against malathion-induced oxidative damage in male rat. Materials & Methods: Rats received malathion (250 mg /kg/day, IP) and zinc (5 mg/kg/day, IP) in combination or alone. 20 male rats were equally divided in to 4 groups (5 rats each). Group I (control), while Group II was given malathion. Animals of Groups III received only zinc. Group IV was given zinc+ malathion once for acute test. After treatment, blood was isolated. Cholinestrase activity (ChE) and oxidative stress marker such as total thiol groups (TTG) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentration were measured. Results: Malathion reduced activity of ChE enzyme, TTG and TAC in blood. The changes in TTG and TAC, were restored by zinc. Conclusion:d. It is concluded that oxidative damage is the mechanism of toxicity of malathion that can be recovered by zinc.

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Introduction: Environment contamination by heavy metals is a major issue threatening human health. One of the biological processes for removing toxic metals from wastewater  is biosorption. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of zinc (Zn+2) biosorption in industrial sewages by Chlorella vulgaris.

 Materials & methods: This laboratory scale experimental study was performed during April 2014 to October 2014 in Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. For determining zinc biosorption by Chlorella was measured under different conditions (pollutant concentrations, adsorbent dosage, contact time and pH). The rate of residual zinc was determined using atomic absorption instrument. Experiments were also performed in real conditions on electroplating industry sewage sample. Adsorption isotherms and metal ions kinetic modeling onto the adsorbent were determined based on Langmuir, Freundlich and first and second order kinetic models.

Findings: At constant temperature of 25ºC, optimal pH 7, contact time of 60 minutes and adsorbent concentration of 2g/L, zinc adsorption efficiency was reported to be 67.72% for real sample and 90.23% for synthetic sample. Based on the obtained results, zinc adsorption followed Langmuir model and second order kinetic equation.

Discussion & Conclusions: As a result of  high adsorption potential in real sample, 67.720/0, Chlorella vulgaris can be efficiently used for zinc removal from industrial wastewaters.

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Introduction: Stress oxidative is a major problem for centuries and the origin of various disease from cataracts to cancer. Free radicals are atoms or molecules the have the single electron that re highly reactive and can be irreversible damage to vital molecules in organisms. Antioxidants are capable of biological systems to protect against this elements. zinc oxide nanoparticle have antimicrobial, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant effect of zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesized  by green method and catalase gene expression changes in human liver cancer cells (HepG2) in response to different concentration of nanoparticles.

Materials & methods: Antioxidant activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by green method was measured using ABTS (2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical absorbance. The human liver cancer cells (HepG2) cultured in the six well plates and then were treated with different concentrations of nanoparticles. After extraction of RNA and synthesis of cDNA, Real time PCR was carried out and catalase gene expression changes were assessed.

Findings: Antioxidant activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized  by green method was measured by ABTS (2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (IC₅₀= 1200µg) radical scavenging activity. Also, with the increasing concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized  by green method , catalase gene expression compared to control gene GAPDH increased.

Discussion & conclusions: The results of this study showed that the concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized  by green method had a strong antioxidant activity.

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Introduction: Nanoparticles with the different sizes, surfaces and chemical characteristics can have different applications. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium that has the ability to produce pigment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on pigment production of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Materials & methods: In this description cross-sectional study, 15 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from hospitals in Mashhad. Bacteria were identified using biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by specific primers of exoA gene. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (diameter of 4-7 nm) were determined by agar dilution method. Glycerol- alanine (GA) medium containing different concentrations (0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/ml) of nanoparticles were used for investigation of the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on pigment production. The pigment was extracted by adding chloroform. 

Findings: All clinical isolates were identified by biochemical experiments as P. aeruginosa and exoA gene was detected in all bacteria. The average MIC and MBC of ZnO nanoparticles were 60 mg/ml and 70 mg/ml, respectively. All isolates were examined and compared for pyocyanin pigment production. The pigment production was significantly reduced with increasing concentrations the ZnO nanoparticles (p < 0.05).

