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In this study, the development of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) was investigated on five different foods (Mentha piperita, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus, officinalis and flour). Trials were carried out at a temperature of 28±2°C and 70-75% relative humidity. Effects of foods on development adult longevity and egg hatching ratio of Lasioderma serricorne were investigated. As a result, all of the Lasioderma serricorne larvae left on the Rosmarinus officinalis plant have not completed their development and died. The shortest larval development time was in flour (37.35 days) and the longest in Mentha piperita (62.96 days). The shortest Pupal development time was seen in Salvia officinalis (4 days), while the longest was seen in Thymus vulgaris (4,42 days). Mentha piperita (10,50 days) had the shortest adult longevity and was the longest flour (15,5 days). When the egg development time was examined, it was seen that the shortest time was in Thymus vulgarris (5,42 days) and the longest time was in flour (5,97 days). The rate of larvae that completed its development was highest in flour (92%) and lowest in Salvia officinalis (5%). The rate of pupae that completed its development was highest in flour (80,30%) and lowest in Salvia officinalis (37.50%). In the percentages of hatched eggs, it was observed that the lowest opening was in thyme with 56.27% and the highest opening was in flour with 88.89 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds., a wild, diploid mint species, has been developed as a model for mint genetic and genomic research to aid breeding efforts that target Verticillium wilt disease resistance and essential oil monoterpene composition. Here, we present a nearcomplete, chromosome-scale mint genome assembly for M. longifolia USDA accession CMEN 585. This new assembly is an update of a previously published genome draft, with dramatic improvements. A total of 42,107 protein-coding genes were annotated and placed on 12 chromosomal scaffolds. One hundred fifty-three genes contained conserved sequence domains consistent with nucleotide binding siteleucine-rich-repeat plant disease resistance genes. Homologs of genes implicated in Verticillium wilt resistance in other plant species were also identified. Multiple paralogs of genes putatively involved in p-menthane monoterpenoid biosynthesis were identified and several cases of gene clustering documented. Heterologous expression of candidate genes, purification of recombinant target proteins, and subsequent enzyme assays allowed us to identify the genes underlying the pathway that leads to the most abundant monoterpenoid volatiles. The bioinformatic and functional analyses presented here are laying the groundwork for using marker-assisted selection in improving disease resistance and essential oil traits in mints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavoring chemicals in electronic nicotine delivery systems have been shown to cause cellular inflammation; meanwhile, the effects of fruit and tobacco flavors on lung inflammation by nose-only exposures to mice are relatively unknown. We hypothesized that exposure to flavored e-cigarettes would cause lung inflammation in C57BL/6 J mice. The mice were exposed to air, propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin, and flavored e-liquids: Apple, Cherry, Strawberry, Wintergreen, and Smooth & Mild Tobacco, one hour per day for three days. Quantification of flavoring chemicals by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), differential cell counts by flow cytometry, pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines by ELISA, and matrix metalloproteinase levels by western blot were performed. Exposure to PG/VG increased neutrophil cell count in lung bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). KC and IL6 levels were increased by PG/VG exposure and female mice exposed to Cherry flavored e-cigarettes, in lung homogenate. Mice exposed to PG/VG, Apple, Cherry, and Wintergreen increased MMP2 levels. Our results revealed flavor- and sex-based e-cigarette effects in female mice exposed to cherry-flavored e-liquids and male mice exposed to tobacco-flavored e-liquids, namely, increased lung inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Beykoz Akademi Dergisi is the property of Beykoz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Essential oils extracted from mint, parsley, caraway, onion, fennel, and watercress contain compounds that have different effects on the growth of some microbial strains. These volatile oils can also be used to flavor some foods and preserve foods to extend their shelf life. Aim To identify the composition of extracted volatile oils and know their effect on the growth of some microbial strains. Materials and methods Commercial samples of six plants (caraway, mint, onion, parsley, fennel, and watercress) were purchased from the local market. Extractions of essential oils from the sample as well as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis were performed. Antimicrobial activity holes (1 cm diameter) were made in the center of Petri dishes containing nutrient agar with 1 ml suspension of the tested microorganisms using a flamed cork borer. Each hole was filled with tested essential oils. Results The results showed that the major components of essential oils of caraway were carvone and limonene (53.69 and 45.23%, respectively), the major components of essential oils of mint were isomenthone and menthol (42.55 and 28.29%, respectively), the major components of essential oils of fennel were estragole and limonene (89.12 and 09.50%, respectively), the major components of essential oils of parsley were valencene, limonene, and pulegone (46.97, 23.09, and 10.56%, respectively), the major components of essential oils of onion were o-cymene and thymoquinone (23.69 and 