Ferula gummosa Boiss. as a valuable pharmaceutical and industrial plant grows in Iran. In order to minimize seed dormancy period and micropropagation, callus induction and embryogenesis were evaluated. The plantlets of the seeds were separated and cultured in the 1/2 MS medium. After 14 days, root, hypocotyl, cotyledon and leaf explants were separated. Then they were transferred to the basal MS medium containing different concentrations of growth regulators. Different developmental stages of somatic embryos were evaluated. Seedlings 2-3 days after locating in 1/2 MS medium germinated and whole plantlets were obtained after 12 days. In the callus induction phase growth regulator composition 1.5 mgl^-1 of NAA and 0.5 mgl^-1 of BA with root explants had proper results. In the somatic embryogenesis phase MS medium containing 0.5 mgl^-1 of 2,4-D accompanied by 1 mgl^-1 of BA lead to desirable results. Via taken sections from the embryos, different developmental stages of somatic embryos including pre-embryo, globular, heart shaped, torpedo and cotyledonary embryo were observed. In vitro culture of embryo to accelerate germination and elimination of long dormancy period and using this optimized method are strongly suggested for micropropagation of this plant so this valuable endemic plant may survive from extinction, too.
 

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), also known as FGF-2, is a crucial member of the fibroblast growth factor family, involved in a variety of biological functions including cellular proliferation, wound healing, angiogenesis, intercellular signalling, and cell differentiation, In contemporary stem cell research, serum-free media enriched with various additives and growth factors are employed, and among these, bFGF being particularly significant. Despite its extensive potential applications, the clinical utilization of bFGF is limited due to its instability, especially in aqueous environment. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the protein's structural integrity and stability is essential. This study focuses on the expression, purification, and characterization of bFGF for structural and stability analysis through biophysical methods. Intrinsic fluorescence measurement indicated a structural alteration surrounding the tryptophan residue, while circular dichroism (CD) analysis showed a decrease in the protein’s secondary structure. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) used for stability analysis. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate the biological activity of the protein in cellular context. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles were synthesized. The results from the Cell Migration Assay indicated that the proliferation of HT29 cells was enhanced following treatment with bFGF in conjunction with gold nanoparticles. Also, a MTT assay was conducted.

Plant secondary metabolites like phenols and flavonoids neutralize free radicals and are linked to antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Due to rising drug resistance in pathogens such as Salmonella paratyphi, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, medicinal herbs are increasingly explored for antimicrobial properties. This study evaluated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial effects of Arctium lappa. TPC, TFC, and antioxidant levels were measured using Folin-Ciocalteu, Aluminum chloride, FRAP, and DPPH assays, respectively. Antibacterial activities were assessed by microdilution broth and disc diffusion methods to determine MIC50 and MBC values. Results showed that A. lappa ethanolic extract, prepared with diluted water and the boiling method, had the highest flavonoid content (7.9 ± 0.40 mg/g DW). The leaves and flowers extract, using methanol and the boiling method, had the highest phenolic content (62.13 ± 0.73 mg/g DW) and antioxidant capacity. The ethanolic extract of A. lappa leaves also demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity, with an MBC of 0.140 mg/mL and an 8 ± 0.4 mm inhibition zone against all tested bacteria. These findings suggest A. lappa bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics and flavonoids, offer promising potential for treating bacterial infections in pharmacognostic applications.
 

Objective: Ozone treatment has been recognized as an effective approach to significantly reduce mycotoxin levels, including ochratoxin A (OTA), in agricultural products. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of untreated and ozone-treated OTA-contaminated corn (OCC) through a sub-chronic toxicity assessment in rats.
Method: Male rats were randomly assigned into one control group and three experimental diet groups. The experimental groups received untreated OCC or ozone-treated OCC through oral administration for a 30-day period. Clinical signs, survival, hematological parameters, serum biochemical indices, and histopathological alterations of liver and kidney tissues were examined to evaluate potential toxicological effects.
Results: No mortality or overt clinical abnormalities were observed during the experimental period. Rats fed untreated OCC exhibited significant decreases in white blood cell (WBC) counts and marked elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Histopathological evaluation revealed OTA-induced lesions in both liver and kidney tissues. In contrast, rats fed ozone-treated OCC showed reduced biochemical alterations and attenuated histopathological damage compared with those receiving untreated OCC.