[Prevalence of anti-toxocara antibodies in children with allergic manifestations referring to allergy clinics in Zanjan]

Background and Aim: Toxocariasis is a common parasitic zoonosis of humans, dogs and cats. Migration of Toxocara larva in the internal organs is accompanied by a variety of complications such as hepatomegaly, marked eosinophilia, pulmonary and ocular symptoms. In some cases, symptoms are nonspecific and the patients may only show allergy-like cutaneous and pulmonary manifestations. Considering the significant increase in the prevalence of allergic disorders, study of the possible etiologies of these disorders can lead to the early diagnosis and effective treatment of the disease. In this study prevalence of antitoxocara antibody and some hematological parameters were compared between allergic and non-allergic children

Materials and Methods: Our experimental group included 200 children under 15 years of age with skin and/or respiratory allergies referring to allergy clinics, and our control group consisted of 238 non-allergic children, matched to the experimental group in regard to age and sex. Specific anti-toxocara IgG titers were measured by TES/Ag-ELISA technique. Eosinophilia and leukocytosis were extracted from the CBC results. We used T-test and chisquare to compare the results between the two groups

Results: The prevalence of anti-toxocara IgG in the children with allergic manifestations was significantly higher [4.5%] than that in the healthy children [0.8%]. Children with allergic manifestations had a higher rate of eosinophilia [16.5%] compared to healthy children [0.4%], but there was no significant correlation between eosinophilia and toxocariasis serology

Conclusions: Regarding the higher prevalence of anti-toxocara antibodies in the children with skin and respiratory allergies, investigation of toxocariasis in the patients with allergic symptoms is recommended

[Effect of different decontamination procedures for saliva-contaminated uncured bonding system on shear bond strength of composite to enamel]

Prevention of contamination during the procedural steps is a requisite for achieving a satisfactory composite restoration. The aim of this experimental study was to compare the shear bond strength of composite to enamel in two different decontamination procedures of uncured bonding and uncontaminated conditions. Thirty-six extracted sound human premolars and incisors were selected. Enamel of buccal surface was ground flat. The teeth were divided into 3 groups of 12 each. In the control group [1], 3M Single Bond adhesive was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, without any contamination. In groups 2 and 3 uncured adhesive was saliva contaminated and then: [2] rinsed, dried, etched [5 seconds], rinsed, dried, adhesive was reapplied and [3] cured, dried, etched [5 seconds], rinsed, dried and adhesive was reapplied. Then composite cylinders were bonded to enamel surfaces. Finally, samples were sheared using Instron testing machine and shear bond strength data were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The mean bond strength was 16.5317 MPa in the control group, 16.2308 MPa in rinsed contaminated bonding group and 15.8025 MPa in cured contaminated bonding group. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean shear bond strength of groups 1,2 and 3 [p=0.954]. Both decontamination protocols [groups 2 and 3] resulted in acceptable bond strength and both were comparable with uncontaminated condition

[Effects of various factors on the oxidative stability of omega -3 fatty acid-enriched Doogh [Iranian yoghurt drink]]

Milk and dairy products are generally recognized as healthful foodstuffs. Their negligible content of polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] has prompted investigators to consider fortifying them with long chain PUFAs, but the main challenge is the high susceptibility of PUFAs to oxidation and rancidity. Therefore, in the present study the possibility of using long chain PUFAs to fortify Doogh [a traditional Iranian yoghurt-based beverage], as a functional dairy product, as well as the effect of different factors on the physical stability and peroxide value of the fortified Doogh during storage, were determined. omega -3-Fatty acid-fortified Doogh was prepared using yogurt, water, salt, the soluble phase of gum tragacanth, and crude rapeseed, soy bean, and fish oil. The fortified Dooghs [a mixture of oil and yoghurt or of Doogh and oil] were homogenised using ultrasound at different amplitudes and durations in order to find the optimum processing conditions [amplitudes and duration]. Moreover, effects of several factors [heat treatment, storage temperature, intensity and duration of sonication, and oil content] on the physical stability and peroxide value of the fortified Dooghs during storage [35 days] at 2 temperatures [5 and 22 Degree°C] were determined. The findings showed that the preparation method of fortified Doogh had significant effects on its homogenization extent and physical stability. Furthermore, during storage the peroxide value of the samples increased, particularly at the higher temperatures, while they were quite stable physically. It may be concluded that ultrasound treatment can homogenize and stabilize omega -3-fatty acidfortified Doogh, with no undesirable effect on peroxide value during storage at refrigeration temperatures

