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Introduction: The use of medicinal plants has risen worldwide. In Iran, herbal waters and rose waters are of traditional medicinal products and as a result, they are widespreadly consumed. Therefore, diagnosis of microbial quality of these products is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial quality of herbal extracts distributed in Kashan, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive study, 256 samples of herbal waters and 191 samples of rose waters (total samples of 447) distributed in Kashan during 2012 to 2013 were purchased and transferred to laboratory. Then microbial tests such as total aerobic bacterial count, mold and yeast count, total coliforms, and detection of Enterococcus, Pseudomonas and sulphite-reducing Clostridia were evaluated based on national standard of Iran. Results: Contamination with Pseudomonas and Enterococcus was observed in the herbal water samples. 196 cases (43.84%) of the total samples, 113 cases (44.15%) of the herbal waters and 83 cases (43.45%) of the rose waters were usable based on the national standard of Iran. Neither herbal waters nor rosewater samples were contaminated by E.Coli and Sulphite-reducing clostridia. Additionally, none of the rosewater samples was contaminated by Coliforms and Pseudomonas. Conclusion: Based on the findings and due to the fact that these products are contaminated with aerobic mesophilic bacteria, mold and yeast, to minimize the risks we recommend to apply pasteurized temperature, high-quality packaging material and hygiene observance in processing time of herbal waters and rose waters.

Introduction: This study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Scrophularia striata plant on E. coli O157:H7 in vitro. Methods: In this experimental study the ethanol and aqueous extract of the plant was prepared and their antibacterial effects were determined using sink diffusion and broth macrodilution methods against the bacterium E. coli O157:H7. Results: The ethanol extract of Scrophularia striata plant had inhibitory effect on the E. coli O157:H7 in two methods of sink diffusion and macrodilution, but the aqueous extract of this plant had not antibacterial effect. The MIC and MBC amounts were obtained 90mg/ml and 100 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the present results that the ethanol extract of the Scrophularia Striata plant showed inhibitory effect on bacterium, more researches are recommended to evaluate its in vivo effects and to identify active compounds.

Goat milk, like cow milk, needs some modifications to be used as the sole source of nutrition during early infancy. For goat milk to be more like human milk and more nutritionally complete, sugar, vitamins and minerals need to be added to it and for reduction of renal solute load, it needs to be diluted. To prevent megaloblastic anemia in infants fed exclusively on goat milk, folic acid should be supplied either by adding it to goat milk or by an oral folic acid supplement. In fortification of milk products, thermal processing, fermentation, and species differences in milk folate bioavailability are three additional factors that should be considered besides absolute difference in folate concentration between goat and human milk. Whether different feeding regimes (e.g., iron and folate content of diets) influence milk folate content needs to be elucidated by more research. Our findings showed that fermented goat milk during anemia recovery can be improve antioxidant status, protection from oxidative damage to biomolecules, protective effects on testis, improve Fe and skeletal muscle homeostasis as well as improve cardiovascular health. Practical applications: To be used as part of a postweaning nutritionally well‐balanced diet, fermented goat milk is most likely an excellent source of nutrition for the human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With attention to high public concern to dietary intakes of heavy metals from various foods and rice as one of the main food of the people in the Iran, the aim of this study was to survey heavy metals in rice samples of Iran. Based on obtained results, among the metals in some Iranian cultivated rice samples, cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) concentrations were higher than national standard of Iran. But, totally in Iran, average weekly intake for Cd, As, Pb, cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) were lower than the maximum weekly intake recommended by WHO/FAO. However, the average weekly intake amount for Hg from rice in Iran is higher than the maximum weekly intake recommended by WHO/FAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main causative factors in a wide variety of complications such as neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia/reperfusion, aging process, and septic shock. Decrease in respiratory complex activity, increase in free radical production, increase in mitochondrial synthase activity, increase in nitric oxide production, and impair in electron transport system and/or mitochondrial permeability are considered as the main factors responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction. Melatonin, the pineal gland hormone, is selectively taken up by mitochondria and acts as a powerful antioxidant, regulating the mitochondrial bioenergetic function. Melatonin increases the permeability of membranes and is the stimulator of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase. It also acts as an inhibitor of lipoxygenase. Melatonin can cause resistance to