22.72%, respectively), the major components of essential oils of watercress were estragole (100%). The study investigated the antimicrobial activities of essential oils of mint and parsley to be the best for inhibition of the growth of most tested bacteria, whereas essential oils (50 µl) extracted from caraway, fennel, onion, and watercress did not inhibit the growth of tested bacteria. Essential oils extracted from mint and parsley were tested for antibacterial activity against Salmonella sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus, and Citrobacter. The results showed that tested oils of mint and parsley exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of the microorganisms Salmonella sp., S. aureus, and Enterococcus. At 200 µl, essential oils extracted from mint did not show inhibition of the growth of Citrobacter and Escherichia coli. However, parsley did not show inhibition of growth of the E. coli at 100, 200, and 300 µl. Conclusion Some of the essential oils (mint and parsley) showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella sp., S. aureus, Enterococcus, and Citrobacter. Some oils did not show inhibition of the growth of Citrobacter and E. coli. These volatile oils can be used to flavor some food and preserve it by extending the shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In recent years, the study of aromatic plants has seen an increase, with great interest from industrial, academic, and pharmaceutical industries. Among plants attracting increased attention are the Mentha spp. (mint), members of the Lamiaceae family. Mint essential oils comprise a diverse class of molecules known as terpenoids/isoprenoids, organic chemicals that are among the most diverse class of naturally plant derived compounds. The terpenoid profile of several Mentha spp. is dominated by menthol, a cyclic monoterpene with some remarkable biological properties that make it useful in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, and cleaning product industries. As the global market for Mentha essential oils increases, the desire to improve oil composition and yield follows. The monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathway is well characterised so metabolic engineering attempts have been made to facilitate this improvement. This review focuses on the Mentha spp. and attempts at altering the carbon flux through the biosynthetic pathways to increase the yield and enhance the composition of the essential oil. This includes manipulation of endogenous and heterologous biosynthetic enzymes through overexpression and RNAi suppression. Genes involved in the MEP pathway, the menthol and carvone biosynthetic pathways and transcription factors known to affect secondary metabolism will be discussed along with non-metabolic engineering approaches including environmental factors and the use of plant growth regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentha longifolia is one of the important aromatic crop cultivated for its essential oil. The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of intermittent drought on the essential oil yield, composition, and nutrient status in M. longifolia. Initially, experimental plants were divided into two group: 'irrigated' and 'drought'. The 'irrigated group was watered normally, while the 'drought' group was not watered for seven days. Subsequently, both the groups were irrigated during the recovery period. Further, both groups were divided into two subgroups with non-irrigated and irrigated plants for seven days. In each cycle, samples were taken on 0, 7, 14, 21 days (first, second, and third cycle). Results indicated that the essential oil yield (ml/100- gram plant material) was increased under drought stress from 0.6 to a maximum of 0.9, while it showed a reduction in limonene, d-carvone percentage and percentage of nutrients (nitrogen and potassium) in the plants with non-significant change in phosphorous concentration. Also, the highest values of neodihydrocarveol (26.4%) and c-dihydrocarvone (11.43%) were determined by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/ MS) under third cycle. Our findings provide critical insights and directions for appropriate irrigation schedule so as to maximize the essential oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of functional chicken sausages were incorporated with 1.5% chia seeds to replace 50% vegetable fat, fiber enrichment with incorporation of 10% sorghum flour replace lean meat and mint (PT1, PT2 and PT3) leaves powder separately at 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00% level on physico-chemical, texture parameters, colour parameters and sensory properties. The moisture, ash content and moisture retention values increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased level of mint leaves powder, however there was no statistical difference in emulsion pH, emulsion stability, product pH, cooking yield, emulsion fat, protein, product fat content, fat retention and water activity values between control and treatments. Among the textural and colour parameters, cohesiveness, resilience and redness values increased significantly while lightness and yellowness values decreased significantly in treatments. There was no significant difference in hardness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, redness and yellowness values between control and treatments. The scores of all sensory attributes decreased significantly with increased level of mint leaves powder in functional chicken sausage. Therefore, PT1-functional chicken sausage incorporated with 0.50% mint leaves powder was selected as the best treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this research paper is to document the animal shapes on Umayyad copper coins in the semi-Arabizing period, which happened before the complete post-reform of coins. Despite forbidding the engraving of animals or human icons on Islamic artifacts, we