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Allium cepa L., known as a wild onion in Iran with different high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in internal and outer layers. The aim of this study was to assess phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the internal and outer layers of ten Iranian onions (Allium cepa L.) landrace and compare them with three hybrid onions. Results showed that the total phenolic, flavonoid contents and the antioxidant capacity of the onions ranged 18.76–65.25 (mg GAE/g DW), 0.06–1.92 (mg/g DW) and 10.34–40.54%, respectively. The results showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity and protection of pBR322 DNA in the outer layer in compare to internal ones due to higher hydroxyl radicals. Based on the results, the present study showed that red onions such as landraces originated from Azarshahr and Nowshahr included the highest quantities of phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant activity and DNA protection values. Inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory and minimum microbicidal concentration of internal layer of onion from Kahrizak were significantly different from others (p

For years, finding ways and materials to make the learning experience for EFL learners more inspiring and fruitful has been one of the most important tasks of English teaching. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of movies and gender on learning English idiomatic and everyday expressions among Iranian EFL learners. The sample of this study was composed of English major students of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch. Their first language was Persian and their age ranged between 25 to 45. The participants were 30 male and female students who were chosen based on their scores on a placement test which was taken to make sure that they were in the same level of English language proficiency. A true experimental design was used in which pretest-treatment-posttest was utilized. Data collection tools were: Oxford Quick placement test, a pretest, a posttest, and the teaching material. There was a pretest on vocabulary which was followed by the treatment, the participants watched movies and vocabularies were explained by the teacher through asking the students guess the meaning or get help from the texts they had. The posttest was administered after the treatment. Paired-samples t-test and independent-samples t-test were run on the data. Results showed that movies had significant effects on learning English idiomatic and everyday expressions among Iranian EFL learners and it improved learning. Moreover, gender had no significant effects on learning English idiomatic and everyday expression among Iranian EFL learners.

Background: Oxymel is a functional beverage with a rich historical background of use in multiple societies. Various simple and compound oxymels are prescribed in certain complementary and traditional medical systems, including traditional Persian Medicine. In recent years, numerous clinical and preclinical studies have been conducted in the pharmacy and food industry to investigate the efficacy of various oxymel formulations. This article aims to systematically review and summarize interventional studies on oxymel in both clinical research and animal models. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to July 2023 using the keyword “Oxymel” and its equivalents in other languages. Animal and human interventional studies were selected from the search results for review. Results: This review includes twenty studies, comprising twelve clinical trials, two case studies, and six animal studies. The most commonly reported actions of oxymel include positive effects on the cardiovascular system, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, compound oxymel formulations have demonstrated additional benefits depending on the inclusion of specific medicinal herbs. Conclusion: Based on our findings, oxymel appears to be a valuable functional food for healthy individuals and a potentially effective and safe treatment option for managing certain diseases such as asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to fully elucidate the potential side effects and benefits of both simple and compound oxymels in various disease states.

The scientific community is currently facing a more than exponential increase of knowledge in all areas and disciplines. In the last 10 years, the contribution of the journal Applied Food Biotechnology was eminent in distributing that knowledge by providing a tribune for researchers from different countries all over the world to share their ideas, observations, and hypotheses. With a focus on different aspects of applied and fundamental biological sciences, the journal Applied Food Biotechnology was established as a reference of the Iranian scientific community. In the last 10 years, the journal has been covering several topics related to exploring the beneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their role in modern food technologies. LAB are already proven as a realization of Hippocrates' vision for the potential role of food in human and other animals' health. However, what will be the next frontier? What are the challenges in understanding the interactions between microbiota and host microorganisms? What will be the novel analytical tools, facilitating a new era of probiotic research? These were only a few research topics presented and discussed in Applied Food Biotechnology in the last decade. This editorial overview aims to celebrate the scientific contribution of Applied Food Biotechnology in the area of research associated with the beneficial properties of LAB, summarizing some of the studies published in the journal.

