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Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify methods for detecting composition and fraud in meat foods.Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted in 2022 using the electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, SID, and PubMed. The search was limited to articles published in English from 1970 to 2022. Search terms used were “fraud”, “meat products”, “Iran,” “ authentleication,” “detection,” and “adulteration”.Results: Genetic-based molecular tests (PCR) and less use of histological and chemical tests were used to detect fraud and its type in meat products. PCR was used in 30 cases to identify the type of cheating in meat products such as sausages. Histological methods were used in 19 cases to detect type of violation.Conclusion: Molecular methods for detecting food fraud are highly accurate; therefore, they have the highest detection rate.

Introduction : It has been shown that angioplasty and endovascular stent deployment, used after coronary revascularization, are associated with an inflammatory response. Inflammation has a key role in the complications of atherosclerotic plaque, coronary artery disease (CAD) and in-stent restenosis (ISR). The objectives of the present study was to investigate serum levels of 12 pro/anti-cytokines and growth factors and their relationship with restenosis.Methods: A total of 244 subjects were recruited in current study including unrelated patients who previously underwent coronary stent implantation (between 2014 and 2017) and were subsequently indicated for coronary angiography. According to angiography results patients were allocated into two groups: cases with stenosis more than 50% within the stent (N=79) and controls with stenosis less than 50% within the stent (N=165). Serum was separated by centrifuging the blood for 15 min at 1000 rpm. Serum cytokines levels including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, EGF, and VEGF were measured using an EV 3513 cytokine biochip array (Randox Laboratories, Crumlin, UK).Results: The mean age of the NISR and ISR groups were 62.47±9.2 and 59.49±8.48 years, respectively. The diabetes frequency was significantly higher in the ISR group (55.1%) compared with NISR group (30.9%) (p0.05).Conclusions: The results showed that serum levels of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors did not have a significant difference between NISR and ISR study groups.

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of alginate coating and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) on Listeria monocytogenes in fish samples during 12 days in cold storage condition (4˚C). Methods: Initially, fish fillets were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and divided into different groups. Following that, treated samples including controls (no coating), distilled water, alginate, EOW, and alginate coating with EOW were stored at refrigeration temperature. The fillets were preserved at the temperature of 4°C, and the bacterial count was performed on days zero, two, four, eight, and 12. Results: The separate and combined use of alginate and EOW could significantly inhibit the growth of inoculated L. monocytogenes compared to the control samples, and the maximum reduction was observed in the EOW and alginate treatment (1.37 log CFU/g). Conclusion: It is recommended that alginate coating combined with EOW in fish improved safety against L. monocytogenes infection.

The present study aimed to evaluate Fatty acid profile and level of heavy metals in the sesame oils consumed in Iran. In total, 30 sesame oil samples were collected from factories (n=20; industrial) and from traditional mills (n=10; non-industrial). Heavy metal content and the FA profile of examined samples oil were determined by ICP-OES and gas Chromatography respectively. Significant differences were observed between the industrial and non-industrial sesame oil samples in terms of the Fatty acid profile and toxic heavy metals contamination. In addition, the fatty acid profile of the industrial and non-industrial sesame oil indicated high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (84.5% and 83.49%, respectively), with the main fatty acids determined to be oleic acid and linoleic acid. The fatty acid profile of the sesame oil samples indicated no adulteration with other vegetable oils. The concentration of lead, cadmium, iron in industrial sesame oil were observed in the range of 0.008–1.33, 0.001–0.04, 0.11–6.74 mg/kg, and in non-industrial sesame oil were found to be 0.00–0.199, 0.01–0.04, 0.8–4.3 mg/kg respectively. In general, lead content was higher than that of the legislation limit of Iran and European Union (0.1 mg/kg). Mercury and arsenic metals no detected in any of sesame oil samples. Mean values obtained in this work for Fe was lower than the maximum values recommended for FAO/WHO (1-1.5 μg/g) and for Cd was agree whit international requirements, the approved content of Cd in oils are: 0.05 μg/g (1). The health risks carcinogenic (ILCRs) and no carcinogenic (HI or THQ) were highly exceeded than threshold value of 1 in the both consumer groups of adult and children. This calls for concern for both adults and children exposed to consume of sesame oil through ingestion. It is necessary to monitor the presence of heavy metal contaminants and the quality of imported sesame seeds prior to oil preparation.