can document many of these icons’ engravings on Islamic coins and architecture. This study was based on descriptive, documentary, statistical and historical analysis of the appearance of animal shapes on Umayyad copper coins mentioned in the references or websites. The researcher can estimate 11 shapes of animals on Umayyad copper coins as of this paper. The animals are: lion, snake, duck, jerboas, horse, dove, fish, frog, bird, scorpion, and elephant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a substantially important indicator for economies, interest rates are influenced by a variety of macroeconomic factors. Considering this fact, the study aims to determine the influential macroeconomic determinants on deposit interest rates in emerging countries by using 12 independent macroeconomic determinants, yearly data between 1980 and 2018, and quantile regression method, which is applied for the first time to analyze interest rates. The empirical results show that influential determinants and their effects on the interest rate are differentiating for countries. The findings reveal that the most important factor in the interest rate is the consumer price index (CPI) in Turkey and Mexico; unemployment in Russia and China; total reserves in Nigeria; GDP in Indonesia; imports of goods and services in Brazil and South Africa. The results of the analysis emphasize the importance of macroeconomic indicators on the interest rates in each quantile. Taking measures by considering the findings of the study, which shows the role and importance of each macroeconomic indicator in quantiles, is essential to promote economic growth via ensuring low-level deposit interest rates and hence providing credit growth in emerging countries.

In recent years, the study of aromatic plants has seen an increase, with great interest from industrial, academic, and pharmaceutical industries. Among plants attracting increased attention are the Mentha spp. (mint), members of the Lamiaceae family. Mint essential oils comprise a diverse class of molecules known as terpenoids/isoprenoids, organic chemicals that are among the most diverse class of naturally plant derived compounds. The terpenoid profile of several Mentha spp. is dominated by menthol, a cyclic monoterpene with some remarkable biological properties that make it useful in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, and cleaning product industries. As the global market for Mentha essential oils increases, the desire to improve oil composition and yield follows. The monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathway is well characterised so metabolic engineering attempts have been made to facilitate this improvement. This review focuses on the Mentha spp. and attempts at altering the carbon flux through the biosynthetic pathways to increase the yield and enhance the composition of the essential oil. This includes manipulation of endogenous and heterologous biosynthetic enzymes through overexpression and RNAi suppression. Genes involved in the MEP pathway, the menthol and carvone biosynthetic pathways and transcription factors known to affect secondary metabolism will be discussed along with non-metabolic engineering approaches including environmental factors and the use of plant growth regulators.

This study aimed to assess the effect of incubation time and sewage sludge on peppermint biomass, essential oil yield, and Zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the plant tissues as well as assessing phytoremediation potential of peppermint grown in contaminated calcareous soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted by growing peppermint (Mentha pipertia L.) in two contaminated soils treated with three levels of sewage sludge (0, 10, and 30 g kg-1) over two incubation times (30 and 120 days). Results revealed an increase in plant biomass and essential oil yield with an increase in incubation time and the sewage sludge amount. The concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd in plant tissues increased significantly in all treatments, except Cd concentration in plants growing on 10 g kg-1 of sewage sludge and incubated for 120 days. No traces of Zn, Pb, and Cd were found in essential oil of plants treated with 10 g kg-1 of sewage sludge. In other treatments, the concentrations of these metals in the essential oil were found within the limits recommended for medicinal plants. Unlike the bioaccumulation factor, the translocation factor of the studied metals decreased with an increase in the sewage sludge amount and incubation time. Although peppermint was not a sustainable plant to lower the pollution load, as the biomass production increased significantly and metals concentrations in essential oil remained within the recommended limits in all treatments, it can be concluded that peppermint can be used for cultivation in contaminated soils treated with sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fat peroxidation is one of the problems in food processing, cooking, and storage. Oxidative changes cause pathological effects in biological systems and reduce the taste and quality and ultimately spoil food. Using aromatic plants and vegetables with antioxidant properties can play an important role in preventing these adverse effects. The antioxidant effects of Mentha longifolia have been considered in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of the peppermint plants and determine its protective effect on lipid oxidation of high-consumption meat products in Tabriz. Methods: To this end, aqueousalcoholic extract of mint leaves and twigs with concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, 5% with homogeneous mixtures of 10%, 90% meat hamburger products, and 45% sausages were exposed. Lipid oxidation was measured by measuring malondialdehyde using the TBARS method on day 0 and after 42 days of exposure to peppermint extract at 0-4 °C and was compared