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In this study, the effect of fiber orientation on the temperature history during the layup process is comprehensively investigated experimentally and numerically. Specimens with three different fiber orientations (i.e. [0°/0°/0°], [0°/45°/0°], and [0°/90°/0°]) are manufactured at two layup speeds and characterized for determining the degree of intimate contact and then calculating the thermal contact resistance. Then, an improved thermal model with thermal contact resistance is developed and validated to predict the temperature history accurately. The experimental results indicate that the degree of intimate contact decreases by increasing the difference in fiber orientation between the interfaces of successive plies, revealing a relationship between substrate fiber orientations and cooling rates. The effect of cooling rate on the degree of crystallinity is studied for all stacking configurations at two layup speeds and found that as the angle between the subsequent plies decreases, the cooling increases, leading to a drop in the degree of crystallinity. The outcomes of this study address the need for an improved thermal model approach for accurately predicting the thermal history of the manufactured composite by the laser-assisted fiber placement process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Zeilinger's information interpretation of quantum mechanics 'the distinction between reality and our knowledge of reality, between reality and information, cannot be made. They are in a deep sense indistinguishable'. This is what we call Zeilinger's thesis. This thesis has been criticized as a lapse into 'informational immaterialism' and amounting to nothing more than a tautology. However, we will argue that this criticism is based on a pre-Kantian view of reality, namely metaphysical realism which could be questioned on the basis of Putnam's arguments. Furthermore, it will be argued that to understand Zeilinger's thesis one should abandon the pre-Kantian perspective of metaphysical realism and adopt a post-Kantian perspective on the relationship between the mind and the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the quality of fiber-reinforced composite laminates using out-of-autoclave techniques has been a challenge for a long time. The recent trends toward the replacement of autoclave processes with out-of-autoclave processes for thermoplastic composites still lack a compressive recipe. This study first develops an understanding of the integrated effect of the automated fiber placement (AFP) lay-up process parameters (compaction force and lay-up velocity) and the type of post-processing: i) autoclave and ii) vacuum bag only (VBO) processing with two vacuum hold times, 2 and 24 h. The void content results highlight the potential of the VBO process to replace the autoclave with an improved void content of VBO with 24 vacuum hold times. Then, this result has been correlated with the morphology of voids after the AFP lay-up as isolated or connected via air permeability characterization. This study reveals that the high air permeability to effective porosity ratio of samples after AFP lay-up which is achievable with low compaction force facilitates the air removal mechanism during the VBO process with sufficient vacuum hold times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, there are two interpretative approaches to quantum theory: psi-ontic and psi-epistemic. According to the psi-ontic interpretations, quantum theory does/should describe or represent what the world is like. In contrast, according to the psi-epistemic interpretations, rather than representing the way the world is, quantum theory advises us on what to expect from the world and so helps us better navigate our surrounding world. In this paper, we will argue that Edmund Husserl's philosophy of science especially his notion of lifeworld provides an appropriate framework for better understanding this shift from the psi-ontic to psi-epistemic interpretations of quantum theory. In particular, we analyse Richard Healey's pragmatic approach to quantum mechanics from a phenomenological point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

QBism is one of the main candidates for an epistemic interpretation of quantum mechanics. According to QBism, the quantum state or the wavefunction represents the subjective degrees of belief of the agent assigning the state. But, although the quantum state is not part of the furniture of the world, quantum mechanics grasps the real via the Born rule which is a consistency condition for the probability assignments of the agent. In this paper, we evaluate the plausibility of recent criticism of QBism. We focus on the consequences of the subjective character of the quantum state, the issue of realism and the problem of the evolution of the quantum state in QBism. In particular, drawing upon Born's notion of invariance as the mark of the real, it is argued that there is no essential difference between Einstein's program of 'the real' and QBists' realism. Also, it will be argued that QBism can account for the unitary evolution of the quantum state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