Introduction: Antimicrobial agents such as essential oils have wide applications, and their use in edible films has been reported to enhance the shelf life of meat and its products. The present study aimed to assess the effects of chitosan films on the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger samples in storage conditions (temperature: 4±1°C). Methods: The prepared films contained 0.8% nanoemulsion of Bunium persicum essential oil (NBPEO) and 1.6% nanoemulsion of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (NTEO). The hamburger samples were inoculated with S. aureus and divided into several groups, including control (no film), chitosan with 7.5% cellulose nanofiber (Ch-CNF), chitosan with 7.5% cellulose nanofiber, 0.8% NBPEO, and 1.6% NTEO (Ch-CNF-NEO). The samples were preserved in storage conditions (temperature: 4°C), and bacterial count was carried out on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Data analysis was performed using Bonferroni post-hoc test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: According to the results, S. aureus count significantly decreased in the treatment groups compared to the control samples. In addition, the maximum reduction rate was observed in the Ch-CNF-NEO treatment (1.41 log CFU/g) compared to the control samples. Conclution: According to the results, it is offered that nanocomposite film of chitosan with nanoemulsion of essential oils practically be applied in hamburger to enhance its safety against S. aureus.

Introduction: An increasing interest concerning probiotics has emerged among the public, researchers, governmental organizations (such as the WHO/FAO), and medicinal and food companies. Little is known about probiotic consumption, despite its increasing availability. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of the educated level of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran towards the benefits of probiotics. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 academic staff and students at Mashhad University of medical sciences through a designed checklist. The checklist includes demographic characteristic questions (age, sex, marital status, and education level) as well as questions evaluating the knowledge of individuals about the probiotics. Statistical analyses were done by SPSS, Software, Ver. 16.0. Results: The total number of the current study respondents was 400 with the mean age of 36.3 ± 12.8 and a majority of them were males (53.4%, n: 212), married (54.8%), and had an academic position (46.2%). Probiotic knowledge was significantly linked with marital status and those who were at the position of assistant professor (pConclusion: In this study, although the majority of the participants were aware of the presence of beneficial microorganisms in probiotics dairy products, they did not consume adequate amounts of dairy products and dairy-based probiotics. According to the information obtained from this study, there is a need for further education and promotion of the students in regards to the definition, oral benefits, and sources of probiotics.

The present study aimed to compare the inhibitory effects of alginate coatings containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) in the forms of coarse emulsion and nano-emulsion on the growth of inoculated Escherichia coliO157: H7in beef fillet during 16 days of refrigeration at the temperature of 4 . Alginate solutions (3%) with various concentrations of ZMEO (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) were prepared, and the coarse emulsion and nano-emulsion forms were also prepared. The beef fillets were inoculated with E. coliO157: H7(1.5×105 log CFU/g) and immersed in various alginate treatments, and the bacterial count was performed during refrigeration on days zero, four, eight, 12, and 16.The obtained results indicated that the alginate coating containing ZMEO in both forms (coarse/nano-emulsion) was a proper candidate to control E. coliO157: H7at the temperature of 4°C. However, the antibacterial effects were more significant on the samples treated by the nano-emulsion form compared to the coarse emulsion form and controls. In addition, the lowest bacterial growth was observed in the samples coated with the alginate nano-emulsion containing 1% ZMEO (5.3±0.24 log CFU/g) at the end of storage. Therefore, it could be concluded that the use of alginate coatings containing ZMEO (particularly in the nano-emulsion form) could effectively decrease the growth of E. coliO157: H7 during storage, and this natural additive could be applied in the food industry, especially the meat industry.

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of chitosan Nano-gel/emulsion coating functionalized by Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZCEO) and nisin on growth inhibition of Escherichia coli O157: H7 inoculated in beef samples during 16 days in cold storage condition (4˚C). Methods: Beef sample was divided into six groups after inoculation of E. coli O157:H7. Treatments including control (no coating), chitosan 2%, sonicated chitosan 2%, Nano-emulsion of chitosan coating containing ZCEO (0.5%), Nano-gel of chitosan coating containing nisin (200 IU/g), Nano-emulsion of chitosan coating containingZCEO (0.5%) and nisin (200 IU/g) were stored at refrigeration temperature and bacterial count were performed on days: 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Result indicated a significant reduction in E. coli O157:H7 count in all treatments when compared to control group and the highest inhibitory activity was observed in chitosan Nano-emulsion coating containing ZCEO (0.5%) and nisin (200 IU/g). Conclusion: Accordingly, it is suggested that chitosan Nano-emulsion coating with ZCEO and nisinpractically be applied in beef to increase its safety against pathogenic bacteria especially E. coli O157: H7.