with the control group. Results: The results showed that increasing the shelf life of meat mixtures significantly increases fat peroxidation (P = 0.05). Also, increasing the concentration of peppermint extract in meat solution samples significantly reduces the amount of malondialdehyde (P = 0.05). The results showed the antioxidant activity of peppermint during the storage time of meat products and its benefits can be used in the food industry. Conclusion: The present study showed that peppermint extracts have strong antioxidant activity and can be used in food and biological systems and can be used as a substitute for synthetic antioxidants to reduce their harmful effects on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Mentha includes plants employed by the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries, multiplied by vegetal propagation. In fact, these plants produce a high percentage of sterile seeds. The performance of different concentrations of organic compounds and of minerals nitrogen and boron in the development of mint seedlings produced by cuttings is evaluated. Cuttings were made by the median section of the branch, 10 cm in length and three to four knots. Treatments comprised two liquid commercial formulations, soluble in water: the first contained organic carbon and used with doses 0; 0.025; 0.05; 0.10%; the second contained nitrogen and boron, with doses 0; 0.03; 0.06; and 0.12%. Control contained distilled water. Experimental design was totally randomized, with factorial scheme 2 x 4 (formulations and doses), with four replications of seven cuttings for each treatment. Number of leaves, buds, height of aerial part, length of the largest root, biomass of fresh and dry material of the aerial part and of root system were evaluated. Data underwent analysis of variance and means grouped by Scott-Knott test at 5%. Effects of doses of each formulation underwent analysis of regression. Addition to substrate of nitrogen and boron at concentrations 0.03% and 0.06%, immediately after cutting, may be recommended to stimulate the expansion of the volume of the root system and the development of the aerial part, with the production of mint seedlings with satisfactory commercial quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of mounting climate change challenges, reducing emissions has emerged as a key driver of environmental sustainability and sustainable growth. Despite the fact that research has been conducted on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), few researchers have analyzed this in the light of economic complexity. Thus, the current research assesses the effect of economic complexity on CO2 emissions in the MINT nations while taking into account the role of financial development, economic growth, and energy consumption for the period between 1990 and 2018. Using the novel method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) with fixed effects, an inverted U-shape interrelationship is found between economic growth and CO2 emissions, thus validating the EKC hypothesis. Energy consumption and economic complexity increase CO2 emissions significantly from the 1st to 9th quantiles. Furthermore, there is no significant interconnection between financial development and CO2 emissions across all quantiles (1st to 9th). The outcomes of the causality test reveal a feedback causal connection between economic growth and CO2, while a unidirectional causality is established from economic complexity and energy use to CO2 emissions in the MINT nations. Based on the findings, we believe that governments should stimulate the financial sector to provide domestic credit facilities to industrialists, investors, and other business enterprises on more favorable terms so that innovative technologies for environmental protection can be implemented with other policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the second half of the 18th century, the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia did not have their own national monetary systems and national currency, which determined the presence of various types of foreign coins on their territories. At the same time, the dominating regime and the Russo-Austro-Turkish wars determined the intensity of circulation and the emergence of certain types of monetary units. A striking example in this regard is the minting by foreigners of some new coins for the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, namely, Sadagura coins having Turkish and Russian face values at the same time. These coins were put into circulation during the Russo-Turkish war of 1768-1774 and were issued from 1771 to 1774 at the initiative of the Russian army, and the reason for their minting was the need for small coins to carry out current transactions in Moldavia and Wallachia. From 1771 to 1774, there were issued coins for circulation: 1 para / 3 dengas and 2 pare / 3 kopecks, but at the same time, pattern coins were also minted in 1771-1773. The collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova contain both coins with a face value of 1 para / 3 dengas, and coins with a face value of 2 pare / 3 kopecks, which are isolated finds and confirm the circulation of these monetary units in this territory and the issuance in larger or smaller quantities of one of the two types of currency that were in circulation. The results of the analysis of these finds are very important, since they allow us to get an idea about the circulation of these types of coins in our space, as well as about all such finds in the principalities. These issues circulated in the territories of the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia and constitute a special aspect of money circulation in the second half of the 18th century, and isolated coin finds reflected in this work confirm the presence of Sadagura coins in the Prut-Dniester region and contribute to a complete picture of their circulation.

