Effect Of Various Concentrations Research Articles

The Vasodilator Effect and Mechanism of 18β-glycyrrhetinic Acid on Isolated Pulmonary Artery Rings in Rats

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) on isolated rat pulmonary artery vascular rings as well as the mechanism that lies behind the diastolic effects of this compound. Methods: To examine the effects of various doses of 18β-GA on resting normal vascular rings, we used isolated rat pulmonary artery vascular rings. The isolated rat pulmonary artery vascular ring was precontracted with phenylephrine (PE) and potassium chloride solution (KCl), which allowed for the observation of the diastolic effects of 18β-GA, as well as the effects of various concentrations of 18β-GA on blocking the four potassium channels of glibenclamide, barium chloride (BaCl2), tetraethylamine (TEA), or 4-aminopyridine; the impact of various 18β-GA concentrations on the pulmonary artery vasodilation effect pre-use of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors l-nitroarginine methyl ester and indomethacin. Results: It was shown that 18β-GA has concentration-dependent diastolic effects on isolated rat pulmonary vascular rings that have been precontracted with PE and KCl but it has no effect on resting isolated thoracic aortic vascular rings. Conclusion: The two Kir and Kv channels may be connected to the endothelium-dependent vasodilation mechanism of 18β-GA.

Preliminary Results on the Effects of Soybean Isoflavones on Growth Performance and Ruminal Microbiota in Fattening Goats.

Soybean isoflavones (SIFs), a group of secondary metabolites, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-like activities. Supplementation with SIFs in the diet was reported to promote lactation performance in ruminants. The present study was performed to further decipher the effect of various concentrations of SIFs on growth and slaughter performance, serum parameters, meat quality, and ruminal microbiota in fattening goats. After a two-week acclimation, a total of 27 5-month-old Guanzhong male goats (18.29 ± 0.44 kg) were randomly assigned to control (NC), 100 mg/d SIF (SIF1), or 200 mg/d SIF (SIF2) groups. The experimental period lasted 56 days. The weight of the large intestine was greater (p < 0.05) in the SIF1 and SIF2 groups compared with the NC group. Meat quality parameters indicated that SIF1 supplementation led to lower (p < 0.05) cooking loss and shear force (0.05 < p < 0.10). The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that SIF1 supplementation led to lower (p < 0.05) proportions of Papillibacter and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 but greater (p < 0.05) CAG-352 abundance in the rumen; these responses might have contributed to the improvement in production performance. In conclusion, meat quality and ruminal microbiome could be manipulated in a positive way by oral supplementation with 100 mg/d of SIFs in fattening goats. Thus, this study provides new insights and practical evidence for the introduction of SIFs as a novel additive in goat husbandry.

Pachymic acid exerts antitumor activities by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B

Objective: To determine the inhibitory effects of pachymic acid on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism. Methods: CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, Western blot, tube formation, and immunofluorescence assays were carried out to measure the effects of various concentrations of pachymic acid on LUAD cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis as well as autophagy. Subsequently, molecular docking technology was used to detect the potential targeted binding association between pachymic acid and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Moreover, PTP1B was overexpressed in A549 cells to detect the specific mechanisms of pachymic acid. Results: Pachymic acid suppressed LUAD cell viability, metastasis as well as angiogenesis while inducing cell autophagy. It also targeted PTP1B and lowered PTP1B expression. However, PTP1B overexpression reversed the effects of pachymic acid on metastasis, angiogenesis, and autophagy as well as the expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in LUAD cells. Conclusions: Pachymic acid inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis, and promotes autophagy in LUAD cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B.