Discussion & Conclusion: Zinc oxide nanoparticles had inhibitory effect on bacteria and pigment production. Pigment production decreased with increasing concentrations of nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles could be used in prevention or helping to treat P. aeruginosa infections.

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Introduction: Angiogenesis is a complex process. In fact, it is one of the most important biological events that can be observed with the production of new vessels in many stages of embryonic development and pathological conditions. In pathological conditions such as tumor growth, the progression of the disease is associated with angiogenesis. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of various doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles on chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) were assessed.
 
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 40 ROSS egg were randomly divided into four groups (controls-group 1-group 2-group 3). After the second day of incubation, a window was opened on the eggs and on the eighth day a gelatin sponge was placed on the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Experimental groups were treated with 500, 1000 and 2000 μg / ml zinc oxide nanoparticles, respectively. On the twelfth day after the incubation, samples were removed from the device and after removing the windows, all of them were viewed using a photo stereomicroscope.
 
Findings: The results showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly reduced the number and length of blood vessels compared to the control sample (P <0.05). The mean length of blood vessels treated with nanoparticles of zinc oxide compared to the control group showed that there was a difference between the treated group with concentration of 500 μg / ml zinc oxide nanoparticle (3.16 ± 0.4 cm) with control group (4.13 ± 0.44 cm) at the level of P < 0.05 is significant.
 
Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles have anti- angiogenesis activity in an in vivo environment. In vivo studies showed that treatment with this nanoparticle inhibited angiogenesis would reduce the number and length of chick chorioallantoic membrane vein.

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Introduction: Increase in the consumption of nano zinc oxide in medicine, manufacturing cosmetic products, and in research has raised the questions about their toxicity.   Because of the small size of nano materials its absorption by the digestive system is simple. In this study, the effects of nano zinc oxide have been investigated in vivo on the ileum tissue of adult NMRI male mice.
 
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, male mice were randomly divided into five groups, including control, sham, and three experimental groups. 10-30 nm-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were injected intraperitoneally in three concentrations, 100-300-500mg/kg for 21 days. Histological changes including; height and width of the ileum villus, the thickness of the muscle tissue and epithelium tissue, width of connective tissue, diameter of crypts, and goblet cell numbers were studied by One Way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer posttest, after treatments.
 
Findings: The results showed that nano zinc oxide had no effect on the height and the width of villi and diameter of crypts, but reduced the width of lamina propria and goblet cells of and increased the width of epithelium and muscle tissue ileum (P <0.05).
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The height and the width of villi and crypts diameter in the experimental groups had no significant difference compared to the sham and control groups. However, the width of the lamina propria and the number of goblet cells decreased significantly in all experimental groups, which indicated low toxicity of nano zinc oxide in these doses. A significant increase was observed in epithelium and muscle tissue compared to the control and sham groups. It seems that nano zinc oxide could be increase the growth of epithelial cells. Due to changes in the intestinal epithelium tissue in adjacent to nano zinc oxide, the long- term use of this material should be avoided.

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Introduction: Zinc oxide nanoparticles that are used for industrial and domestic purposes can cause a widespread environmental contamination. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on renal tissue in terms of bioaccumulation of nanoparticles, histopathology, serum biochemical index, and oxidative damage.
 
Materials & Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 80 male Wistar rats that were divided into eight groups, including one control group, one sham group (receiving saline), and six groups administered zinc oxide nanoparticles at doses of 4, 8, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 28 days twice a week. The measurement of blood urine nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and creatinine was accomplished using an autoanalyzer. Furthermore, histopathological examinations were performed after tissue processing. The digestion of the renal tissue by nitric-perchloric acid provided suitable solutions for the determination of zinc oxide nanoparticles by atomic absorption spectrometry.
 