The impacts of climate change combined with water shortage and the need to increase food production to meet increasing population stimulate the implementation of Aquaponic systems not only on food scale but also on some medicinal plants in agriculture production. The current experiment was conducted at the Institute of Graduate Arid Land Agriculture and Research Institute (ALARI) at Ain Shams University, Egypt, to test sweet basil and mint development during the summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 under urban conditions through the aquaponic system. The objective of the study was to investigate the use of aquaponic compared to the chemical nutrient solution (control) as a nutritional source combined with two plant densities (6 and 8 plants / m²) in the design of complete randomized blocks for evaluating basil and mint growth. The density of the Nile Tilapia was 100 fish / m3 in the aquaponic facility. The yield characteristics, the nutrient (N, P and K) and the oil content (percent) of basil and mint, have been measured in. Reveled results indicated that basil plant had a higher capacity for removing NH4, NO3, P and K from fish rearing water than mint while plant density 8 plants/m2 had a higher capacity compared plant density 6 plants / m2 resulted enhancing the quality of fish rearing water led to increase the fish yield (the final and gain tilapia yield). The chemical nutrient solution provided higher plant height, fresh and dry yields of basil and mint than the aquaponic solution, as well as N, P, K, and oil content (percent) of basil and mint plants in both plant density (6 and 8 plants / m²) and in both seasons. The composition of aquaponic water as a source of nutrition was not sufficient to meet the requirements for basil and mint nutrients. The highest plant height, N, P, K, and oil content results were reported for the treatment of chemical nutrient solution + plant density 6 plants / m² while chemical nutrient solution + plant density 8 plants / m² had the highest fresh and dry yield of basil and mint. The need for increasing the food production under climate change impacts, the use of aquaponic systems for sweet basil and mint production provided food production (fish and vegetables) as well as the medicinal plants at the same time protecting the environment by avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers.

CO2 emission is one the major contributor to climate change that the top CO2 emitting countries are always trying to mitigate. In an attempt to fill the gap in energy and environmental literature, this study explores the interaction between economic growth, energy usage, trade and urbanization on CO2 emission for MINT economies using the time coverage from 1980 to 2018, providing new perspectives into the literature by employing panel data analysis. Aiming to create robust outcomes, this paper deployed both conventional and modern econometric techniques. The panel co-integration test revealed evidence of the co-integration between CO2 and its determinants in the MINT economies. In order to explore the linkages between CO2 and its determinants, the ARDL PMG model was utilized in MINT economies. Findings based on the ARDL PMG reveals; (i) positive interconnection between CO2 emissions and energy usage; (ii) no significant link was found between CO2 and economic growth; (iii) urbanization influence CO2 positively while a negative link was found between CO2 and trade. Furthermore, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin Causality test revealed; (i) uni-directional causality from CO2 to urbanization; (ii) GDP growth cause CO2 while CO2 causes energy usage. Based on these findings, recommendations were put forward.

Background: Accuracy and lack of anxiety are two important factors in how nursing student’s work. Various methods, including aromatherapy, have been suggested to reduce anxiety and increase accuracy. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhaling peppermint essential oilon anxiety and accuracy of nursing students in emergency department of Birjandeducational hospitals. Methods: This is a clinical trial study. One drop of peppermint essential oil (experimental group, n = 32) and one drop of sweet almond oil (placebo, n = 32) was poured on the gauze into the mask and inhaled for 20 minutes in 4 days. Both Bonardel Accuracy Questionnaire and Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire were completed by both groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software. The study used t-test, paired t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and chi-square test. Results: The results of this study showed that both groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. Paired t-test showed no significant difference between the two groups before and after the intervention (P

The quality of food, considering increasing consumer demands and competition among producers, is a highly important issue. Quality concerns are also applicable to the odor quality of herbs and spices (HSs). Meanwhile, HSs commonly are graded based on their essential oils (EOs) content and analysis; but does the instrumental analysis really provide general information about the HSs sensory quality? Three chemotypes of Mentha spp. were used in the present study. From samples diversified by convective drying at different temperatures, EOs were hydrodistillated and analyzed by enantioselective GC-MS; moreover, the source plant material’s volatile profile was analyzed by the HS-SPME technique. The instrumental analysis was confronted with the results of the sensory panel. Changes in enantiomeric composition were observed during the drying process, although no clear correlations or trends could be found for individual chiral components. Furthermore, even with significant differences in particular volatiles’ contribution to plants’ EOs and their volatile profiles, judges were not able to match the sample EOs and plant samples with sufficient effectiveness (~40%). Based on those results, we suggest that volatile enantiomeric distribution does not have an actual influence on odor quality and that the sensory analysis should not be replaced with instrumental analysis, which cannot predict general sensory quality.