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Avena sativa L. on morphine withdrawal signs in male mice

Background and Purpose: It showed that antidepressants may reduce the abuse potential of opioid. In other hand, studies showed avena sativa has antidepressant and sedative properties. So the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Avena sativa on morphine withdrawal signs in male mice

Material and Methods: In this experimental study forty male NMRI mice [20-30 g] were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8: control groups received morphine and normal saline [10ml/kg] and other groups received ethanol [3%] and different doses of ethanolic extract of Avena sativa [50,100 and 200mg/kg] .Morphine dependency was induced using a four- day schedule method with 50, 50, 75 and 50 mg/kg dosing respectively. In fourth day 2 hours after single dose of morphine, naloxone was injected [5 mg /kg] and withdrawal signs were recorded with number of jumping and diarrhea, grooming, wet dog shake, teeth chattering, writing, climbing as scores of 0 to 3 during 30min.The data were expressed with one-way ANOVA for quantities and Mann-Whitney U test for qualities data's and they were analyzed with SPSS 15 and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant

Results: The present study findings showed that all doses of ethanolic extract_ of Avena sativa compared to control group, significantly and dose- dependently decrease the number of jumping in morphine dependent mice [56.12 +/- 6.46, 40.0 +/- 5.33 and 31.5 +/- 2.5 respectively]] P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively].Grooming and teeth chattering also decreased with all doses of extract [P<0.05]. Wet dog shakes, climbing and rearing significantly decreased only by high doses [200mg/kg] of extract. Diarrhea also decreased with 100 and 200 mg/kg of extract [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Findings of present study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of avena sativa attenuate morphine withdrawal signs .But, Further studies need to be carried out to better understanding of their mechanism

[Effects of barley beta -glucan on some rheological properties of wheat flour]

In the recent years, hydrocolloids have been the subject of much investigation as functional foods. In the present study beta-glucan was acid-extracted from barley and its effects on some rheological properties of wheat flour were investigated. Beta-glucanwas extracted from whole barley flour by the acid-extraction method. The total beta-glucan content of the extracted gum was determined using the Megazyme assay kit. The beta-glucan gum obtained was added to 3 samples of wheat flour, namley Nol, Setareh, and their Mix [50:50] flours at a level of 0.0%, 0.5%, or 1%. Doughs wer prepared from the what flour samples and theirrheological properties investigated. The SPSS software was used for data analysis. A completely randomized design was used for the experiment, the means being compared using the LSD test. The rheological behavior of beta-glucan-enriched doughs depended on flour quality and beta-glucan concentration. All the farinographic characteristics, specially water absorption, improved with increasing beta -glucan concentration. Extensograph results also showed that resistance to extension and extensibility increased with increasing beta -glucan concentration. The mix flour with 1% beta -glucan showed the best rheological properties [p<0.05]. In all the treatments addition of beta-glucan increased water absorption, dough resistance time, dough development time, extensibility, resistance to extension, and the surface area under the curve, and it decreased dough loss. Beta-glucan at1% level showed better rheological properties as compared to the 0.5% sample. Overall, considering all the chemical and rheological tests, it can be concluded that addition of 1% beta-glucan to mix flour results in the best treatment, although it is not the most effective

[Effects of salep, glycerol and sunflower oil on potato starch-based edible film]