John Archibald Wheeler is one of the staunchest advocates of the idea that information is more fundamental than anything else in physics. In this paper, we examine the status of this idea summarized in Wheeler's slogan 'it from bit' in the context of Bohmian Mechanics and spontaneous collapse models. We will argue that any question about the status of 'it from bit' crucially depends on the particular interpretation of these theories one favors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) has existed in northern Iran for more than five decades. The long‐time interaction of different virus genotypes with Aphis gossypii, as the only aphid vector of CTV in northern Iran, has led to the emergence of highly virulent subpopulations, among others, in the established foci. Here, we studied the population structure of the originally established CTV isolates present in Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) trees imported from Japan, and subisolates thereof, formed following experimental transmission by A. gossypii, as well as those evolved through natural transmission by this aphid species in the groves. Symptoms of the naturally spread and the experimentally aphid‐transmitted isolates were similar to those of the Satsuma CTV source isolates for all indicator plants except for sour orange (Citrus aurantium) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), with the aphid‐transmitted isolates additionally inducing severe seedling yellows and stunting in these two indicators. Studies on the population heterogeneity of these isolates through comparison of their single‐strand conformational polymorphism profiles and nucleotide sequences of the 25 kDa capsid protein gene from the predominant haplotypes, and dot‐blot hybridization signals, revealed the presence of two major T36‐ and SY568‐ (or NUagA‐) like genotypes along with a minor poorly characterized one in the originally infected Satsuma trees; in contrast, only a certain genomic variant having the highest similarity to the isolate SY568 (and NUagA) was predominant both in the naturally infected trees and in those infected experimentally by A. gossypii. It seems that transmission by A. gossypii to sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) has led to the preponderance of the CTV genomic variants inducing severe seedling yellows in northern Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the heat transfer, friction factor and thermal performance factor of rectangular cut twisted tape (RCT) that are inserted in inner tube side of a double pipe heat exchanger (DPHE) are numerically examined. The obtained results have been compared with the performance of heat exchangers, which are equipped/unequipped by typical twisted tape (TT). The RCTs have constant twist ratio (Y = 3.0) and are used in different cut depth ratios (DR = 0.15, 0.24 and 0.33) and cut width ratios (WR = 0.15, 0.24 and 0.33). The investigated Reynolds number range is from 6000 to 18,000 and the working fluid is considered to be water. Hot water with a variable mass flow rate is flowing through the inner pipe but cold water has counter flow through annulus side with constant mass flow rate. For the selection of the turbulence model and validation, the obtained numerical results for plain double pipe heat exchanger (P-DPHE) and heat exchanger with TT are compared with empirical correlations. Then the more accurate model was used to simulate the RCTs cases. Comparing the simulation results for RCTs and TT, it was determined that Nusselt number, friction factor and thermal performance factor will have higher value when using RCTs. This behavior is directly and inversely proportional to the DR and WR respectively. In this study, the highest thermal performance factor is about 1.46 which is obtained for RCTs in DR = 0.33 and WR = 0.15 conditions. In addition, new empirical correlations have been offered for calculating a Nusselt number and friction factor for inserted rectangular cut twisted tape in a tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent women malignancies in the world. The cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is a key enzyme in xenobiotics metabolism. Moreover, CYP1A1 plays a critical role in the etiology of breast cancer by involving in 2-hydroxylation of estrogen. Therefore, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of its coding gene have been verified to be important in cancer susceptibility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of CYP1A1 M2 (A2455G) includes rs1048943 of this SNP polymorphism with the risk of breast cancer in Mazandaran province. Methods: Ninety-six breast cancer patients with known clinicopathological characters and 110 healthy women as control were genotyped for CYP1A1 M2 polymorphisms by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Results: The analysis of CYP1A1 gene (polymorphism M2) showed that the frequency of homozygous wild genotypes (AA), heterozygous (AG), and mutant genotype (GG) in the patient group, respectively, 78%, 22%, and 0%, and also the frequency of genotypes AA, AG, and GG in healthy included 82%, 16%, and 2%, respectively. Statistical analysis by Logistic regression model at P < 0.05 showed no significant correlation between polymorphisms in CYP1A1M2 and breast cancer risk (odds ratio = 0.84, confidence interval = 0.33-2.17). Conclusions: The results indicated that the M2 allelic genotypes were significantly associated neither with breast cancer risk nor with clinicopathological characteristics in Mazandaran province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial leaf spot of Primula vulgaris was reported from forest locations in Mazandaran province, Iran in 1995. The causative bacterium was initially identified as Xanthomonas campestris based on sequences of ITS and 16S rRNA regions. On the basis of sequences of gyrB and dnaK housekeeping genes, the isolates resembled strains of Xanthomonas hortorum. The present study was performed to clarify the taxonomic status of the incitant bacterium. Samples of P. vulgaris with leaf spot symptoms were collected from the Darabkola forest (Mazandaran province) and the bacterial strains were isolated on plates of glucose nutrient agar. Some isolates only induced hypersensitive reaction on geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum) leaves but a few isolates incited leaf spot symptoms when inoculated on P. vulgaris, P. heterochroma and P. × polyantha plants. The isolates were Gram stain, oxidase and urease negative but positive in tests for catalase and hydrolysis of gelatin, aesculin and Tween 80. Several unique nonpathogenic isolates were recovered with varying carbon source utilization profiles and different molecular features, including distinct ERIC‐PCR profiles. Representative gyrB, rpoD, dnaK and fyuA housekeeping genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced for comparison with Xanthomonas species in the GenBank database using maximum‐likelihood, maximum‐parsimony and Bayesian algorithms to construct phylogenetic trees. The pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains were closely related to X. hortorum pathovars. Therefore, it is likely that these isolates belong to a new pathovar of X. hortorum. Based on previous studies and our findings, we propose naming the strain causing primrose leaf spot as X. hortorum pv. primulicola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the modern era, it is believed that the use of microbial agents and biological toxins may be harmful to human health. The food industry is a potentially vulnerable target to deliberate contamination, such as the manufacturing units of the dairy industry. The present study aimed to determine the level of food defense preparedness in dairy production units based on the food defense assessment checklist developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using the Persian version of the FDA checklist, which was prepared via backward-forward translation and evaluated in terms of face and content validity by a panel of experts. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) of all the items were calculated. After localizing the research instrument, 39 dairy producers were enrolled in the study. Results: After modifying the FDA checklist based on validity assessment and localization, the number of the items reduced from 34 to 31. The level of food defense preparedness in the selected dairy producers in terms of management, human elements, facilities, and operations was estimated at 38.3%, 45.5%, 67.7%, and 92.1%, respectively. The only item that was observed in all the evaluated units was the presence of an initial assessment plan for the adequacy of food security procedures in order to prevent deliberate contamination. Conclusion: According to the results, the food defense preparedness of large-scale dairy producers was suboptimal and impractical in several items. Therefore, further investigation is required to determine the causes and take proper measures to enhance their level of preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence rate of breast cancer has been dramatically increasing since the last decade in Iran, and it is now one of the most common female malignant tumors. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family is the most important regulator of apoptosis, and -938C>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BCL2 gene promoter has been demonstrated to influence breast cancer susceptibility. In this research, we study the effect of -938C>A allelic variants on breast cancer risk in Mazandaran province at the North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This analysis performed on 120 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery in some referenced hospitals at Mazandaran province along with 130 healthy individuals as a control. DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples was applied in polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis to determine -938C>A genotype. The association of the -938C>A genotype and breast cancer risk as well as clinicopathological characters were analyzed by logistic regression method. Results: Results showed that genotype frequency of AA, AC, and CC genotypes was 10%, 62%, and 28% for case and 28%, 50%, and 22% in control group, respectively. In the logistic regression model, BCL2 - 938C/A variant genotype AA was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer (P = 0.041) by 0.31-fold (odds ratio = 0.31, confidence interval = 0.091-0.909) compared to CC genotype. However, no significant association found between -938C>A genotype and clinicopathological characters. Conclusion: The study showed that AA genotype of BCL2 gene (-938C>A) is associated with decreased susceptibility to breast cancer. Hence, investigating the -938C>A SNP of BCL2 gene promoter could be an appropriate molecular marker to determine individual sensitivity to breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence rate of breast cancer has been dramatically increasing since the last decade in Iran, and it is now one of the most common female malignant tumors. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family is the most important regulator of apoptosis, and -938C>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of BCL2 gene promoter has been demonstrated to influence breast cancer susceptibility. In this research, we study the effect of -938C>A allelic variants on breast cancer risk in Mazandaran province at the North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This analysis performed on 120 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery in some referenced hospitals at Mazandaran province along with 130 healthy individuals as a control. DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples was applied in polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis to determine -938C>A genotype. The association of the -938C>A genotype and breast cancer risk as well as clinicopathological characters were analyzed by logistic regression method. Results: Results showed that genotype frequency of AA, AC, and CC genotypes was 10%, 62%, and 28% for case and 28%, 50%, and 22% in control group, respectively. In the logistic regression model, BCL2 - 938C/A variant genotype AA was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer (P = 0.041) by 0.31-fold (odds ratio = 0.31, confidence interval = 0.091-0.909) compared to CC genotype. However, no significant association found between -938C>A genotype and clinicopathological characters. Conclusion: The study showed that AA genotype of BCL2 gene (-938C>A) is associated with decreased susceptibility to breast cancer. Hence, investigating the -938C>A SNP of BCL2 gene promoter could be an appropriate molecular marker to determine individual sensitivity to breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleotide sequences for the minor coat protein (CPm) gene and its deduced amino acid sequences for two aphid-transmissible and two nontransmissible isolates of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) from symptomless orchard trees of Miyagawa satsuma [ Citrus unshiu (Macf.) Marc.] on trifoliate orange [ Poncirus trifoliate (L.) Raf.] and declining Washington navel [ C. sinensis (L.) Osb.] trees on sour orange ( C. aurantium L.) rootstocks were analyzed and compared with those of highly transmissible CTV strains available in GenBank. The isolates produced severe symptoms on indicator plants and their aphid transmissibility was assayed through acquisition by A. gossypii of CTV and subsequent inoculation feeding on young Mexican lime seedlings. The CPm gene nucleotides and coded amino acid sequences were very similar among the nontransmissible isolates and among the transmissible. Five of 73 nucleotide substitutions that existed between CPm gene nucleotide sequence of nontransmissible and transmissible isolates caused changes in the deduced amino acid sequences of the nontransmissible isolates. Two nucleotide substitutions yielded new amino acids with similar properties. However, the three remaining mutations led to substitution of new amino acids with a different charge and polarity at positions 14, 238 and 239. The last two mutations occurred at the C-terminal region of the CPm, which is implicated in the formation of a salt bridge that helps to maintain the protein’s tertiary structure. Amino acid substitutions can affect aphid transmission efficiency by altering the conformation of the proteins or masking motifs involved in the interaction between CPm and aphid stylets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological and molecular properties of four Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates isolated from infected Satsuma trees imported from Japan, and growing in citrus groves in northern Iran (Mahdasht orchards, Mazandaran Province), were investigated. CTV-infected samples were collected from sweet orange trees and grafted onto Alemow ( Citrus macrophylla Wester) seedlings. On indicator plants, these isolates produced various symptoms including vein clearing and stem pitting on Mexican lime, Alemow, and Citrus hystrix, and yellowing and stunting on sour orange and grapefruit seedlings. Citrus samples were also surveyed for CTV using serological tests. The coat protein (CP) gene of these isolates was amplified using specific primers, yielding an amplicon of 672 bp for all isolates. Sequence analysis showed 98%–99% sequence homology of Iranian isolates with the Californian CTV severe stem-pitting isolate SY568 and 97%–98% homology with the Japanese seedling yellows isolate NUagA. The Iranian isolates were compared by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the CP amplicon for further classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata) is among the major constituents of the Hyrcanian forests extending all along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. An angular leaf