IntroductionStructured feedback is important to support learner progression in competency-based medical education (CBME). R2C2 is an evidence-based four-phased feedback model that has been studied in a range of learner contexts; however, data on factors influencing implementation of this model are lacking. This pilot study describes implementation of the R2C2 model in a psychiatry CBME residency program, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).MethodsThe study was carried out in three phases: planning, implementation and evaluation. After receiving training, 15 supervisors used the R2C2 feedback model with residents. Semi-structured interviews explored (n = 10) supervisors’ experience of the model. CFIR was used to identify factors that influence implementation of the R2C2 model when providing feedback to residents.ResultsQualitative data analysis revealed four key themes: Perceptions about the R2C2 model, Facilitators and barriers to its implementation, Fidelity to R2C2 model and Intersectionality related to the feedback. The CFIR implementation domains provided structure to the themes and subthemes.ConclusionThe R2C2 model is a helpful tool to provide structured feedback. Structure of the model, self-efficacy, in-house educational expertise, learning culture, organizational readiness, and training support are important facilitators of implementation. Further studies are needed to explore the learner’s perspective and fidelity of this model.

BackgroundDeveloping more sensitive methods for the diagnosis of echinococcosis is essential. In this study PCR assay for sensitive detection of specific cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in the sera of the sheep naturally infected with echinococcosis was investigated.MethodsTo extract cfDNA from 35 infected sheep, the modified phenol-chloroform method was used for two different volumes (0.5 and 2 ml) of serum samples. From each extracted sample, two DNA volumes (5 and 10 μl) were amplified using both standard PCR and semi-nested PCR targeting NADH dehydrogenase subunit I.ResultsStandard and semi-nested PCR on 0.5 ml of serum samples detected Echinococcus DNA in 8 and 12 out of 35 sheep, respectively; however, using 2 ml of serum samples, they detected 24 and 27 samples. By increasing the volume of template DNA, the PCRs could detect 29 and 33 out of 35 samples. The results were confirmed by sequencing of randomly selected PCR amplicons and comparing them with GenBank databases.ConclusionsLarger volumes of serum for DNA extraction, greater volumes of DNA template for PCR, and employing a semi-nested PCR protocol, increased the sensitivity of PCR to 95%. This approach can also be applied to the diagnosis of echinococcosis in humans.

Tourism has great importance in employment and production and is one of the most vital industries in the world. Many countries have made detailed planning due to the importance of the tourism industry. In this study, the effect of increasing the share of the tourism industry in the portfolio of households on the employment generation of economic sectors has been investigated. For this purpose, the AFLQ spatial share method was used in the input-output table of two regions for Khorasan Razavi Province and other national economic sectors. The results showed that with a 10% increase in household consumption, a total of 81,024 people were employed in Khorasan Razavi province and 9,656 people were employed in other regions. The most employment created in Khorasan Razavi is related to industrial production (construction), agriculture, and industry, and the least is related to religious organizations and organizations with members. Also, 2493 people are in the tourism sector and 78531 people are in the non-tourism sector. The transportation and warehousing sector accounts for the largest share of employment created in tourism-related sectors of the province. In other regions, industrial production (construction), agriculture, and industry; It has the most change in employment. Also, 718 people are in the tourism sector and 8938 people are in the non-tourism sector. Transportation and warehousing in other regions have the most employment created in the sectors related to tourism.Transportation and warehousing in other regions have the most employment created in the sectors related to tourism.Transportation and warehousing in other regions have the most employment created in the sectors related to tourism.

Background and Objective: Essential oils include low solubility, poor bioavailability and rapid release, which may limit their use as bioactive compounds in foods and medicine. Nanoencapsulation can preserve inherent qualities of essential oils and improve their physicochemical characteristics and health benefits. Focus of the present study was on the loading of essential oils from Zataria multiflora in pickering nanoemulsions, nanoparticles and nanophytosome. In addition, the present study assessed how these systems affected their physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, compared to free-essential oils. Material and Methods: Encapsulation of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil in nanocarriers as a novel phytoconstituents delivery system was carried out using three various methods. Physicochemical characterization of nanocarriers was studied using dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, confocal laser scanning microscopy, optical microscope and antioxidant activity. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration assessment effects against Listeria monocytogenes at 24 h and temperatures (10, 25 and 37 °C) were investigated. Encapsulated Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil with subinhibitory concentrations (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) in hamburger formulation was selected as a food model for chemical, microbiological and sensory evaluation. Results and Conclusion: In general, this study compared three types of biocarriers with free essential oils. Primarily, nanophytosome showed promising results in delaying oxidation and in antimicrobial and sensory assessments, compared to two other nanocarriers. In conclusion, essential oil nanophytosomes of Zataria multiflora Boiss include the potential as an efficient natural food preservative. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

