ABSTRACT
The combined effects of inoculation level [4 or 8-fold compared to standard inoculation] and sequence [standard inoculation before fermentation and 3-fold inoculation at the end of fermentation=1+3, Two-fold inoculation before fermentation and the same at the end of fermentation=2+2, 2+6, 4-fold before fermentation=4, 4+4, and 8] of culture inoculum containing probiotics on biochemical and microbiological characteristics of probiotic Doogh during fermentation and over 21 days of refrigerated storage [4°C] were investigated. The probiotic microorganisms were L. acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12. Overall, the treatments 8, 4 and 4+4 resulted in the highest viability at the end of fermentation as well as at early days of refrigerated storage. During the second half of cold storage period, the greatest viability of probiotics was related to the treatment 2+6. The treatment '8' showed the shortest incubation time as well as the highest pH drop rate and acidity increase rate during fermentation and over the storage period
Subject(s)
Food Industry/methods , Bifidobacterium , Cold Temperature , Lactobacillus/growth & development , Culture MediaABSTRACT
Controversial data concerning the elevation of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme in psoriasis are reported in the literature. In order to verify whether this abnormality exists in Iranian patients, we performed this study. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was measured in 40 psoriatics. According to clinical forms of psoriasis, patients were further divided into three groups: common plaque type [n=24], pustular psoriasis [n=10] and erythrodermic psoriasis [n=6]. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme shows some increase in patients with psoriasis; the greatest increase in serum angiotensinconverting enzyme level was observed in patients with erythrodermic psoriasis. Our results suggest that angiotensin-converting enzyme may have a role in the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis but further studies are warranted to evaluate the possible role of this enzyme in psoriasis
ABSTRACT
An elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Psoriatic patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases; In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia is a complication of methotrexate treatment. We undertook a study to evaluate the plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in patients with psoriasis before and after short-term low-dose methotrexate treatment. Twenty six patients with psoriasis were recruited. The plasma levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate were evaluated before and 8 weeks after methotrexate therapy [in the peak of methotrexate effect]. No significant difference was found between the plasma profile of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate before and after methotrexate treatment. In the short-term treatment of psoriasis, methotrexate does not increase homocysteine level
ABSTRACT
A 43-year-old middle-eastern woman was visited with a 15-year history of multiple painful cutaneous nodules on her back. The first lesion appeared on her back when she was 28 years old. As she aged, the lesions became larger, more numerous, and more painful with cold or physical contact. Her medical history was not significant. The patient's medications included naproxen, calcium-D, and vitamins. Her family history was notable as her brother had developed similar cutaneous lesions. Physical examination revealed more than 30 pinkish papules, measuring up to 1 cm in diameter, in a grouped arrangement on her back [Figure 1]. The complete blood cell count, serum chemistry profile, and serum erythropoietin levels were within normal limits. Abdominal ultrasonography was normal. A skin biopsy specimen was obtained from a nodule on her back [Figure 2]