Findings: According to the results, the histopathological lesions in the renal tissue at the dose of 200 mg/kg included glomerular proliferation and fibrosis. The groups treated with zinc oxide nanoparticles showed a higher increase in the serum levels of BUN and creatinine, compared with the control group, which indicated renal toxicity. Furthermore, a significantly higher level of zinc oxide nanoparticles was observed in the renal tissue of the groups receiving higher doses than those of the other groups (P<0.05).
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The findings of the current study revealed that zinc oxide nanoparticles exerted a destructive effect on the kidney. Moreover, it was found that these nanoparticles had a toxic effect on the renal tissue at a high concentration.

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Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is accompanied with enhanced oxidative stress and reduced activity of the antioxidant defense system. Due to the significant role of enhanced oxidative stress in the development of ovarian damage in diabetics, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of zinc sulfate on oxidative stress markers in ovarian tissue of diabetic rats.
 
Materials & Methods: This experimental study was performed on 24 female Wistar rats weighing 120 -150 gr. The rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and two diabetic groups treated with zinc sulfate (15 and 30 mg/kg). Zinc sulfate was administered one week after streptozotocin injection for 28 days (via gavage daily). At the end of the experiment, the body weight and blood sugar of the animals were measured and compared with the weight and blood glucose measured in the week before the study. Also malondialdehyde levels (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as oxidative stress indices in ovarian tissue were measured. In the end, the data were analyzed statistically using the SPSS software, and ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were analyzed.
 
Findings: Chronic uncontrolled Hyperglycemia (blood glucose greater than 300 mg/dl) significantly increased the levels of MDA in diabetic animals compared to normal animals (p<0.05). Also, hyperglycemia caused a decrease in the activity of the catalase enzyme and the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in diabetic animals (p<0/05). and Hyperglycemia reduced the activity of the catalase enzyme and ultimately the capacity The total antioxidant of the total antioxidant (TAC) of diabetic animals (p<0/05). Administration of zinc sulfate by increasing the activity of the catalase enzyme reduced the levels of MDA in diabetic animal ovary tissue in comparison with the diabetic control group, but could not significantly affect TAC.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: Administration of zinc sulfate for four weeks in a dose-dependent manner reduces oxidative stress indexes in ovarian tissue of diabetic rats.
 
 

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Introduction: Traditional medicines cannot adequately reach the target tissues, due to their large size; therefore, the attention of researchers has been drawn to the use of nanomedicines. In fact, the use of biological active compounds loaded on the surface of nanoparticles can be effective the in the promotion of their antimicrobial activity. In the earlier studies, it was demonstrated that biologically synthesized Phycocyanin Zinc Oxide nanoparticles were able to prevent the biofilm formation and growth deriving from some native clinical medicine-resistant isolates.
 
Materials & Methods: In the current research the effect of these nanoparticles on the growth and biofilm formation of three standard strains of pathogenic bacteria has been carefully studied. The bacterial growth kinetic, exopolysaccharides and biofilm formation in the presence of nanoparticles were examined under the microscope.
 Findings: Treatment of tested strains at 2750 μg/ml concentration of nanoparticles prevented the growth of all strains and bacterial growth decreased over time by the increase in the concentration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, microscopic analyses showed that the formation of biofilms in the presence of nanoparticles significantly reduced, compared to the control samples.
 
Discussion & Conclusions: The results showed that the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles not only have the ability to inhibit the development of biofilms of tested strains but also they can reduce the pathogenicity of these strains by influencing their growth.
 

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Introduction: Recently, much attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) due to their eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easily applied nature. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using Eriobotrya Japonica seed aqueous extract. Moreover, it was attempted to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities.
 
Materials & Methods: Initially, the Eriobotrya Japonica seed aqueous extract was prepared, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured in this study. After the preparation of ZnO NPs by the extract, the antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. In addition, the antibacterial activities of the extract and NPs were determined using a disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli gram-negative bacteria. Ethics code:  Ir.ausmt.rec.1398.11.33
 
 
Findings: The results showed that aqueous extract had a specific amount of phenolic and flavonoids (9.86 mg/g and 27 mg/g dry weight of extract, respectively). Moreover, the synthesized ZnO NPs were <30 nm in diameter with a good absorption rate at 349 nm. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the extract and NPs indicated an increase in the antioxidant activity following an increase in the concentration. Furthermore, the anti-bactericidal activity results demonstrated an appropriate antibacterial activity against S. aureus, whereas the aqueous extract had no antibacterial activities.
 