spot with a yellowish chlorotic halo has attained a widespread occurrence throughout the forest and suburban areas of the northern provinces including Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan. Strains of a Xanthomonas sp. were consistently isolated from the symptomatic leaves of A. subcordata. Colonies of the isolates were yellow circular, convex and mucoid on nutrient agar containing glucose or sucrose. In multilocus sequence analysis using the genes gyrB, rpoD, dnaK, gltA, fyuA and gapA, the representative isolates occupied a clade shared by the known pathovars of Xanthomonas arboricola. The isolates were relatively heterogeneous phenotypically, but more so in their rep‐PCR fingerprints. Pathogenicity of several isolates was confirmed on seedlings of A. subcordata and Alnus rhombifolia, whereas Alnus cordata, Alnus glutinosa and Alnus crispa appeared not to be susceptible. Based on these characteristics, the isolates causing angular leaf spots of Caucasian alder appear to represent a novel pathovar of X. arboricola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Todays, nanoliposomes (NLPs) are considered as one of the most efficient nanocarriers to deal with bacteria, practically in food products. These nanodelivery systems are able to be loaded with different bioactive compounds. The main aim of this review is investigating recent approaches (mostly from the years of 2018 to 2022) regarding development of nanoliposomal natural antibacterial compounds. In this regard, NLPs alone, combined with films, coatings, or fibers, and in coated forms are reviewed as advanced delivery systems of antibacterial substances. Moreover, a robust and comprehensive coverage of the morphological and physical properties of formulated NLPs as well as their interactions with antibacterial substances are discussed. The importance of NLPs to encapsulate antibacterial ingredients, advantages and drawbacks, antibacterial pathways of formulated NLPs, and comparison of them with pure antibacterial bioactive compounds are also explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the association between adherence to plant-based diets (PBDs) and the risk of mortality among the general population. Relevant investigations were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI Web of Knowledge. Data were pooled using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model. Twelve prospective cohort studies with 42,697 deaths among 508,861 participants were included. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the highest compared to the lowest category of adherence to the PBDs were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 0.99; I2 = 91%, n = 12) for all-cause and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.86; I2 = 36%, n = 8) for coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. Among PBDs subtypes, there was an inverse association between healthy plant-based 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.96; I2 = 0%, n = 2), Pesco-vegetarian 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.92; I2 = 0%, n = 2), and Pro-vegetarian 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.88; I2 = 61.2%, n = 2) diets and the risk of all-cause mortality. A vegetarian diet was also associated with lower risk of mortality due to cardiovascular 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.99; I2 = 0%, n = 5) and CHD 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.85; I2 = 35%, n = 7). Our findings show the potential protective role of PBDs against chronic disease mortality. As there were certain limitations in some of the studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, further research is necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having broad specificity for xenobiotics metabolism throughout the body, cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoform 1A1 is of key relevance for carcinogenesis. However, the oncogenic potential of its altered transcription and the underlying mechanism has not been well-established in breast cancer. Direct bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) of the CYP1A1 promoter, enriched by 113 CpGs within and flanking the xenobiotic response elements (XREs) 2 to 10, in paired cancerous and normal tissues from 40 breast cancer patients revealed three distinctly methylated patterns; unmethylated (XREs 2 to 6) and completely methylated (XREs 7 and 8) CpGs, in common for the normal and cancerous tissues, and a putative 171bp CpG block (XREs 9 and 10) contiguously hypermethylated in the tumor tissues. Increased transcription of CYP1A1 , observed for the cancerous tissues, was correlated with the hypermethylation of given CpG block, besides simultaneously being associated with upregulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2. Clinical value of the methylation changes, investigated based on the comparisons between the tissue cohorts of different clinicopathological features, exhibited gradual hypermethylation of the corresponding CpG block following disease progression as well as lymphatic involvement. Hypermethylation of given CpG block may has potential to be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and progression of breast cancer. • Methylation of CYP1A1 was evaluated in 40 breast cancer