Introduction: Regular implementation of quality control (QC) program in diagnostic X-ray facilities may affect both image quality and patient radiation dose due to the changes in exposure parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the status of randomly selected conventional radiographic X-ray devices installed in radiology centers of Great Khorasan Province, Iran, to produce the data needed to formulate QC policies, which are essential to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis while minimizing the radiation dose. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a calibrated Piranha multi-purpose detector to measure QC parameters in order to unify X‐ray imaging practices using international guidelines. The QC parameters included voltage accuracy, voltage reproducibility, exposure time accuracy, exposure time reproducibility, tube output linearity with time andmilliampere (mA), and tube output reproducibility. Data analysis procedures were performed based on the type of an X-ray generator, which has not been reported in previous studies. Results: The results showed that the implementation of high-frequency X-ray generators were more advantageous compared to alternative current generators, due to their efficient, better accuracy, linearity, and reproducibility. Conclusion: The survey revealed that the QC program was not conducted at regular intervals in some of the investigated radiology centers, mostly because of inadequate enforcement by national regulatory authorities for implementation of QC program.

Background: Obesity is a common health problem associated with a number of diseases, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, gout, gall bladder and liver disease, cancer, and depression. The prevalence of obesity is dramatically increasing around the world, especially in the Asia Pacific region. omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have several beneficial effects on some diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorder and asthma. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to determine the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in subjects with different categories of BMI (healthy- weight, overweight, and obese) and WC (not at risk, increased risk, and substantially increased risk). Method: In the current study, a total of 151 individuals consist of 58 men and 93 women (aged 18-65 year) were randomly recruited from patients attending the nutrition clinics of Mashhad, Iran. Participants were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) (healthy-weight, overweight, and obese) and WC categories (not at risk, increased risk, and substantially increased risk). Plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids were analyzed in blood sample of all participants by gas chromatography apparatus equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Mashhad University of Medical Science (MUMS) and written informed consent was obtained from all individuals. Results: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were inverse association with increasing both overall (p

Introduction: In recent years, the number of computed tomography (CT) scans, which is a high-dose technique, has increased significantly. Head and neck CT is performed frequently and thyroid, particularly in children, has always been considered a sensitive organ. In recent years, radiobiologists and health physicists have been more concerned about the safety of lenses of the eyes, as cataract is no longer considered a deterministic effect. Material and Methods: In the present study, incurred doses to the thyroid and lens of the eye of 140 patients who underwent common head and neck CT at five hospitals were measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100). The patients were divided into two age groups of pediatrics and adults. TLD chips were placed on the patient’s skin surface. For each patient, scan parameters, sex and age were recorded. Exposed TLDs were read by a manual TLD reader. Results: The verage absorbed dose of the thyroid, as well as the lenses of the left and right eyes were 5.89±1.74, 15.84±2.81 and 16.25±2.57, respectively, for the pediatric patients and 5.00±1.17, 17.64±1.69 and 24.41±1.89 for adults. Patient-specific organ doses were influenced by the scanned region, scan protocol and patient's age. Conclusion: In the present study, the mean eye dose was much lower than the 500 mGy threshold recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for lens of the eye damage, thus, it appears to be clinically safe. While CT scan remains a crucial tool, further dose reduction can be achieved by controlling different factors affecting patient doses.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of traditional sweets, Zoolbia and Bamieh made in the confectioneries of the Mashhad during the holy month of Ramadan. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Seventy five samples of traditional sweets, Zoolbia and Bamieh were collected randomly from confectionaries of Mashhad during Ramadan month in 2018. Microbial quality tests including mold and yeast, E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae and S. aureus enumeration and Salmonella isolation were performed. Results: Of the total samples tested 22.6% ‏of the samples were within the specified limit of the standard. The contamination rate of mold and yeast was 13.3%, Salmonella 6.6%, Enterobacteriaceae 13.3%, E.coli 16% and S. aureus 28%. The highest level of contamination was related to S.aureus and the lowest level related to Salmonella. Conclusion: The results showed that the contamination rate of Zoolbia and Bamieh is high and significant, therefore, given the high percentage of contamination of samples, production and distribution practices as well as the workers hygiene must be under more control and attention. The existence of vulnerable groups among consumers adds to the importance of this issue.

Introduction: Ramadan is the ninth month of Muslim's calendar during which Muslims fast. Ramadan lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. Fasting during Ramadan has significant health effects. The present study aimed at reviewing the literature of the impact of Ramadan fasting on upper gastrointestinal disorders. Methods: MEDLINE and Google Scholar were searched by using ((“Ramadan” R fasting”) AND( "Upper Gastrointestinal Tract" OR "Gastrointestinal Diseases" OR "Dyspepsia" OR "Gastroesophageal Reflux" OR "Peptic Ulcer" OR "Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage")) as keywords in the title and abstract. Relevant, non- duplicate full articles written in English were reviewed. Results: Gastric acid and pepsin secretion increase during Ramadan fasting, probably associated with dyspeptic symptoms. Regarding peptic ulcer frequency, results are inconsistent. However, peptic ulcer complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcer perforation increase during Ramadan fasting. Conclusion: Fasting during Ramadan seems to be beneficial for healthy individuals, but in people with gastrointestinal disorders, it might be harmful as it increases the risk of complications. Therefore, taking medical advice before Ramadan fasting is highly recommended to people suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms.