Discussions & Conclusions: The findings revealed that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs had appropriate antioxidant and bactericidal activities. This suggests that the NPs can be used in various sectors, such as cosmetic products and food packaging, as a potential alternative to synthetic antibiotics.
 

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Introduction: Nanoparticles accumulate easily in the organs of the body due to their small size. Therefore, an increase in the use of nanoparticles leads to more concerns about their side effects. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on the renal Apelin and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in male rats exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles.
 
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats with a weight range of 150-170 g were randomly divided into five groups of seven animals per group. The groups included control, salin, zinc oxide nano, exercise, and exercise+zinc oxide nano. The zinc oxide nano (1mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 5 times/week to the exercise and exercise+zinc oxide nano groups. The exercise program consisted of progressive running on a treadmill (speed from 15 to 18 m/min, 25 to 44 min/day, five times per week for four weeks). The rats were euthanized two days after the last intervention. The kidney tissues were removed and homogenized to measure the levels of Apelin, NO, and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The data were analyzed through a one-way ANOVA test (P<0.05).
Ethics code: 20821404942014/6-1395
 
Findings: The results indicated that the zinc oxide nano administration significantly increased renal MDA as well as NO and significantly decreased Apelin, compared to the control group. Moreover, the 4-week exercise training was associated with a significant decrease in the renal MDA in exercise and exercise+zinc oxide nano groups and a significant increase in Apelin levels in the exercise group. Exercise also induced a significant increase in the tissue NO levels in the healthy rats; however, it reduced NO level in the kidney of rats exposed to zinc oxide nano.
 
Discussions & Conclusions: It seems that regular exercise can exert its protective role against zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced renal injury by reducing oxidative stress, increasing Apelin, and modifying NO levels in the kidney tissue.
 

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Introduction: Today, the use of magnetic nanomaterials promises purposeful and intelligent drug delivery. These magnetic drug nanocarriers can respond appropriately and intelligently to the external magnetic field, which can be used to selectively release the drug into the target tissue. Therefore, this study investigated the synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles and some of their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties. The ultimate goal of this study is to use nanotechnology and quantum mechanics in intelligent and targeted drug delivery to improve the patient's quality of life and reduce the destructive effects of unwanted drug distribution in healthy tissues.
Material & Methods: In this study, zinc ferrite nanoparticles were prepared using heat treatment, and then the structural and magnetic properties of these nanoparticles were investigated using imaging-measurement methods on the nanoscale. In addition, cytotoxicity test (MTT) was performed on mouse fibroblast cell line (NIH3T3), and the results were analyzed using SPSS software. Moreover, using the results of quantum calculations, the chitosan molecular system was proposed as a coating for this drug carrier.
Findings: Analysis of the results obtained from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (SEM) spectra confirmed the existence of spinel structure and the small size of these particles (20-23 nm). Furthermore, the results obtained from the vibrating magnetometer and the paramagnetic resonance spectrometer showed the presence of paramagnetic properties in the synthetic nanoparticles. In addition, the analysis of the results obtained from the vibrating magnetometer shows the low magnetic residue of the synthetic magnetic nanoparticles. This can be useful in the mechanism of targeted drug release. In addition, analysis of cytotoxicity (MTT) test results on synthetic nanoparticles showed that the toxicity of these nanoparticles depends on the concentration (dose) and time. Therefore, at concentrations higher than 20 µg/ml and also over time, the vital activity of cells decreased.
Discussion & Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in this study, the use of magnetic zinc ferrite nanoparticles (coated with chitosan) for targeted drug delivery to the target tissue was suggested. The unique properties of these drug-carrying nanoparticles, such as good magnetic field response, good particle size, and low toxicity, enable the physician to have more precise control over targeted drug delivery to the target tissue.
 

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