[Comparison of the effects of drying processes: vacuum oven, freeze, solar and microwave with traditional method on the qualitative characteristics of the Iranian saffron]

Saffron, the world's most expensive condiment, is one of Iran's most important non-petroleum exports. The drying method is determinant of saffron quality and price in the world market. So, the aim of this study was the comparison of the effects of saffron dehydration methods, like vacuum oven, freeze, microwave and solar drying with traditional method. During this experimental study and for production of saffron flowers, one of the farms in Gonabad was selected randomly and the flowers were picked and mixed thoroughly, together. The morphological specifications, percentage of yield of the stigmas, chemical test [moisture, ash, total nitrogen and, acid insoluble ash] were determined. Stigmas were dried. After dehydration the moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extract, total nitrogen, crude fiber, crocin, picrocrocin, saffranal and sensory specifications [color, texture and odor] were determined. The results of chemical analysis indicated that the solar dried, vacuum oven dried and microwave dried samples had preferable color [crocine] outcomes. However, from aromatic point of view [saffranal] traditional sample had significant preference [P<0.05]. The amount of the picrocrocin [taste compounds] in samples did not have significant differences within each other. The results of sensory analysis indicated that, color of dried samples by solar, freeze and microwave methods, soluble color of dried samples by solar, freeze and vacuum oven had significant differences [P<0.05] that other methods. The results of the microbiological test of all dried samples were in Iranian standard levels except the traditional and freeze dried samples. Although the samples of four methods of drying were of high quality compared to the traditional samples, the solar drying method can be reasonably applied in rural area as suggested method of drying

[Evaluation of serum aluminum level before and after [DFO] test in patients of hemodialysis unit of Zahedan]

Background: aluminum accumulation in plasma and tissues is a well-described complication among persons undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Excess bone aluminum is associated with low bone formation rates and increased risk for fractures. Current recommendations for care of patients with end-stage renal disease include screening for aluminum toxicity with plasma aluminum levels; patients with levels below20 micro g/L are considered to be at low risk for aluminum related bone disease [ARBD]. By attention to some clinical symptoms that maybe related to AL toxicity, we measured serum AL level before and after DFO test

Methods and materials: in this descriptive study the incidence of AL toxicity in patients on hemodialysis in Khatam-Al-Anbia hospital of Zahedan-Iran was measured. In 35 patients on hemodialysis, serum level of AL before and after DFO test was measured. We also measured serum level of Ca, P, ALP, PTH and Ferritin in these groups of patients. To evaluate AL level in water used for hemodialysis it was measured at the same time

Results: in our study serum AL levels in most of patients were high [32 out of 35]. It may be due to high level of AL in dialysate. Dialysate AL level before and after RO [Reverse Osmosis] were 16 microgram/Lit and 19.8 microgram/Lit respectively. In only 3 out of 35 patient's serum AL levels of baseline were less than 20 microgram/Lit and DFO test in one of them was positive. Serums AL level of 16 patients were between 20 to 40 microgram I Lit and in 16 patients were more than 40 microgram/Lit

Conclusions: in conclusion treatment with improperly processed water was the major causes of aluminum toxicity in uremic patients