Development and Characterization of Enteric Polymer-based Solid Dispersion for Cholecalciferol Delivery

Background: The deficiency of vitamin D is a global concern affecting individuals of all age groups. Insufficient exposure to sunlight and disease conditions can lead to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) deficiency. Objective: Cholecalciferol is a lipophilic crystalline molecule, and it is highly susceptible to degradation under environmental conditions, including light, temperature, and oxygen, and its degradation rate is high in the low pH range. Therefore, an enteric solid dispersion-based formulation was developed in the present study for the oral delivery of cholecalciferol. Method: Enteric polymer hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)-based solid dispersion was developed and characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis. The effect of various concentrations of cholecalciferol formulations on the viability of Caco-2 cells was determined using an MTT assay. A dissolution and stability study of the product was also performed. Result: An amorphous form of cholecalciferol in the solid dispersion was reported. The drug content of solid dispersions was in the order of 90%. The viability assay indicated that the surfactant used in the developed solid dispersion of cholecalciferol had no cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cells. A dissolution study on enteric solid dispersion in two-stage dissolution under a biomimetic medium indicated the pHdependent release of cholecalciferol from the HPMCAS-based solid dispersion. Moreover, the stability study showed no significant changes in the cholecalciferol content in the developed formulation under storage at experimental conditions. Conclusion: The enteric solid dispersion of cholecalciferol was developed, which exhibited compatibility with Caco-2 cells, improved dissolution, and acceptable stability profile, and represented a potential option for efficient delivery of cholecalciferol.

Effect of Various Concentrations of Sodium Hydroxide/Hot Alkali Treatment on the Physical Properties of Ramie Fibres

The preparation stages that precede the final treatment with a chemical treatment like alkali determine the physical characteristics of ramie fibres. It modified the hydroxyl group which is responsible for the hydrogen bonding of the fibres. This work examined the pre-treatment of ramie fibres with acetone followed by alkali or hot alkali with various concentrations. The immersion of ramie fibres in certain percentages of sodium hydroxide solution resulted in a good performance of their physical characteristics. The ramie fibres treated with 10% NaOH exhibit the best dispersion stability and low agglomeration or precipitation in water with an amount of 14%. When alkali is applied to ramie fibres, the hydrophilic group on their surface grows, potentially improving the fibre's capacity to absorb water. However, when the concentration is increased to 15%, the dispersion stability of sodium hydroxide performs less well. The fibres' ability to absorb water was diminished and they became brittle due to a high alkali content. In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, the properties of precipitation and water absorption were unaffected by the hot alkaline process for all samples. The hot alkali process (80°C) was not able to generate a further breakdown of hydrogen bonds of the fibres.

Sol-gel spin-coated Y-doped SnO2 nanostructured thin films for various optoelectronic device applications

The effect of various concentrations of Y-doped SnO2 thin films (Y: SnO2) on structural, optical, and electrical properties was investigated. XRD showed the polycrystalline tetragonal structure of all the films. SEM analysis showed homogenous growth of the films with spherical structure. XPS revealed the oxidation states of Sn, Y, and O, also it provides the presence of oxygen vacancies in Y: SnO2 films. The UV–visible spectrometer studies showed that all the films were above 76% of optical transmittance in the visible region. The optical band gap energy was found to be 3.91 eV for pure SnO2, whereas Y: SnO2 films have shown a decrease of band gap with Y content and reached down to 3.74 eV in 5 at% Y: SnO2 film. The 3 at% Y: SnO2 film showed the lowest sheet resistance (Rsh) of 34.2 Ω/Sq and the highest figure of merit (ɸ) of 3.55 × 10−3 Ω−1 among the others.

Effect of marinating with green tea extract on the safety and sensory profiles of oven-baked oyster

Baked oyster is a popular seafood dish around the world. The present study investigated the effect of various concentrations of a green-tea extract (GTE) marinade on the safety and sensory profiles of oysters baked for different durations. The results showed 10 g/L of GTE and 10-min baking time was the optimal combination, as supported by significantly attenuated lipid oxidation (35.29 %) and Nε-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) content (48.51 %) without appreciable negative impact on the sensory or nutritional quality of the oysters. However, high concentrations of the marinade or prolonged baking promoted protein oxidation and Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) formation likely through the pro-oxidative action of the GTE phytochemicals. Correlation analysis further revealed the main factors that affected CML, CEL, and fluorescent AGEs generation, respectively. These findings provide theoretical support for the protective effect and mechanism of GTE against quality deterioration of baked oysters and would help broaden the application of GTE in the food industry.