tissue cohorts. • Differential hypermethylation was found in the tumor samples. • Contiguous hypermethylation was existed within a CpG block from tumor tissues. • Hypermethylation of given CpG block was associated with CYP1A1 upregulation. • Significant association found between the hypermethylation and cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to depict the mechanistic role of vitamin D on dementia prevention, relief of the severity and the complication of the disease. All papers indexed in scientific databases, including Scopus, Elsevier, PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar between 2000 and 2021 were extracted and discussed. To present the mechanistic role of vitamin D in declining the severity of dementia, keywords including dementia, vitamin D, oxidative stress, inflammation, amyloid beta-Peptides were used. Design/methodology/approach: Dementia is a prevalent cognitive disorder worldwide, especially in elderly people, which is accompanied by serious disabilities. Besides genetic, biological and lifestyle factors are involved in the incidence of dementia. An unhealthy diet along with micronutrient deficiencies are among modifiable factors. Vitamin D is one of the important micronutrients in brain health. Besides the involvement in gene expression, bone mineralization, apoptosis, inflammation, skeletal maturation, neurotropic action and hemostasis of phosphate and calcium, vitamin D also exerts neuroprotective effects via genomic and non-genomic pathways. Findings: Vitamin D up-regulates the expression of various genes involved in dementia incidence via various mechanisms. Decreasing oxidative stress and the neuro-inflammatory cytokines levels, regulation of the expression of alternated Proteins including Tau and Amyloid-ß, calcium homeostasis in the central nervous system and also vascular are considered main mechanisms. Originality/value: Considering the importance of diet in preventing dementia, adherence to a healthy diet that provides essential nutrients to brain function seems to be urgent. Controlling serum levels of vitamin D periodically and providing vitamin D by related sources or supplements, if there is a deficiency, is recommended. Future studies are needed to clarify other related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingomonads are taxonomically heterogeneous bacteria possessing biologically diverse features. In the present study, the taxonomic status and some biological and phenotypic characteristics of sphingomonad strains isolated from stone and pome fruit trees in Mazandaran province were determined. The 115 sphingomonad-like strains isolated formed 13 phenotypic groups among which eight were identified as sphingomonads based on their 16S rDNA sequences. A representative from each phylogroup was used in multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) employing atpD, dnaK, gap, recA, and rpoB housekeeping genes. MLSA analysis indicated that strains HM4, HM7, HM9, HM12, and HM20 belong to Sphingomonas, and the remaining strains HM5, HM16, and HM23 were members of the genus Novosphingobium. The strain HM7 was identified as Sphingomonas melonis and was capable of producing brown spot symptoms on melon fruit. The precise taxonomic position of the remaining strains, at the species level, remained unresolved. Nonetheless, strains HM4 and HM12 clustered with the group consisting of Sphingomonas sp. LK11 and Sphingomonas paucimobilis AIMST S2 at 100% bootstrap value. In the Novosphingobium clade, strains HM5 and HM23 clustered close to each other along with the possibly misidentified Sphingomonas sp. strain IC081 with high bootstrap supports. All strains produced siderophore and all but members of group HM20 induced a hypersensitive reaction on geranium leaves. However, the antibiotic sensitivity, biofilm formation, ice nucleation activity, and resistance to freezing/thawing cycles varied among the strains. This is the first comprehensive study on the taxonomy and some biological characteristics of sphingomonads associated with fruit trees in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the food choice motivations and some healthy food intake among Ardabil adults with different socioeconomic status. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis is based on a focus group study conducted in September 2018. Self-assessed other food choice motivations, healthy food intake and socioeconomic status were reported in questionnaires. The study data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test and χ2 test in groups of study. Findings: Price was a primary motivation of food choice for low-level socioeconomic status persons. The wealthiest people total vegetable consumption was 3.59Â ± 0.004 serving/day, whereas the total vegetable consumption of poorest participants was significantly less than them (p = 0.012). Of the socioeconomics category 1 (SEC1) group participants, 82 per cent said that they consider food price when they were purchasing for their households, while only 28 per cent of SEC4 group said that they consider food prices when food choosing. Only 1 per cent of this group participants pay attention to food label when they choose foods. Originality/value: This is the first study that investigated the food choice motivations in