Introduction: Hot flashes (HF) and night sweats (NS) are due to vasomotor instability and could be recognized as cardiovascular risk markers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vasomotor instability and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: This observational cross sectional study, was performed in Chamran Hospital, Isfahan University of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran from 2011-2012. In this study, womenwithin the age range of 45-60 years with angiography documented CAD were enrolled. Participants included 25 women with hot flashes, night sweats, or both and 17 women without these symptoms, respectively. In all participants, levels of follicular stimulating hormone/luteinizinghormone (FSH/LH) were measured. The severity of CAD was calculated using Gensini score. In order to evaluate the relationship between severity of CAD and other variables, Gensini scores lower than 50 and ≥50 were considered as low and high Gensini scores, respectively. Moreover, data analysis was performed using SPSS version 15.0.Results: Our findings demonstrated that NS and HF were not associated with severity of CAD, determined by Gensini scores (P-values>0.05). However, a significant positive relationship was observed between FSH levels and severity of CAD in all participants (P=0.048). In cases in low Gensini score group, the relationship between LH and Gensini score was negative and non-significant, while Gensini score showed a positive and non-significant relationship (P-value> 0.05).Conclusions: No significant association was observed between vasomotor symptoms of menopause and the severity of CAD. In addition, elevated FSH levels could be considered as a marker of severity of CAD.

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global disease which its prevalence is about 10-35%. Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fasting during Ramadan on plasma free fatty acids in patients with NAFLD.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed during the month of Ramadan in June-July, 2014 (Islamic year: 1435) with 50 patients who were living in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were recruited from 18-65 years old patients. The inclusion criteria were 1) patients with NAFLD that diagnosed fatty liver by ultrasonography and 2) being at least 10 hours fasting. Levels of plasma free fatty acids (Palmitic, Elaidic and Oleic fatty acid) were analyzed in blood sample of all patients by gas chromatography apparatus equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID).Result: results indicated that there was no significant changes were observed in plasma levels of Palmitic, Elaidic and Oleic fatty acids in overweight patients (BMI 25-30 ), but plasma levels of Elaidic acid significantly increased in obese patients (P

Objective(s):Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. Although psoriasis is clinically and histologically well characterized, its pathogenesis is unknown in detail. The aims of this study were to evaluate the proteome of psoriatic patients' sera and to compare them with those of normal healthy human to find valuable biomarkers. Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, twenty cases of white patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 10 males and 10 females and sixteen healthy controls, 8 males and 8 females were enrolled in the study. The serum protein expression patterns obtained after depletion of albumin were compared by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled to MALDI/TOF-TOF to identify disease associated proteins. Results: Differential expression of nine protein spots representing four unique proteins including alpha-1 antitrypsin, retinol binding protein, keratin 10 and an unknown protein (with pI 6.47 and molecular weight of 19941 Da), between psoriatic and healthy human serum were found. Furthermore, expression of four new alpha-1 antitrypsin isoforms with different molecular weight and isoelectric point were observed in psoriatic serums in this research for the first time. Conclusion: A unique proteomic profiling with abnormal expression of alpha-1 antitrypsin and presence of keratin 10 in sera of psoriasis patients were observed that may constitute new and useful findings of psoriasis and offer a clue to a better understanding of the inflammatory pathway.

Introduction: In recent decades, several Monte Carlo codes have been introduced for research and medical applications. These methods provide both accurate and detailed calculation of particle transport from linear accelerators. The main drawback of Monte Carlo techniques is the extremely long computing time that is required in order to obtain a dose distribution with good statistical accuracy. Material and Methods: In this study, the MCNP-4C Monte Carlo code was used to simulate the electron beams generated by a Neptun 10 PC linear accelerator. The depth dose curves and related parameters to depth dose and beam profiles were calculated for 6, 8 and 10 MeV electron beams with different field sizes and these data were compared with the corresponding measured values. The actual dosimetry was performed by employing a Welhofer-Scanditronix dose scanning system, semiconductor detectors and ionization chambers. Results: The result showed good agreement (better than 2%) between calculated and measured depth doses and lateral dose profiles for all energies in different field sizes. Also good agreements were achieved between calculated and measured related electron beam parameters such as E0, Rq, Rp and R50. Conclusion: The simulated model of the linac developed in this study is capable of computing electron beam data in a water phantom for different field sizes and the resulting data can be used to predict the dose distributions in other complex geometries.