As the Iranian printing industry entered its modern era in the 1950s, manuals of style began to flourish with sets of writing and editing guidelines for correct punctuation and text formatting. Over time, the writing symbols have increased in number, and manual organizers have tried to make their guidelines inclusive by proposing new rules and usages for the symbols. Nowadays, a great number of such manuals are publicly accessible, but there is hardly any novelty or difference from the past in them. Besides, no attempts have been made to accurately evaluate or criticize the proposed orthographic signs and symbols and the tips on how to use them. To fill the gap, the present study examines eighteen commonly used writing style manuals through a descriptive-analytical method. The aim is to shed light on the contradictions within the individual manuals and among them, the differences in the authors’ views, and the excess and defect in their approaches. This is a just and fair task of evaluation done with a bulk of examples as proofs and evidence. Each section of the research ends up with some suggestions about how to revise the set-up of guides and manuals on writing so as to reduce the inconsistencies and eliminate the textual inexpressiveness that stems from the wrong use of punctuation marks. The number of such marks presented in this study is kept as low as possible because too many suggestions would make it hard for editors and users to discreetly select and apply the intended marks.IntroductionCoinciding with the birth of the publication industry, more precisely in the wake of 1330 AH, manuscript editions using mechanics of writing, more particularly punctuation marks, increased significantly prior to publication at academic centers and publishing industries. The importance of this issue inspired many editors and authors to compile manuals and dedicate a section in books with the general title of mechanics of writing to explicate the use of punctuation marks. Considering existing multifarious and diverse manuals, and the paucity of studies on such writings (more significantly, the punctuation marks), the present study aims to analyze the aforementioned texts and uses of punctuation marks to highlight obscurities and provide a review and critical study of opposing views, in the hope of improving text consistency. Materials and Methods Taking an analytical and critical method, the present study reviews 18 conventional manuals which have examined punctuation marks. It also evaluates the internal contradictions, and variety of views, and then moderately touches on excessive adherence to rules, with all examples and evidence in their texts. The concluding section provides suggestions on differences that would likely foreground revision of given manuals and eliminate dispersed editing methods and the conceptual incompetency caused by inappropriate uses of punctuation marks. Research FindingsThere were varied opinions on using the question mark in several specific cases, and several punctuation marks for a particular purpose, such as 1) Interrogative sentences inferring a rhetorical question, 2) Interrogative sentences used for inquiries or polite requests, 3) Recurring use of question marks, and 4) Question marks inserted in brackets. The following presents the frequent uses of question marks: 1) closing direct question sentences, and 2) adding in parentheses to shed doubt on the author’s intention or ambiguity of the text and in hooks to highlight the author’s sense of doubt or cited texts.Exclamations were also treated differently; either following 1) an exclamatory sentence, 2) sounds, 3) within the parentheses, and 4) coupled with a question mark. There are different views, which are subject to criticism, on using periods that may appear either in imperative sentences or conventional abbreviations. In this sense, there are several possible uses to consider a period: 1) at the end of declarative and imperative sentences, 2) short answers, 3) abbreviations, 4) indirect questions, 5) at the end of citations within the text or at the end of the text, 6) separating parts of web addresses, 7) at the end of a direct quotation, and 8) following quotation marks.There are diverse views and ambiguities concerning the use of semicolons such as 1) followed by parallel pairs separated by ‘and’ (wa), 2) conjunctions such as because (zirā), or however (ammā), 3) separating options (when each of the options are separated by a semicolon and the final point takes a period). It can be thus regarded that semicolons are followed by linking words such as because (zirā), however (ammā), but (walī), therefore (banābarīn), while (dar ḥālī kih), hence (dar natījah), for instance (barāy-i mithāl), meaning (ya’nī), in this sense (az īn rūy), in a way that (bi ṭūrī kih), within the separate components of a general category (while each segment is separated by a semicolon and the final point ends with a period), in-text citations to two or more sources, within conditional sentences or sentences consisting multiple commas, within seemingly independent sentences that are semantically interrelated.Exploring how manuals refer to the uses of commons, the researchers noticed the specific differences 1) among parallel words, 2) following and followed by the post-positioned particle in Persian rā, 3) following the subject, 4) following short answers, and 5) following that (kih). The study shows that commas are prevalently used 1) following an exclamatory sentence, 2) between the dependent and independent sentences (when the dependent clause precedes the main clause, a comma is used and when the independent clause precedes the dependent clause, a semicolon is applied), 3) among parallels, 4) between the phrase and similar sentences, 5) in either part of an exclamatory sentence, non-restrictive clause, or appositions, 6) between two repeated words, 7) following adverbial clauses at the beginning of the sentence, 8) replaced for nouns and verbs, 9) for clarification, and 10) to separate addresses, sources, numbers, surnames and names, book titles, and author’s names. Discussion of Results and Conclusion The substantial issues observed in consulted manuals include the use of examples rather than evidence, the incongruity between uses and examples to support suggested punctuation marks and their uses, ambiguities or content incompetency in using mechanics and providing an amalgam of rhetorical and grammatical points. Writing mechanics eliminate mistakes ambiguities and improve proper understanding of the text; however, excessive use of punctuation marks which also consists of diverse instances or suggestions, and discourages users to adhere to conventions. It is noteworthy that punctuation marks ought to be applied on the account of textual and contextual perquisites, though there might be exceptions given the rules and conventions of every punctuation mark. To eliminate obfuscations, it is suggested to include an introductory section in glossaries and encyclopedias, indicating compilers’ preferences for applied punctuation marks. It is also recommended to consider the denotative aspect of punctuation marks in particular sciences, as some marks convey a significant meaning in specific areas of knowledge.

