[Evaluation of antibacterial properties of alcohol and water extracts of propolis on Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae and Serratia plymuthica]

Background and Aim: Propolis is one of the most important bee products which has antibacterial property. This study was conducted to investigate antibacterial activity of propolis on Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae and Serratia plymuthica

Material and Method: After propolis collection from different parts of Kurdistan Province and preparation of its alcohol and water extracts, minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] for bacterial strains were determined. Data analysis was carried out by use of SPSS software. To compare mean values we used Duncan test at the significance level of 5%

Results: Use of alcoholic solvent [96% ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide] resulted in a greater mean diameter of growth inhibitory zone in comparison to water extract solvent [p<0.05]

Inhibitory concentrations [MICs] of alcoholic extract of propolis for Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae and Serratia plymuthica were 0.328, 0.656 and 1.31 mg/ml and The MBCs, were 0.328, 0.656 and 1.31 mg/ml respectively. The MICs of dimethyl sulfoxide extract for Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae and Serratia plymuthica were 0.656, 1.31 and 1.31 mg/ml and its MBCs for the above mentioned bacteria were 0.656, 1.31 and 1.31 mg/ml respectively. MICs of water extract of propolis for Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae and Serratia plymuthica were 1.31, 2.62 and 2.62 and its MBCs for these bacteria were 2.62, 5.25 and 5.25 respectively

Conclusion: According to the results, alcohol and water extracts of propolis showed significant effects against Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas syringae and Serratia plymuthica in laboratory condition

[Antibacterial effect of essential oil of mastic resin on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Clostridium sporogenes]

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Clostridium sporogenes can produce food poisoning and gastro enteritis in human beings. Alcoholic Essential oil of Bene tree exudates or wild pistachio [Pistacia atlantica subsp.Kurdica] has known antimicrobial activity against most microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine in-vitro antimicrobial activity of Bene tree essential oil exudates. In this study, antibacterial effects of alcoholic essential oil of Bene tree exudates on Staphylococcus aureus [PTCC 1431], Escherichia coli [PTCC 1338] and Clostridium sporogenes [PTCC 1651] were examined three times, by filter paper disc diffusion method, broth dilution method, determination of minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimal bactericidal concentration [MBC]. For data analysis we used SPSS software and t-test. On the basis of statistical results, inhibition zones of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, each with concentration of 50mg/ml and Clostridium sporogenes with concentration of 120 mg/ml bacteria were 13.14 +/- 0.32, 11.16 +/- 0.4 and 8.8 +/- 0.3 respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive and Clostridium sporogenes was the most resistant bacteria to essential oil of Bene. Minimal inhibitory concentrations for Clostridium sporogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 80, 5.5 and 0.6 mg/ml respectively and respective minimal bactericidal concentrations for Clostridium sporogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were determined 120, 80 and 20 mg/ml. Alcoholic essential oil of Bene tree exudates exhibited not only inhibitory effect but also antibacterial effects on the Staphylococcus aureus [PTCC 1431], Escherichia coli [PTCC 1338] and Clostridium sporogenes [PTCC 1651]. Considering the organoleptic effects of alcoholic essential oil of Bene tree, it can be used as a preservative

[Evaluation of malnutrition prevalence and its related factors in primary school students in Kurdistan province]

Children are vulnerable because of their special age characteristics. Investigation of nutritional status of students can lead to design appropriate plans on teaching and hygienic programs. Correct nutrition is an important factor influencing learning ability, development of the educational growth, improvement of teaching, leading to increased investment on education and national profit. The aim of this study was to use anthropometric techniques for assessment of nutritional status in primary school students in Kurdistan Province, Iran. This was a descriptive- analytic cross-sectional study and included 1100 students selected by cluster sampling. Indices measured in this study were weight for age [W/A], weight for height [W/H], and height for age [H/A] and were compared to indices of NCHS standards. Based on the view of Ministry of Education, Kurdistan Province was divided into three parts; affluent, semi affluent and less affluent area. Some data were collected by interviewing students and their parents or obtained from their health records. Epi-info 2000 and SPSS were used for data processing. X2 and ANOVA tests were used for data analysis. According to the results of this study, the prevalence rates of malnutrition were 27.5, 32.3, and 36.9 percent of indices of W/A, W/H, and H/A respectively. There was a significant relationship between the mothers' occupations and chronic malnutrition [H/A], and also W/H [p<0.01]. There was a significant relationship between the parents education level and H/A, and W/H [p<0.01]. A significant relationship was noticed between weekly consumption of meat and chronic consumption of cheese and milk and chronic malnutrition [p<0.01]. The study showed a significant relationship between consumption of soft drinks and chronic malnutrition [p<0.01], and a significant relationship between consumption of confectioneries and W/H [p<0.01]. The prevalence rate of malnutrition in the primary school students in Kurdistan province was higher than those of other countries, but it is more desirable than those of some of other provinces of Iran