Ardabil adults. The results indicated that food price is the most critical food choice motivation. Based on this study results, the food policymaker can change people food security and food choices with some programs like as healthy food subsidies and unhealthy food taxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Obesity is a multi-factorial problem that develops from an interaction between diet, genetics, physical activity, medication, and other factors. This paper aims to examine the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and obesity among adults of Ardebil. Design/methodology/approach: This case-control study was conducted on 204 cases (obese and overweight participants) and 204 controls (healthy weight individuals) matched by socioeconomic status (SES), age (older than 30 years) and sex. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h food recall questionnaire. Data on physical activity and socio-demographic variables were gathered. DDS was computed based on the scoring of the 14 food groups recommended by the Food and Agriculture organization guideline. Findings: The DDS of the obese group was higher (5.02 ± 1.02) than that of the healthy weight group (4.23 ± 1.18) (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between DDS and body mass index (BMI) in both groups of study, but this association was more significant in the obese group (β = 0.501, p = 0.021) than that of healthy weight group (β = 0.413, p= 0.042). Vegetable food group score in both groups of the study was associated with obesity inversely (p < 0.05). Originality/value: This study was conducted for the first time in Ardabil city and the results showed for the first time that there is a relationship between dietary diversity and obesity. People with a higher dietary diversity score are more likely to be obese. In fact, this study for the first time proved that people who are obese have a more varied diet but less vegetables and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of green coffee extract on anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde on subjects with metabolic syndrome. Design/methodology/approach: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Sheikh Al Raise Clinic from September 2016 to March 2017. The participants were randomly divided into green coffee group and placebo group. Green coffee group (n = 24) received green coffee extract (GCE), while placebo group (n = 24) took cellulose as a placebo, two capsules (400 mg) two times each day for eight weeks. The anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde were measured at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks of treatment with GCE. Blood samples were collected before and after eight weeks of supplementation. Findings: Significant weight loss, from 84.80 ± 2.12 kg to 80.94 ± 2.10 kg (ptime = 0.030, pGC = 0.007), as well as decreases in body mass index (ptime = 0.034, pGC = 0.006) were detected in the green coffee group after eight weeks. Also, the green coffee group has significant lower (pgroup = 0.029, ptime = 0.013) malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the placebo group, and there was a significant difference between two groups at the insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ptime = 0.001, pgroup = 0.048), (ptime = 0.012, pgroup = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference in lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and serum chemerin between two groups after eight weeks of supplementation. Originality/value: This paper showed the statistical difference in body weight, malondialdehyde, insulin and insulin resistance after eight weeks of treatment. GCE might be associated to reduction in the carbohydrate absorption and the enhancement of lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein, which is useful for clinical and commercial applications. Recently it has been shown that ingestion of Lactoferrin has advantages including: immune system modulation, anti-microbial activity and antioxidant in neonates and adults in both animals and humans. The present study has been conducted with the purpose of isolation and optimal purification of Lactoferrin from cow's milk. Materials and methods: Bovine colostrum was collected during 72 hours of delivery. First, milk fat was separated. To Isolate Lactoferrin from the rest of the milk proteins, the isolation process was conducted in two steps. Casein was precipitated using ammonium sulfate and in the next step Lactoferrin was isolated using CM-Sephadex-C50 cation exchange chromatography column with FPLC. To identify the isolated protein SDS-PAGE method was used. Results: The pure active protein, with a molecular weight of 80 kDa, with concentration of 2.4 mg/ml was obtained. The degree of purification implementing after cation exchange chromatography column was 4 and purification efficiency 90%. Conclusion: Considering the increase in the clinical and nutritional applications of Lactoferrin and particularly its immunomodulatory effects, finding an appropriate and efficient purification method is very important. The results of the study show that the above-mentioned method, apart from simplicity and speed, can result in isolation of highly pure Lactoferrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]