Protective Effects of Astaxanthin on Post-Thaw Sperm Quality in Normozoospermic Men

Fighting against free radical accumulation during the cryopreservation process with the help of exogenous antioxidants has become an effective strategy to augment post-thaw sperm quality. The present study explored the effects of various concentrations of astaxanthin, as a potent antioxidant, on human sperm parameters during the freeze–thaw process. Twenty-five normozoospermic specimens were included in this prospective study. Each sample was divided into five equal parts: fresh group, and frozen–thawed groups including 0, 1, 10, and 50 μM of astaxanthin. The prepared spermatozoa were cryopreserved by rapid freezing technique. Precryopreservation and post-thaw sperm motility parameters, sperm morphology, vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were investigated. All sperm parameters after thawing significantly decreased compared to before freezing. Treatment of spermatozoa with 50 μM of astaxanthin significantly increased their total and progressive motility, viability, DNA integrity, and MMP and decreased their intracellular ROS levels compared with the control group. In total, 10 μM of astaxanthin significantly improved total and progressive motility, DNA integrity, MMP, and decreased ROS levels, whereas, in the 1 µM group, there were significant differences only in ROS levels. As a result, we found that astaxanthin can improve sperm quality after freezing/thawing and decrease the detrimental effects of this process on sperm parameters.

Betanin Attenuates Epigenetic Mechanisms and UV-Induced DNA Fragmentation in HaCaT Cells: Implications for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention.

Dermal photoaging refers to the skin's response to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, resulting in inflammation, changes to the tissue, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin is the primary betacyanin in red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and has excellent antioxidant properties. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms of betanin in HaCaT cells have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of betanin and the underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells; furthermore, in this study, we explored the protective effect of various concentrations of betanin against UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells. Additionally, we assessed its influence on the transcription of various epigenetic effectors, including members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) families. Our findings demonstrate a notable downregulation of genes in HaCaT cells, exhibiting diverse patterns upon betanin intake. We considered the involvement of DNMT and HDAC genes in distinct stages of carcinogenesis and the limited exploration of the effects of daily exposure dosages. Our results indicate that betanin may protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure. Further investigation is essential to explore these potential associations.

Hydroxyl-terminated triazine dendrimers mediated pH-dependent solubility enhancement of glipizide across dendritic generations: A comparative investigation

A huge challenge for the pharmaceutical industry is hydrophobic compounds, which affect aqueous solubility, an important measure of a medicine’s efficacy. Several approaches have been used; dendrimers are particularly noteworthy because of their long-term viability, nanoscale size, large payload capacity, and adaptable end functional groups. The unique architecture of dendrimers allows for modified medication delivery and solubility profiles, making them a powerful tool for improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. This marks the beginning of a new era in pharmaceutical formulations. A new era in drug formulations has begun with this. As part of this study, we synthesized third-generation hydroxyl-terminated triazine-based dendrimers by meticulously reducing chlorine groups following Michael’s addition. We intend to methodically examine the effects of various concentrations of these dendrimers on the solubility behavior of glipizide, a pharmaceutical agent with intrinsic hydrophobicity, across the first, second, and third generations (the full generation). A stimulating tale of solubility improvement emerged from our research. Glipizide’s solubility was positively correlated with the concentration and generational progression of the dendrimers. The solubility of hydrophobic drugs in water can be dramatically altered by dendrimers based on hydroxyl-terminated triazine. This field of study benefits from adding new dendrimers with each generation.

Light microscopical and parasitological analyses revealed the beneficial effects of silver nanoparticles and various myrrh extracts against Trichinella spiralis infection in mice.

Trichinella spiralis infection is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes that dwell in the tissues, presenting a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), myrrh biosynthesized AgNPs "AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies", myrrh extract, and myrrh essential oil, as alternative treatments against T. spiralis infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and cytotoxicity assessments were conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of these treatments in reducing the populations of adult worms and larvae during both the intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis-infected mice. The results showed that the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis was achieved by myrrh extract (86.66%), followed closely by AgNPs (84.96%) and myrrh AgNPs (82.51%) at higher concentrations (800 mg/kg for myrrh extract, 40 μg/mL for AgNPs, and 40 μg/mL for myrrh AgNPs). While the group treated with myrrh essential oil showed the lowest percentage of adult reduction (78.14%). However, all treatments demonstrated comparable effects in reducing the larvae population in the muscle phase. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the cytotoxicity of AgNPs indicated low toxicity levels. This study supports that AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of T. spiralis infection. These findings present a promising avenue for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs that are both effective and safe. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Myrrh extract has the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. During intestinal phase of T. spiralis, varying levels of nanoparticle precipitation were detected in the liver, brain, lung, and intestine. During the muscular phase, the highest amount of AgNPs precipitation was detected in the liver, followed by the brain, and lung.

