Mycoprotein production by Fusarium venenatum in surface culture using a central composite design

Due to their nutritional, physical and chemical characteristics, mycoproteins, produced in the process of fungal growth, have been proposed to be used as a food additive for man. In this study a central composite design was applied to assessing the effect of seed size and initial concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources on mycoprotein production by Fusarium venenatum [ATCC20334] from date sugar. Chemical composition [percent dried cell weight, nitrogen, moisture, and ash] and pH of the substrate were determined. Vogel culture medium was used for maintenance and inoculum preparation, and incubation was done at 30 °C for 72h. Dried cell weight was measured by the oven method. The experimental results were fitted to a full quadratic second order polynomial equation and the optimization of response was done with Minitab 14 software. Optimum conditions were determined and a confirmation test was conducted. The regression coefficient of the model presented for mycoprotein production [based on dried cell weight] was 98.0%. The optimum conditions for the mycoprotein production included a seed size of 15.39% v/v, and a carbon and nitrogen source of 20 and 4.35 g/L, respectively. The predicted value for the optimum production of dried biomass was 5.032 g/L. The reconfirmation test was conducted at the optimum conditions and the result obtained was 4.84 g/L of biomass production. The regression coefficient indicates accuracy and suitability of the model for the experimental data. By changing the inoculum conditions and the chemical composition of the culture medium, optimal growth of Fusarium venenatum and, consequently, maximum biomass production, can be achieved. Use of date syrup as an available and domestic Iranian substrate for modification of Vogel medium makes possible protein production at an industrial scale in surface culture

effect of exercise on premenstrual syndrome [PMS]

In the light of prevalence of premenstrual syndrome, its effects on women as well as social living qualities and public tendency toward alternative complementary and non-drug treatment, and contradictory reports about the effects of exercise on PMS, this research is conducted on students residing in Shaheed Beheshti University dormitory in 2004. This clinical trial [before and after treatment] was carried out on 35 single students with premenstrual symptoms. The diagnosis of PMS was based on the PMS complications standard multiple choice checklist, which include 30 psycho-somatic items. The subjects were classified into two groups based on their checklist scores. The mild group [scores less than 30], and the moderate to severe one [scores >/= 30]. The subjects carried out the instructed aerobic exercises three times a day, and also 30 minutes of daily walking for two weeks before their menstruation for a period of two months. They were handed out the PMS complication checklist at the beginning of each month so that they could fill it out daily based on "no problem", "mild", "moderate" and "severe" status. The case was considered as improved if the total PMS score was reduced by one in comparison with the start of the study. The status of PMS was investigated at the end of the first and the second months. The PMS and psychotic symptoms score before the study was compared with the end of the first and the second months exercise and evaluated based on Wilcoxon and McNemar tests. Prevalence of PMS in dormitory female students was 22.2% [16.12-28.3, CI: 95%]. The total PMS score was reduced on 29 subjects [82.9%] after two months of exercise [P=0.001]. While 30 cases [85.5%] had improved psychotic symptoms [P=0.001] and 26 subjects [74.4%] had improved physical symptoms [P=0.001]. Exercise resulted in improved physical symptoms including abdominal pain, back pain [P=0.05], breast tenderness [P=0.08], and psychotic symptoms including irritability, impatience, weakness, fatigue, weeping, depression, tendency to remain indoors [P=0.05] and anxiety [P=0.08]. Exercise improves PMS. However, it is recommended that a complete experimental study [including control] be performed to investigate the effects on various exercises on subjects in longer periods of time