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Honey is a natural food with pharmacological properties. The present study was focused on the use of essential oils in the supplementary feeding of bee families for three weeks (spring). The purpose was to monitor the effect of essential oils (basil, thyme, juniper, cloves, mint, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary) on the chemical components of the resulting honey. The honey sampling period was carried out before the administration of essential oils in the supplementary feed of the bee families, after the administration of essential oils in the bee feed, respectively, after the first harvest (rapeseed). The honey samples were subjected to chemical analysis to determine humidity, impurities, ash, pH, acidity, total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (FC), reducing sugar content and antioxidant activity. In addition, the antimicrobial activity against nine strains was tested. We found out that all the essential oils used had a positive effect on the chemical composition of honey, especially the essential oil of oregano, mint, thyme, cinnamon. Experimental variants in which juniper and clove essential oil were introduced reduced the acidity of honey by 28.12% and 35.48%, respectively. Ash content varies between 0.23% and 0.46%, impurities content between 4.11% and 9.11%, while the values for pH were between 3.42 and 4.03. As for the TPC, they have increased considerably in all experimental variants to which essential oil has been added, compared to the batch fed only with sugar syrup, the highest value being recorded for the sample treated with cinnamon after the third harvest (163.94 mg/100 g). The FC values vary between 8.41–44.36 mg/100 g, depending of the treatment applied and the period of harvesting. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the results highlighted that the essential oils present in the diet of bees produced honey with antimicrobial effect increased after two weeks after administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a combined photovoltaic / thermal solar dryer containing phase change materials (PCM) was designed and fabricated for drying mint leaves. The performance of this dryer was evaluated under the climatic conditions of Mashhad city with a longitude of 59.62 and a latitude of 36.26 . The components of this dryer mainly include: photovoltaic panel, solar collector, blowers, phase change material chamber containing paraffin wax and drying chamber. Solar dryer and natural drying in shade as two different drying types were used to perform experiments on mint leaves. The initial moisture content of the mint leaves was 80% which reduced to 12%. The required drying time for the combined solar drying and natural drying was 290 minutes and 1560 minutes, respectively. Eight thin layer drying models available in the literature were fitted to the experimental data in which the Two-term model and the Wang and Singh model were the best fit models for natural and combined solar drying respectively. These models have the highest correlation (highest coefficient of determination and least root mean square error and Chi-square) with the experimental moisture ratio among the other models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maximize profits from aquaponic system, a high-price 'koi' carp (Cyprinus carpio) produced at Sultan Qaboos University was used. This study consisted of two experiments. The first experiment aimed to determine the optimal stocking density of 'koi' carp in an aquaponic system. In the second experiment, the optimal density of 'koi' carp based on the first experiment was used in combination with tomato, eggplant, and mint as a control from the first experiment. The aquaponic system consisted of 9 pairs of glass tanks; in each pair water was recirculating with the use of a submersible pump. In the first experiment, 'koi' carp fry (0.4-0.5 g each) were stocked at 50, 100 and 150 individuals per tank (0.1 m3) in combination with mint and the ornamental plant Petunia. Fish were stocked in tanks with and without plants. Results show that 'koi' carp stocked at 100 per tank without plants had significantly better growth (mean final weight of 7.5 g from the initial weight of 0.4-0.5 g). Fish stocked in tanks with plants, 'koi' carp at 50 per tank had significantly better growth (mean final fish weight of 5.2 g from the initial weight of 0.4-0.5 g). Survival rate was highest at 50 per tank with or without plants. Mint growth was better in tanks with 50 fish per tank. Petunia had flowers in all treatments. Water quality parameters were within optimal range even at high fish stocking densities. Overall, stocking density of 50 fish per tank can be recommended based on survival data. In the second experiment, 30 'koi' carp juveniles were stocked in all tanks without plants (i.e. 6.5 g, 5.5 g and 6.1 g respectively) for each treatment in combination with mint, tomato, and eggplant. Growth and survival rates of koi (30 fish per tank) in combination with mint, eggplant and tomato were high with a weight gain of 21.3, 17.6, 17.6 g and survival rate of 90%, 95.5% and 87.8%, respectively. The results showed that 'koi' can be successfully grown with different plants in an aquaponic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor wound healing is considered an obstacle in diabetics, which requires effective therapy. Our goal was to investigate the combined effect of mint and silver nanoparticle hydrogel films as wound-healing agents in diabetic rats. Thirty rats were arranged into five groups. The hydrogel films were prepared through an eco-friendly method, excluding