Starch is one of the most abundant carbohydrate biopolymers with excellent film-forming properties. However, it has a poor resistance to water vapour and poor mechanical properties. The objective of this studt was to determine the effects of glycerol, oil and salep on the film properties of starch. Edible films based on mixtures of starch and salep [an Iranian gum] were prepared and their properties [mechanical and optical charactersitics, solubility, and water vapor permeability [WVP]] investigated. The mixtures were as follows: potato starch and salep [1-5%], potato and glycerol plasticizer [10-40%], and potato and sunflower oil [0-20%]. The results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of potato starch-based edible films were affected by the their contents of salep, glycerol, and sunflower oil. The salep gum increased tensile strength, elastic modulus, and C[asterisk], but reduced elongation at break and L[asterisk], while glycerol reduced tensile strength, elastic modulus, and UV transparency but increased elongation at break, L[asterisk], opacity, solubility and WVP. On the other hand, sunflower oil decreased elongation at break, tensile strength, elastic modulus, UV transparency, solubility, and water vapor permeability, but it increased opacity. Based on the findfings, it can be concluded that the optimum contents of salep, glycerol, and sunflower oil in potato starch-based edible films are 3%, 32%, and 8%, respectively

[Effects of ultrasound treatment on stability of cocoa-flavored milk]

Prevention of physical instability of chocolate milk is an important challenge in the field of food science, particularly dairy technolohy. In this study, the effects of high-intensity ultrasound treatment on stability of cocoa particles in chocolate milk, with or without the presence of stabilizers, was investigated. Chocolate milk was exposed to ultrasound [maximal nominal power 600 W at 20 kHz] at various levels of power intensity [24, 72 and 120 W], exposure times [2, 6 and 10 minutes] and temperatures [25, 45 and 65°C] for 30 days. k-carrageenan at concentrations of 0.000, 0.010, 0.015 and 0.020%, with or without sugar [7.0% and 0.0%], was added to the samples. Increasing power intensity and exposure time led to a significant increase in physical stability of the milk samples - the milk phase volume decreased and the cacao phase increased. Moreover, the phase separation and cacao particle sedimentation were effectively prevented in the treated samples [ultrasonic power 120W, exposure time 2 min, temperature 45°C, k-carrageenan 0.02%, and sugar 7%] after 30 days of storage at 4°C, while phase separation and cacao particle sedimentation occurred in the control sample [containing 0.040% k-carrageenan]. The findings also showed that sugar improved cacao milk stability. The milk phase volume in the presence of 0.02% k-carrageenan, kept at a temperature of 45°C for 30 days, was less than that of samples kept at other temperatures. Based on the findings of the present study, it seems that ultrasound can increase the stability of cacao particles in milk. In addition, ultrasound treatment possibly degrades the k-carrageenan network, particularly at higher temperatures. Furthermore, cavitation, probably due to entrapment of air in the k-carrageenan network, may weaken the gel network

effect of vitamin C on expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in male mice

Background: Dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems play a critical role in expression of morphine-induced place conditioning, while vitamin C, released from glutamatergic neurons, modulates the synaptic action of dopamine and glutamate. This study investigated the effect of vitamin C on expression of morphineinduced place conditioning in male mice

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 96 male NMRI mice [20-30g] were randomly divided into 12 groups of 8: control groups received normal saline [10 ml/kg] and treatment groups received morphine [2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg] and vitamin C [1, 5, and 30 mg/kg] alone and with morphine. The study took place on six consecutive days, consisting of three phases: preconditioning, conditioning, and postconditioning. In the first set, vitamin C alone were administered in conditioning and postconditioning phases to see if they induced conditioned place preference [CPP] or aversion [CPA]. In the second set, mice received vitamin C in postconditioning phase after conditioning with morphine

Results: Different doses of morphine [5 and 10 mg/kg, p<0.001] induced CPP [112.06 +/- 14.44 and 128.65 +/- 16.12 sec, respectively] compared to control group [?9.34 +/- 2.04 sec]. Different doses of vitamin C alone did not induce any significant CPP or CPA. However, coadministration of vitamin C [5 and 30 mg/kg; p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively] with morphine [5 mg/kg] significantly induced morphine-like CPP [80.4 +/- 9.61 and 56.45 +/- 13.52 sec, respectively]

Conclusion: Low doses of vitamin C induced morphine-like CPP probably by agonistic action on dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems. Therefore, this vitamin may be useful for controlling compulsive drug-seeking behavior in morphine addicts

Comparative study on the beneficial effects of different dark length schedules on the incidence of ascites and metabolic parameters in fast growing broiler chickens