oxidation damage by fixing the microsomal membranes. Melatonin has been shown to retard aging and inhibit neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia/reperfusion, septic shock, diabetes, cancer, and other complications related to oxidative stress. The purpose of the current study, other than introducing melatonin, was to present the recent findings on clinical effects in diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction including diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and diseases related to brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insecticide resistance is one of the serious problems for German cockroach control program. This study was conducted to determine the bendiocarb and Carbaryl resistance mechanisms in German cockroaches using the piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Methods: Bioassay tests were conducted with 4 to 6 different concentrations of both insecticides with four replicates of 10 susceptible strain cockroaches per concentration to determine of discriminative concentration. After determining discriminative concentration, the result was compared to wild strain. The levels of susceptibility and resistance ratio (RR) and synergism ratio (SR) were calculated for each five wild strains. Moreover resistance mechanisms in wild strains were determined using PBO synergist in vivo. Results: Hospital strains showed different levels of resistance to bendiocarb and carbaryl compared to susceptible strain. The bendiocarb and carbaryl resistance ratios ranged from 2.11 to 7.97 and 1.67 to 2 at LD50 levels, respectively. The synergist PBO significantly enhanced the toxicity of bendiocarb and carbaryl to all strains with different degrees of synergist ratio, 1.31, 1.39, 3.61, 1.78, 1.62 and 2.1 fold for bendiocarb, 1.19, 1.18, 1.12. 1.29, 1.45 and 1.11- fold for carbaryl, suggesting monooxygenase involvement in bendiocarb and carbaryl resistance. Conclusion: The synergetic effect of PBO had the highest effect on bendiocarb and resistance level was significantly reduced, which indicates the important role of monoxidase enzyme in creating resistance to Bendiocarb. Piperonyl butoxide did not have a significant synergistic effect on carbaryl and did not significantly break the resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cumin and eucalyptus essential oils were prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Its antibacterial effects were screened using the microdilution method for L isteria monocytogenes, S almonella typhi, S treptococcus pyogenes and S higella dysenteriae. The effect of the three concentrations of essential oils (0.5, 1 and 2% w/v) with 2% chitosan at 4 ± 1C temperature and storage time of up to 9 days were evaluated on the microbial quality of chicken meat. Changes in total mesophilic bacterial count ( TMBC), lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, mold and yeast counts, and sensory properties were evaluated. The main compounds in cumin were 1,8-cineol (26.75%) and cuminaldehyde (17.1%) and the main compounds in eucalyptus were 1,8-cineol (77.32%) and limonene (8.39%). The essential oils have antibacterial effects on the four examined bacteria. In all of the treatment groups, a decrease of TMBC up to the sixth day and lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, mold and yeast up to the ninth day ( P < 0.05) were observed. Overall acceptance rate in the chicken meat containing chitosan with 0.5% cumin essential oil created a better sense. Hence, the use of chitosan combined with cumin and eucalyptus might be suggested as an antibacterial packaging to extend the shelf life and as a flavor enhancer for chicken meat. Practical Applications The results suggested that because chitosan film incorporated with cumin and eucalyptus can reduce meat spoilage losses and improve nutritional value, it can be used as an active packaging in the meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Nowadays, adding natural preservatives is one of the main methods for increasing shelf-life. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of Zataria multiflora hydroalcoholic extract and its antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, after collection and extraction of Zataria multiflora, total amount of phenols and flavonoids as well as flavonols were colorimetrically determined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by β-Carotene bleaching assey. Then the effect of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora extract (0.0, 0.5 and 1.5%) in 4±1°C at different storage times (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days) was evaluated on growth of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger. Results: Total phenol content in Zataria multiflora extract was 283.43±11.06 mg/gr as gallic acid equivalent. Total flavonoid and total flavonol contents were 131.23±4.5 and 92±5.67mg/g as rutin equivalent, respectively. Antioxidant activity was 71±4 percent. Also Zataria multiflora extract in 4±1°C decreased the growth rate of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger. Conclusion: These findings showed that Zataria multiflora had antibacterial effect and could be used as an antibacterial preservative in hamburger or other meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, emphasis has been placed on the use of natural materials in the control and treatment of various infections, as some chemically synthesized drugs have undesirable side effects. In this study, the ethanol extract of Iranian walnut leaves was examined for antibacterial activities on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Actinomyces viscosus using the microdilution method. Total phenols, flavonoids, and flavonols were also determined colorimetrically. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for ethanolic extract ranged between 15.6 and 187.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranged between 31.25 and 250 mg/mL. Total phenols were 410 ± 14.43 mg/g gallic acid equivalent, and total flavonols and flavonoids were 270 ± 22.33 and 330 ± 12.21 mg/g rutin equivalent, respectively. These findings show that Iranian walnut leaves have antibacterial effects on the 4 examined bacteria and may be a suitable alternative remedy for protection and treatment of dental plaque due to these microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study was conducted to compare parameters of kidney injury, oxidative stress and inflammation in people with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 57 cases with DN and 57 cases with T2DM were included in the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine parameters of kidney injury, oxidative stress and inflammation.Results: The current study showed that patients with DN had higher tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (167.0 ± 40.1 vs. 151.4 ± 37.4 ng/L, P < .05) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) concentrations (1625.2 ± 631.0 vs. 1391.5 ± 465.4 ng/mL, P < .05) compared with T2DM cases. Moreover, we observed a non-significant increase in MMP-9 levels among patients with DN compared with individuals with T2DM (4864.4 ± 1934.3 vs. 4239.2 ± 1853.9 ng/L, P > .05). Furthermore, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels in patients with DN were higher than that of patients with T2DM (8511.7 ± 1799.9 vs. 7660.7 ± 1711.9 AU, P < .05), but the difference in malondialdehyde value was not significant. Finally, we found that total protein levels in cases with DN were enhanced compared with individuals with T2DM (7.1 ± 0.5 vs. 6.9 ± 0.6 mg/dL, P < .05); however, other markers of kidney injury did not change.Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of present study revealed that few markers of inflammation and oxidative stress including TNF-α, MMP-2, AGEs levels and total protein levels in patients with DN were significantly higher than that of patients with T2DN. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The result of infection of bone with microorganisms is osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for most of its cases (more than 50%). Since MRSA is resistant to many treatments, it is accompanied by high costs and numerous complications, necessitating more effective new treatments. Recently, development of gelatin nanoparticles have attracted the attention of scientists of biomedicine to itself, and have been utilized as a delivery vehicle for antibiotics because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. Promising results have been reported with gelatin modification and combinations with chemical agents. Although these findings have been suggested that gelatin has the potential to be a suitable option for continuous release of antibiotics in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis treatment, they still have not become routine in clinical practices. The most deliver antibiotic using gelatin-derived composites is vancomycin which is showed the good efficacy. To date, a number of pre-clinical studies evaluated the utility of gelatin-based composites in the management of osteomyelitis. Gelatin-based composites were found to have satisfactory performance in the control of infection, as well as the promotion of bone defect repair in chronic osteomyelitis models. This review summarized the available evidence which provides a new insight into gelatin-derived composites with controlled release of antibiotics., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Sherafati Chaleshtori, Marzhoseyni, Saeedi, Azar Bahadori, Mollazadeh, Pourghadamyari, Sajadimoghadam, Abbaszadeh‐Goudarzi, Moradi Hasan-Abad and Sharafati Chaleshtori.)

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main causative factors in a wide variety of complications such as neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia/reperfusion, aging process, and septic shock. Decrease in respiratory complex activity, increase in free radical production, increase in mitochondrial synthase activity, increase in nitric oxide production, and impair in electron transport system and/or mitochondrial permeability are considered as the main factors responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction. Melatonin, the pineal gland hormone, is selectively taken up by mitochondria and acts as a powerful antioxidant, regulating the mitochondrial bioenergetic function. Melatonin increases the permeability of membranes and is the stimulator of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase. It also acts as an inhibitor of lipoxygenase. Melatonin can cause resistance to oxidation damage by fixing the microsomal membranes. Melatonin has been shown to retard aging and inhibit neurodegenerative disorders, ischemia/reperfusion, septic shock, diabetes, cancer, and other complications related to oxidative stress. The purpose of the current study, other than introducing melatonin, was to present the recent findings on clinical effects in diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction including diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and diseases related to brain function., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.