toxic solvents and diluents. Gel 1 and fucidin showed complete wound-healing effect on the 22nd day, while Gel 2 showed a faster effect on the 16th day, all compared to group 1 which healed in 25 days. Diabetic rats in group 2 healed beyond 25 days. Moreover, Gel 1 and Gel 2 decreased the fasting blood glucose. Gel 2 enhances wound healing in diabetic rats via multiple mechanisms of action, possibly due to the ability of mint and silver nanoparticles to sustain their concentration at the wound site with limited toxicity. Abbreviations: CO: castor oil; CS: corn starch; DIW: deionized water; H: hydrogel film; H-MME: hydrogel film developed with CS, PVA, CO and MME; H-SMME: hydrogel film developed with CS, PVA, CO and MME/ SNP; MME: methanolic mint extract; PVA: polyvinyl alcohol; SNP: silver nanoparticles; STZ: streptozotocin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran has different environmental conditions due to its specific geographical location. Therefore, exploring essential oil and flavonoid components among medicinal plants in different areas may result in discoveries about valuable bioactive compounds. The present investigation aimed to study flavonoids profile and essential oils composition of four Lamiaceae species i.e., Stachys lavandulifolia, Teucrium polium, Thymus daenensis and Ziziphora clinopodioides from Oshtorankoh located on Zagros Mountains, Iran. A chemical study using two dimentional paper chromatography (2-DPC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) showed that the four studied species contained flavone C and C-/O glucosides and flavonoid sulphates. The present study revealed that T. polium had high levels of many flavonoids such as apigenin, genistein, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, and vitexin compared to the other studied plants. The results of GC/MS analysis showed that S. lavandulifolia was rich in a-pinene (21.16 %) and 1,8-cineol (16.95 %), T. polium in a-pinene (12.21 %) and sabinene (9.55 %), T. daenensis in α-Terpinene (36.98 %) and p-Cymene (26.87 %), and Z. clinopodioides in piperitone (16.84 %) and 1,8-cineol (16.11 %) components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mints are considered to be aromatic where the leaves fresh or dried are used as culinary source. The main application of the mint is against stomach ache and chest pains. Caffeine is a substance present in tea giving the pleasant and stimulant effect. The tea samples, raw and in bags from Mentha Spicata were bought from local market and the fresh sample was from the garden. Extraction methods were Soxhlet with the use of methanol with three cycles and boiling tea samples with water as solvent in the period of one hour. Lead(II) acetate was used to separate tannins from caffeine followed by filtration through filter paper with black ribbon. To 5 cm³ of the filtrate was added 3 drops of 0.1% ferric chloride. A brownish green showed positive test for tannins. The determined pH values for fresh, raw and tea in bags were 5.94, 5.92, and 5.89, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article argues that legal authorities in Potosí's seventeenth-century silver mint policed the coining process by racializing crime. Analyzing how mint authorities exercised power over laborers by assigning duties, setting policies, policing coin production, and punishing disobedience shows how daily interactions shaped race. In an environment of declining silver yields and rampant fraud, Spanish authorities displaced suspicion and blame onto the most vulnerable populations. Broad categories like negro and indio were cast as criminal by nature, facilitating continued exploitation of forced labor and constraining the possibilities for identity formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mint herbs have been reported to possess several biological effects, and the dried leaves are traditionally used for herbal tea or medicine. Extraction of plant materials was by maceration method. Both preliminary qualitative screening of phytochemicals and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LCMS) profiling revealed many useful metabolites. The phytochemicals include: Saponin, Carbohydrate, Alkaloids, Cardiac glycoside, and Steroid. Some LCMS compounds among others were also evaluated such as Quassin, Epioxylubimin, furocoumarinic acid glycoside and Dioctylamine. The antimicrobial activity of Mentha piperita extract against some food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Enterobacter spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated using agar well diffusion method at different concentrations ranging from 2000 µg/ml - 250µg/ml. The results revealed that hexane mint extracts had activity against the bacterial isolates. The highest activity was against E. coli (11.50 ±1.50) while the least activity was against Enterobacter spp (6.14 ± 0.13). The potential bioactive metabolites identified could be responsible for the antimicrobial activities observed. These findings have thus proven that Mentha piperita is more effective against E. coli. Therefore this extract could be used in the control and prevention of many food-borne pathogens and can be of importance in developing new biopreservatives.