Background: Ultrasonication was used to stimulate the growth and selenium (Se) biotransformation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. An optimization study for maximal Se accumulation in S. cerevisiae was conducted using the Plackett–Burman screening method and response surface methodology (RSM) for optimization of conditions. The variables influencing Se biotransformation by yeast, including duration and power of ultrasound, inoculum treatment with ultrasound, duty cycle, growth phase, time, shaking rate, inorganic salt concentration (Se, Zn, Mg, and K), and nitrogen and carbon sources as well as their concentrations were screened using the Plackett–Burman design. Results: The main variables were carbon and Se concentration as well as ultrasound power and duty cycle. The lack of fit was insignificant (P > 0.01). The optimum condition for Se accumulation was obtained at Se concentration of 60 µg/ml, carbon source brix of 15, ultrasound of 90 W/L, and duty cycle of 40%. Conclusions: The results showed that optimization of parameters and application of ultrasonication lead to a successful enhancement (2.78-fold) in the accumulation of selenium by S. cerevisiae. Such enriched yeast can be utilized in bread for increasing consumption of Se in the diet of patients with Se deficiency.How to cite: Alijan S, Hosseini M, Esmaeili S, et al. Impact of ultrasound and medium condition on production of selenium-enriched yeast. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.09.004.

P3HB (poly-β-hydroxybutyrate), an energy-storage compound of several microorganisms, can be used as bioplastics material. P3HB is completely biodegradable under aerobic and aerobic conditions, also in the marine environment. The intracellular agglomeration of P3HB was examined employing a methanotrophic consortium. Supplanting fossil, non-degradable polymers by P3HB can significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastics. Utilizing inexpensive carbon sources like CH4 (natural gas, biogas) is a fundamental methodology to make P3HB production less costly, and to avoid the use of primary agricultural products such as sugar or starch. Biomass growth in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in general and in Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) manufacture in specific could be a foremost point, so here the authors focus on natural gas as a proper carbon source and on the selection of bioreactors to produceP3HB, and in future further PHA, from that substrate. CH4 can also be obtained from biomass, e.g., biogas, syngas methanation or power-to-gas (synthetic natural gas, SNG). Simulation software can be utilized for examination, optimizing and scale-up of the process as shown in this paper. The fermentation systems continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), forced-liquid vertical loop bioreactor (VTLB), forced-liquid horizontal tubular loop bioreactor (HTLB), airlift (AL) fermenter and bubble column (BC) fermenter were compared for their methane conversion, kLa value, productivity, advantages and disadvantages. Methane is compared to methanol and other feedstocks. It was discovered that under optimum processing circumstances and using Methylocystis hirsuta, the cells accumulated 51.6% cell dry mass of P3HB in the VTLB setup.

ABSTRACT Reported rates of invasive pneumococcal disease were markedly lower than normal during the 2020/2021 winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the first year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about rates of carriage of pneumococcus among adults during this period. Between October 2020-August 2021, couples in the Greater New Haven Area, USA, were enrolled if both individuals were aged 60 years and above and did not have any individuals under the age of 60 years living in the household. Saliva samples and questionnaires regarding social activities and contacts and medical history were obtained every 2 weeks for a period of 10 weeks. Following culture-enrichment, extracted DNA was tested using qPCR for pneumococcus-specific sequences piaB and lytA. Individuals were considered positive for pneumococcal carriage when Ct values for piaB were ≤40. Results. We collected 567 saliva samples from 95 individuals (47 household pairs and 1 singleton). Of those, 7.1% of samples tested positive for pneumococcus, representing 22/95 (23.2%) individuals and 16/48 (33.3%) households. Study participants attended few social events during this period. However, many participants continued to have regular contact with children. Individuals who had regular contact with preschool and school-aged children (i.e., 2 to 9 year olds) had a higher prevalence of carriage (15.9% versus 5.4%). Despite COVID-19-related disruptions, a large proportion of older adults continued to carry pneumococcus. Prevalence was particularly high among those who had contact with school-aged children, but carriage was not limited to this group. IMPORTANCE Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) in the upper respiratory tract is considered a prerequisite to invasive pneumococcal disease. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, markedly lower rates of invasive pneumococcal disease were reported worldwide. Despite this, by testing saliva samples with PCR, we found that older adults continued to carry pneumococcus at pre-pandemic levels. Importantly, this study was conducted during a period when transmission mitigation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic were in place. However, our observations are in line with reports from Israel and Belgium where carriage was also found to persist in children. In line with this, we observed that carriage prevalence was particularly high among the older adults in our study who maintained contact with school-aged children.

ABSTRACT While the sensitivity of detection of pneumococcal carriage can be improved by testing respiratory tract samples with quantitative PCR (qPCR), concerns have been raised regarding the specificity of this approach. We therefore investigated the reliability of the widely used lytA qPCR assay when applied to saliva samples from older adults in relation to a more specific qPCR assay (piaB). During the autumn/winter seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, saliva was collected at multiple time points from 103 healthy adults aged 21 to 39 (n = 34) and >64 (n = 69) years (n = 344 total samples). Following culture enrichment, extracted DNA was tested using qPCR for piaB and lytA. By sequencing the variable region of rpsB (S2 typing), we identified the species of bacteria isolated from samples testing lytA-positive only. While 30 of 344 (8.7%) saliva samples (16.5% individuals) tested qPCR-positive for both piaB and lytA, 52 (15.1%) samples tested lytA-positive only. No samples tested piaB-positive only. Through extensive reculture attempts of the lytA-positive samples collected in 2018/2019, we isolated 23 strains (in 8 samples from 5 individuals) that were also qPCR-positive for only lytA. Sequencing determined that Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus infantis were predominantly responsible for this lytA-positive qPCR signal. We identified a comparatively large proportion of samples generating positive signals with the widely used lytA qPCR and identified nonpneumococcal Streptococcus species responsible for this signal. This highlights the importance of testing for the presence of multiple gene targets in tandem for reliable and specific detection of pneumococcus in polymicrobial respiratory tract samples. IMPORTANCE Testing saliva samples with quantitative PCR (qPCR) improves the sensitivity of detection of pneumococcal carriage. The qPCR assay targeting lytA, the gene encoding the major pneumococcal autolysin, has become widely accepted for the identification of pneumococcus and is even considered the “gold standard” by many. However, when applying this approach to investigate the prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in adults in New Haven, CT, USA, we identified nonpneumococcal Streptococcus spp. that generate positive signals in this widely used assay. By testing also for piaB (encoding the iron acquisition ABC transporter lipoprotein, PiaB), our findings demonstrate the importance of testing for the presence of multiple gene targets in tandem for reliable molecular detection of pneumococcus in respiratory tract samples; targeting only lytA may lead to an overestimation of true carriage rates.