Effect of various concentrations of agar and sucrose on growth and tuberization of four Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties under in vitro, invivo conditions

The study tends to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of agar treatment (5, 7, and 9 g.l-1) with sucrose (20, 30, and 40 g.l-1) on in vitro shoot regeneration and rooting in one step using tuber-eyes and node explants of four potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L) varieties “Sagitta, Challenger, SM 13–132– 05 and Taurus”, and minitubers production under greenhouses conditions which are going to be grown in Kurdistan -Iraq. The results showed that SM 13–132– 05 cultivar was superior upon the other cultivars under in vitro conditions through multiplication tests (Agar concentration 7 g.l-1 and sucrose concentration 30 g.l-1) and greenhouse conditions by producing the highest shoot multiplication (3.17 shoots/ explant, 12.84 leaves/ explant and 14.51cm mean length of roots) and the best number of minitubers (5.72 minitubers/ plantlet) in greenhouse. Whereas, Challenger had the lowest number of minitubers (3.75/ plantlet). On the other hand, there was no significant differences in the effect of the different concentrations of Agar and sucrose on the four cultivars in terms of the rooting percentage.

The effect of dapagliflozin ointment on induced psoriasis in an experimental model.

Dapagliflozin is a pharmacological drug commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter in the proximal renal tubules. The primary objective of this research was to develop a topical ointment formulation containing dapagliflozin and assess its efficacy in treating psoriasis using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model. A total of 16 Swiss albino mice, with weights ranging from 24 to 30 grams, were allocated randomly into six groups, each group including ten animals. The study assessed the effects of various concentrations of dapagliflozin ointment on levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-17, and IL-37, as well as on erythema, scaling, and epidermal thickness. Dapagliflozin ointment significantly reduced these cytokine levels and disease scores, indicating anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, when applied topically, dapagliflozin ointment had strong efficacy against imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin inflammation, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment.

Effect of expansive agent on the mechanical properties of carbon-fibre-reinforced cement-based composites

Improving the flexural strength of a cement-based composite (CBC) reinforced with chopped carbon fibre (CF) while maintaining good workability is highly attractive for building high-rise large-span structures. A sulfoaluminate-based expansive agent (EA) was used to optimise the mechanical properties of CBCs reinforced with chopped CF by improving the fibre–matrix interfacial properties. The results of single-fibre pull-out tests showed that the interfacial frictional bond strength was improved by up to 51% owing to the addition of the EA, whereas the chemical debonding energy remained nearly unchanged. The effects of various concentrations of EA on the strength of cement pastes containing various lengths and volume fractions of CF were then investigated. The results indicated that, benefitting from the EA-induced high interfacial bond strength, the flexural strength and fluidity of the CF-reinforced cement paste could be further optimised. For example, utilising the EA, the flexural strength could be improved by 28% for a cement paste containing 0.5% CF of length 15 mm.

Pharmaceutical analytical study of Baladi Kwatha and to evaluate the effect of various concentration of preservatives in it