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of chemical compounds generated as a result of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or wood. PAHs are known for their negative effect on living organisms, including teratogenic, carcinogenic and mutagenic activity. The objective of this study is to determine the contamination of three popular herbal species showing pro-health properties, i.e., lavender, parsley and mint, with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, collected from three different backyard gardens in Poland. The concentration of PAHs in plant material was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FL). The concentration of eleven PAHs in plant material was determined with high-pressure liquid chromatography after extraction using the QuEChERS purification technique. Mint collected within an area of a mining and energy production complex (the city of Konin) was characterized by the highest Σ of 11 PAHs, equaled to 902.35 µg/g FW, with anthracene being the most abundant compound. However, it contained the lowest sum of PAHs, among all tested plants, with high carcinogenicity. Parsley from the city of Poznań showed the highest content of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), showing the strongest carcinogenicity, while the highest value of BaP equivalent was calculated for mint collected in Konin. The obtained results suggest that the level and profile of plant contamination with PAHs depend on the species and the location of herb cultivation. In particular, mining and energy industry facilities are sources of PAHs, which contaminate plant material for further direct use or as bioactive herbal extracts.

Mentha spicata L. is an aromatic and medicinal plant, known as mint and used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and in phytotherapy. Although the cultivation of medicinal plants is traditional, there are several questions about which practices are most appropriate in the management of these plants, especially regarding nutrition and availability of light. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth, phytomass production and physiological aspects of M. spicata cultivated in proportions of nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) and light environments. The research was carried out in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, BA, Brazil. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme, with five proportions of NO3-:NH4+ (0: 100; 25:75; 50:50; 75:25; 100: 0) and three light environments (ChromatiNet® meshes red, black and in full sun), with seven repetitions. There was a significant interaction between the proportions of ammonium and nitrate with the light environments for most of the evaluated parameters. It is concluded that M. spicata plants grown under balanced proportions of nitrate and ammonium in a light environment favorably favored the initial growth and physiological indications of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is comprised of a client-centered relationship and a clear intention on the part of the practitioner to influence behavior change. This study explores MI trainers' decisions about their use of directionality in MI as they instruct others in the method. 111 MI trainers were asked to select content they would include in a hypothetical MI training. Almost half of trainers chose to teach trainees to "always maintain an attitude of equipoise", a strategy that is contradicted by MI theory and empirical data. This finding suggests a theoretical rift within the MI community with implications for substance use counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MINT countries stand out with their growth potential among developing countries. Although their structural characteristics, macroeconomic indicators and institutional development differ from each other, MINT countries are expected to become global economic actors in the near future. One of the important determinants of becoming a global economic power is savings rates and, accordingly, the volume of investments. Savings are the most important factor that is effective in increasing investments and accelerating the process of economic growth in developing countries. In this study, the savings rates of MINT countries are examined both in terms of volume and determining variables and similarities and differences between MINT countries are tried to be determined. In the study, ARDL boundary test approach is adopted by considering the period between 1980-2018. According to the results obtained, the factors that are effective in determining savings rates in each country are different from each other; however, it is concluded that the current account deficit, age dependency ratio and foreign direct investment are effective in determining savings rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The quality of mint and chamomile tea brands available in the retail market in Bosnia and Herzegovina were assessed based on their total phenolic and flavonoids contents, total antioxidant capacity and levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe and Cu). The results showed that both the mint and chamomile had high amounts of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity rates. However, the total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly higher in the mint than in the chamomile. The studied toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) were present at non-toxic levels in all the herbal tea samples, while the levels of Fe and Cu in some herbal teas slightly exceeded the World Health Organization's permissible limits. Accordingly, the results of this study indicate that the potential health risk of Cd, Cr and Pb exposure through the consumption of studied herbal teas appears to be very low with no significant health implications to consumers. Contrary, based on the samples examined in this study, the consumption of herbal teas could expose the consumer to the potential health risks associated with Cu and Fe. Therefore, further studies are needed to test this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]