Background: Blastocystis is an extracellular and immobile protozoan known as the most common protozoan found in the human gastrointestinal tract and a wide range of animals. Although it takes a long time to identify it, its role in the disease and health of people is controversial. Parasite protease is one of the important factors in eliciting symptoms. Thus, this study investigated protease activity in several subtypes.Methods: Stool samples were collected from 600 patients referred to Isfahan laboratory centers. The samples were examined microscopically and the blastocysts positive samples were cultured in medium. The blastocysts were purified using the ficoll method. PCR and sequencing were performed to identify the subtypes. Gelatin/SDS-PAGE method was used to evaluate protease activity.Findings: A total of 34 samples was positive in culture and PCR. Of these, 18 samples were sequenced, and 4 subtypes 1-3 and 6 were isolated. Subtype 2 was more common. In the Gelatin/ SDS-PAGE method, a large difference in the size of the bands resulting from protease activity was evident in different subtypes. 20 kDa band was observed in subtypes 1-3. In Subtype 6, the band pattern was completely different from other subtypes.Conclusion: Differences in protease band size were observed in different subtypes, which could probably be the reason for the difference in protease activity and pathogenicity in different subtypes. The present study obtained more reliable results using the ficoll method.

The main aim of the current work was to build up a new mathematical modelling approach in predictive food microbiology field for the prediction of growth kinetics of microorganisms. For this purpose, the bacterial growth data of Pseudomonas spp. in whole fish (gilt-head seabream) subjected to isothermal and non-isothermal storage temperatures were collected from previously published growth curves. Maximum specific growth rate (1/h) and lag phase duration (h) were described as a function of storage temperature using the direct two-step, direct one-step and inverse dynamic modelling approaches based on various meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. The fitting capability of the modelling approaches and employed optimization algorithms was separately compared, and the one-step modelling approach for the direct methods and the Bayesian optimization method for the used algorithms provided the best goodness of fit results. These two were then further processed in validation step. The inverse dynamic modelling approach based on the Bayesian optimization algorithm yielded satisfactorily statistical indexes (1.02 > Bias factor > 1.09 and 1.07 > Accuracy factor > 1.13), which indicates it can be reliably used as an alternative way of describing the growth behaviour of Pseudomonas spp. in fish in a fast and efficient manner with minimum labour effort.

Background: Candidemia showed high morbidity and mortality and should be diagnosed immediately. The aim of this study was to provide a simple and rapid method for direct detection of Candida in the blood, using conjugated antibodies with gold nanoparticles by the agglutination method.Methods: In this study, yeast species isolated from 40 blood samples of patients tested by the BACTEC method were used. After identifying the etiologic agents by morphological and molecular methods, a mixture of yeast antigens was prepared. Briefly, a mixture of antigens was prepared from the Candida isolates detected from candidemia, and injected into healthy rabbit skin with complete adjuvant to produce antibodies. After injecting the incomplete adjuvant in four reminders, blood samples and serum were finally prepared from the rabbit. Antibody production and its efficacy were confirmed by ELISA method. Gold nanoparticles were chemically conjugated with antibodies. For rapid diagnosis of candidemia, the nanoparticle method was examined on the blood of four patients and blood contaminated with a certain number of Candida yeasts in the laboratory.Findings: Candida albicans was the most common etiologic agent of candidemia, followed by Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis complex. In determining the cut-off nanoparticle method, the least yeast detectable in the patient's blood was one yeast. The sensitivity and specificity of the nanoparticle method for detecting Candida in the blood of four patients compared to blood culture was 100%.Conclusion: Under our laboratory conditions, if testing 15 µl blood of a suspected patient to candidemia containing one yeast or even just Candida antigens exposed to 35 microliters of the nanoparticles conjugated antibodies, it shows agglutination during one minute.