Due to advent of commercialization longer shelf-life becomes the need of the hour for various pharmaceutical products, especially for the preparation of Kwatha Kalpana (Decoction). The shelf-life of Kwatha is 1 Prahara (3 hours). According to Acharya Sharangadhara it is considered as Sadhyo-sevana. Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana are considered as basic pharmaceutical preparation and the most important form of Kalpana. But the preparation of Kwatha is not possible all the times as the shelf life of Kwatha is short and makes it impossible to market it as soon as it is prepared. Therefore, there is need to find different ways to preserve the Kwatha for longer duration for their easier usage and transportation. This present study is carried out mainly in 3 stages, that is, pharmaceutical study, analytical study and microbiological study. In pharmaceutical study, the preparation of Baladi Kwatha was carried out as per the classical reference of Shamana Kashaya and they were added with different ratios of preservatives (SB-0.1%, SB-0.2%, SB-0.2% + MP-0.05% + PP-0.05%, SB-0.48% + MP-0.1% + PP-0.1%). No much changes were noted in analytical studies. Preservatives like, sodium benzoate, in permitted amounts could only preserve acidic Kwatha for a shorter period. Hence, marketing Baladi Kwatha with sodium benzoate cannot be properly stabilized by 0.1% &amp; was observed that at least 0.2% is required to preserve the Kwatha for 60 days free from microbial contamination. It was observed that as per the permissible limit, the preservatives when used in combination of sodium benzoate 0.2%, methyl paraben 0.05%, propyl paraben 0.05%, has passed the shelf-life for 3 months.

Investigation on chloride ion diffusion in concrete affected by sodium D-gluconate via wire beam electrode technique

The effects of various concentrations of sodium D-gluconate (SD) on chloride ion diffusion in concrete were investigated using both the wire beam electrode (WBE) technique and the finite element method. WBEs were encapsulated within concrete and immersed in a 3.75 mol/L NaCl solution which contained either 0.0461 mol/L or 0.0152 mol/L SD. Observations indicated that the passive film on the part of WBEs was destroyed by chloride ions on the 14th day, with the surface potential falling below −0.47 VSCE. Furthermore, the number of active corrosion electrodes was less at 0.0461 mol/L SD than at 0.0152 mol/L SD. Simulated chloride ion concentrations on WBEs were in agreement with the experimentally obtained values, demonstrating the viability of WBEs as non-destructive tools for assessing chloride ion concentrations in concrete.

Biosurfactant-Assisted Cu Doping of Brushite Coatings: Enhancing Structural, Electrochemical, and Biofunctional Properties.

Stainless steel (316L SS) has been widely used in orthopedic, cardiovascular stents, and other biomedical implant applications due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. To address the weak interaction between steel implants and tissues, it is a widely adopted strategy to enhance implant performance through the application of bioactive coatings. In this study, Cu-doped brushite coatings were deposited successfully through pulse electrodeposition on steel substrates facilitated with a biosurfactant (BS) (i.e., surfactin). Further, the combined effect of various concentrations of Cu ions and BS on the structural, electrochemical, and biological properties was studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms brushite composition with Cu substitution causing lattice contraction and a reduced crystallite size. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies reveal the morphological changes of the coatings with the incorporation of Cu, which is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and elemental mapping. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy confirm the brushite and Cu doping in the coatings, respectively. Increased surface roughness and mechanical properties of Cu-doped coatings were analyzed by using atomic force microscopic (AFM) and nanohardness tests, respectively. Electrochemical assessments demonstrate corrosion resistance enhancement in Cu-doped coatings, which is further improved with the addition of biosurfactants. In vitro biomineralization studies show the Cu-doped coating's potential for osseointegration, with added stability. The cytocompatibility of the coatings was analyzed using live/dead and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays; cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration studies were evaluated using SEM. Antibacterial assays highlight significant improvement in the antibacterial properties of Cu-doped coatings with BS. Thus, the developed Cu-doped brushite coatings with BS demonstrate their potential in the realm of biomedical implant technologies, paving the way for further exploration.

Pengaruh berbagai dosis pupuk organik cair urin sapi terhadap pertumbuhan semai durian (Durio zibethinus Murr) di lapangan