Background Influenza A results in significant morbidity and mortality. VIR-2482, an engineered human monoclonal antibody with extended half-life, targets a highly conserved epitope on the stem region of influenza A hemagglutinin and may protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza. Methods This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study examined the safety and efficacy of VIR-2482 for seasonal influenza A illness prevention in unvaccinated healthy adults. Participants (N = 2977) were randomized 1:1:1 to receive VIR-2482 450 mg, VIR-2482 1200 mg, or placebo via intramuscular injection. Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of participants with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction–confirmed influenza A infection and either protocol-defined influenza-like illness (ILI) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–defined ILI or World Health Organization–defined ILI, respectively. Results VIR-2482 450 mg and 1200 mg prophylaxis did not reduce the risk of protocol-defined ILI with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction–confirmed influenza A versus placebo (relative risk reduction, 3.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), −67.3 to 44.6] and 15.9% [95% CI, −49.3 to 52.3], respectively). At the 1200-mg dose, the relative risk reductions in influenza A illness were 57.2% (95% CI: −2.5 to 82.2) using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ILI and 44.1% (95% CI: −50.5 to 79.3) using World Health Organization ILI definitions, respectively. Serum VIR-2482 levels were similar regardless of influenza status; variants with reduced VIR-2482 susceptibility were not detected. Local injection site reactions were mild and similar across groups. Conclusions VIR-2482 1200 mg intramuscular was well tolerated but did not significantly prevent protocol-defined ILI. Secondary endpoint analyses suggest this dose may have reduced influenza A illness. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05567783. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of biofilm in different places and the failure to effectively remove it by the usual disinfection methods is due to its structure and the rich genetic resource available in it to deal with disinfectants. These impenetrable structures and diverse microbial genetics have caused biofilm pollution in different industries like the food industry, the medicine industry, the hospitals and the water distribution system, resulting in pathogenicity and reduction of industrial quality. An efficient way to deal with the resistant population of biofilm‐forming microbes is the use of hurdle technology including enzymes and essential oils. Enzymes reduce the resistance of the biofilm structure due to degradation of its extracellular polymer matrix (EPS) by their abilities to break down the organic molecules, and then the essential oils weaken the cells by penetrating the lipid membrane of the cell and destroying its integrity; as a result, the biofilm will be destroyed. The advantage of this hurdle technology is the environmental friendly of both methods, which reduces concerns about the use of chemical disinfection methods, but on the other hand, due to the sensitivity of enzymes as biological agents also the expensiveness of this technique and the considerations of working with essential oils as volatile and unstable liquids should abandon the routine methods of applying this disinfectant to biofilm and go for the microencapsulation method, which as a protective system increases the effectiveness of enzymes and essential oils as antibiofilm agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the miniature objects reproducing pottery, household utensils and furniture objects discovered in the tomb of Iulia Graphis in Brescello (Emilia-Romagna, Italy). They are compared with similar groups found on the Italian territory, such as the Larario Puerile from Pesaro, the crepundia Terracina. Other groups of miniature objects in more uncertain contexts of discovery are examined. Over the years, the subject has been tackled by various researchers who have identified them as objects that related to the playful sphere of Roman children in the 2nd century CE and in particular to the game of dînette. This paper revises the initial hypotheses and opens up further avenues of investigation about the function of these objects and the social and gendered status of their owners.