Cow urine is an alternative to increase the availability, adequacy, and efficiency of nutrient uptake for plants containing microorganisms so that it can reduce the use of inorganic fertilisers (N, P, and K) and increase plant yields to the maximum. The application of liquid organic fertiliser must pay attention to the concentration or dose applied to the plants. This research aims to determine the effect of various concentrations of liquid organic fertiliser made from cow urine on the growth of durian seedlings. This research was carried out for three months, from February to May 2023, at the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry, Tadulako University. This research used a completely randomised design (CRD) method consisting of five treatments. M0 = control, M1 = (150 ml POC: 850 ml water), M2 = (200 ml POC: 800 ml water), M3 = (250 ml POC: 750 ml water), and M4 = (300 ml POC: 700 ml water). The five treatments were repeated six times, so the total experimental units were 30. The parameters observed in this research were the increase in seedling height, the increase in the number of seedling leaves, and the increase in seedling diameter. Research data was analysed using analysis of variance. Further tests were carried out using the Honestly Significant Difference (BNJ) test at the 5% level. The results of the variance analysis showed that the application of various concentrations of liquid organic fertiliser made from cow urine had a significant effect on the increase in height, the number of leaves, and the diameter of durian seedlings. Based on the results of the BNJ test at the 5% level, it shows that the average increase in seedling height, number of leaves, and diameter of durian seedlings in the M4 treatment was significantly different from the M3, M2, M1, and M0 treatments. The average increase in height of durian seedlings is M4 = 5 cm, M3 = 4.66 cm, M2 = 4 cm, M1 = 2.91 cm, and M0 = 2.08. Average increase in number of leaves: M4 = 4 pieces, M3 = 3.33 pieces, M2 = 2.66 pieces, M1 = 2.16 cm, and M0 = 1.83. Average increase in diameter: M4 = 1.21, M3 = 1.03, M2 = 0.73, M1 = 0.45, and M0 = 0.28.

Stimulating effect of biogenic nanoparticles on the germination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds

Metal nanoparticles synthesized using various biosources are the subject of focus in many research areas thanks to their improved biological effects and increased bioavailability. Silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by using low-cost, low-energy, environmentally friendly, non-toxic chemicals and easily accessible thyme leaves and lavender flowers. The effects of various concentrations of biosynthesized NPs on the germination and germination index of basil seeds were defined comparatively. Phytochemicals in lavender flower extract acted as reducing and capping agents in the biosynthesis of Ag-NPs, and phytochemicals in thyme leaves extract acted for the biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs ve Fe3O4-NPs. Relative root length was detected at 25 mg/L ZnO-NP, stem length at 50 mg/L ZnO-NP, and relative seed germination 100 mg/L Fe3O4-NP with the maximum value. However, germination percentage, germination index, germination vigor index and root length were found to be maximum compared to other NP applications at Ag-NPs at 200 mg/L. This research showed that the germination promoting effects of NPs, which may be essential microelements, are related to their size, surface area, morphology and concentration. Thus, it promoted early and rapid germination by breaking the NP's seed dormancy.

Toxicity effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on immune cells

Background: Cannabis extract has a long history of being used in the treatment and prevention of several medical conditions. The utilization of cannabis extracts, whether for medical or localized purposes, is widely observed. In cannabis extract, cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most important non-psychoactive compounds. Several studies have demonstrated that CBD has several benefits in the treatment of various medical conditions. Nevertheless, CBD has also been demonstrated to suppress both innate and adaptive immune responses. Despite CBD has claimed to have many benefits, the toxicity of CBD is often pointed out and discussed. Nonetheless, the data on the toxicity effects of CBD on immune cells are limited. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of various concentrations of CBD on immune cells, including CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, B cells, NK cells, and monocytes. Materials and methods: Various concentrations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with various concentrations of CBD or relative concentrations of methanol as a diluent control for 12, 24, and 48 hrs. Cell morphology was observed using flow cytometry. The percentage of cell death in the treated cells was determined by cell viability assay. In addition, the toxic effects of CBD on PBMC sub-populations were determined by staining with fluorochromeconjugated zombie viability dye and fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies specific to each cell sub-population. Then, the percentage of cell death in each sub-population was assessed using flow cytometry. Results: CBD at concentrations of 40 and 80 µM showed toxicity effects on PBMCs. At these concentrations, CBD induced both cell morphological changes and cell death. While 20 µM CBD induced different effects, ranging from none to mild and high toxicity. The toxicity of CBD at 20 µM concentration depends on the individual. In contrast, CBD at ten µM and below showed no toxicity to PBMCs. The observed toxic effects of CBD occurred in all sub-populations of PBMCs, including CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, B cells, NK cells, and monocytes. Conclusion: CBD has toxicity effects on immune cells. These effects depend on CBD concentrations, PBMC concentrations, and the duration of CBD exposure. Our findings emphasize the importance of awareness for CBD users when consuming CBD.