AbstractThe realization of any desirable future in Islamic Republic of Iran depends on women's participation as half of the social actors. Examining women's sense of belonging to the future can be a step towards obtaining social hope. This could be achieved by futures studies’ concepts and methods. One of the future research approaches is to extract and analyze the images of the future. The research method of this paper is thematic analysis to extract and analyze images of the future in the mind of women born in the 1980s. The data have been obtained from 15 semi-structured interviews of female professors in Isfahan and extracted subthemes and themes after the coding stages. Finally, the main six themes that are the building blocks of the future images of these women's minds are as follows: 1. "Waiting for the best future", 2. "Gender future", 3. "Human age", 4. "My government", 5. "The future that I do not want", and 6. "Lack of social future". According to this research, the realization of any kind of future depends on the comprehensive critique of the status quo and the expansion of a new form of women's participation in creating the future due to making a sense of belonging to this future. The strategic recommendation of this research is the "impressionability" of policies and policymakers from such images and the "influence" of those on future policies on these themes to lead to the creation of a sustainable future..

Package of the Winter, 9(1); 2022 LIST OF PAPERS Review Article ----- Original Article

Background and Objective: Propionic acid bacteria are useful microorganisms that can produce beneficial food compounds. These bacteria mainly produce propionic acid that decrease the microbial population and growth along with increasing the shelf life. Propionibacterium freudenreichii was applied to produce propionic acid in yogurt in this study. Material and Methods: First, the process variables like inoculum percentage, strain type, milk fat and inulin amount, fermentation temperature, sunflower oil quantity, and refrigerated duration on propionic acid production by Propionibacterium freudenreichii was evaluated using Plackett-Burman design as a screening method. Next the acid production was optimized by a central composite design with 3 major factors of seed size, concentration of inulin, and refrigerated storage. Results and Conclusion: Analysis of variance showed that the models have been significant (p≤0.05). They represented that propionic acid production was influenced by three main factors. Optimized propionic acid production in yogurts by Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii (108 CFU. ml-1) was observed in 21 days after of refrigeration of skim-milk 2% (w v-1), inulin (3% w v-1) and incubation temperature of 43 °C. Reconfirmation test showed that the highest produced propionic acid was 12.53 ± 0.24 mg l-1 in yogurt, which increased production up to 6.2 time. Results showed that Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii increases propionic acid contents in synbiotic yogurts containing inulin.

Abstract Emerging energy systems are inherently different from their conventional counter-parts. To address all issues of these systems, comprehensive approaches of transdisciplinary and post-normal sciences are needed. This article tries to re-conceptualize emerging energy systems using Robert Rosen’s theory of anticipatory system and introduces the concept of the anticipatory smart energy system (ASES). Three important features of an ASES are described and socio-technical considerations for realization of these features are discussed. The article also considers realization of such systems under society 5.0 paradigm and spime techno-culture. In ASESs, the identity of users evolves and new identities are created for energy users, based on the production, consumption, storage, and distributed management of energy. An Anticipatory energy system can manage a common pool of prosumaging.

Application of the passive approach as a non-mechanical method is an effective technique to tackle high energy consumption as well as diminishing the destructive effects of buildings on the environment. Using passive cooling can lead to peak load reduction as well as peak load offset, diminishing the interior temperature fluctuation, maintaining indoor air temperature in a comfortable range which consequently reduces fossil fuel usage as well as decrease the greenhouse gas emission. In this study, using passive approach from the economic point of view was discussed. The competition between cost saving (owing to applying passive methods) and added cost (owing to the initial investment, maintenance and operation cost) can specify the usefulness and effectiveness of using passive techniques. In this regard, special points such as building function, ventilation requirements, sensible and latent heat gains, the ability of any technique to save energy, geographical location, user financial ability, initial investment, maintenance and operation cost, regional climate data should be taken into account. Literature review affirmed that owing to applying passive approaches in building, energy consumption is diminished by 8%–70% (using external shading), 37% (utilizing cool colored paints roof), 25% (Creating green space), 7.88% (construction of the prismatic building), 32%–100% (using vegetation-based wall), 50% (using PCM-base wall), 33% (incorporation of insulation into the wall), 10%–20% (building equipped with solar chimney), 25% (using radiative cooling system). From the economic viewpoint, it was found that through finding optimal passive approaches, life-cycle cost saving reached 52%.