Increasing of oxygen consumption in fast growing broiler chickens is associated with the more pronounced occurrence of right ventricular hypertrophy and ascites. While, rearing of susceptible chickens in dark condition could reduce the metabolic rate of birds and hence the incidence of ascites. The present study was designed to investigate a comparative study on the influence of different dark-length schedules on the incidence of ascites and metabolic parameters in fast growing broiler chickens. A total of 1000 day-old [Pure Sir Broiler Line Arian] chickens were obtained and subjected to four different lighting programs. Dead birds were autopsied for the lesions of ascites. Weekly growth performance of chickens was determined and blood samples were taken, on days 7, 12, 21, 28, 35 and 42 of age for hormonal analysis. The incidence of ascites was clearly higher in birds subjected to normal lighting program compared with those of dark exposed chickens. Control chickens showed significantly higher body weight compared to the dark exposure group birds at day 21 of age, while it did not differ at days 28, 35 and 42 of age. Such differences was accompanied with the lower levels of plasma T3 and T4 concentrations in dark group chickens than to control chickens at the earlier age [days 12 and 21]. This phenomenon indicated a reduction of metabolic rate and oxygen consumption in dark group chickens that had been led to reducing of ascites incidence. Our data proves that increasing dark-length instead of continuous lighting may be beneficial for rearing of broiler chickens, especially, when the risk of ascites incidence is higher

[Relationship between sleep quality and body mass index in chemical warfare victims with bronchiolitis obliterans]

Background: sleep is one of the basic requirements of human and any disruption in the normal flow of sleep, in addition to causing psychological problems, can also reduce a person's performance

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the relationship between the sleep quality and body mass index in chemical warfare victims with bronchiolitis obliterans

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the respiratory clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital in winter of 2007. A total of 93 victims of chemical warfare with bronchiolitis obliterans referred to the respiratory clinic were selected by nonprobability and convenience sampling method. Body mass index, as a variable impact on quality of sleep, was evaluated for its relationship with sleep quality. Sleep quality was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics including Spearman's rank correlation, chi-square test, and the independent-samples t-test

Findings: Over 95% of subjects had undesirable sleep quality and the rest [4.4%] with desirable sleep quality. The mean BMI was 26.68 +/- 3.88. Of total population, 65.6% were overweight or obese. There was no significant correlation between sleep quality and BMI [P>0.05]. A significant correlation between the psychological disorders and undesirable sleep quality was found [P<0.05]

Conclusion: According to the data obtained, future studies regarding the psychological disorders and treatment protocols to improve the quality of sleep in chemical warfare victims are recommended

[Effects of hydrocolloids on physical stability, rheological and sensory properties of milk-orange juice mixture]

One of the major defects in acidified milk-fruit juice mixtures is their physical instability due to low pH, low viscosity, and sedimentation of caseins. In the present study, the influence of some commercial and local gums on the stability, rheological, and sensory properties of milk-orange juice mixture was investigated. The effects of pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum, gum tragacanth, Persian gum, water-soluble fractions of gum tragacanth [tragacanthin] and Persian gum over a wide range of concentrations on the physical stability of milk-orange juice mixtures during storage at low temperature [4 °C, 30 days] were determined. Moreover, the stabilization mechanisms were studied using rheological [rotational and oscillatory tests], zeta potential measurements, and microstructural observations. Finally, sensory evaluation was made on the physically stabilized samples. Pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum, gum tragacanth, Persian gum, and water-soluble fractions of tragacanth and Persian gum effectively prevented phase separation for 30 days at concentrations of 0.5%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 2.2%, 0.175% and 1.0%, respectively. Furthermore, combinations of water-soluble fractions of gum tragacanth and Persian gum [ratios of 4:96 and 19:81] at a concentration of 0.37% or 0.53% caused stabilization. The best fitted rheological models for the control [milk-orange juice mixture without hydrocolloids], the pectin-containing one, and rest of the samples were Bingham, Herschel-Bulkley, and Power law, respectively. In terms of sensory properties, the mixture stabilized with a combination of watersoluble fractions of gum tragacanth and Persian gum [0.53% w/w] achieved the highest scores by the taste panels [p<0.01]. Based on the findings of the present study, water-soluble fractions of gum tragacanth and Persian gum can be categorized as anionic hydrocolloids which are adsorbed on the surface of caseins which can prevent aggregation via steric and electrostatic repulsions by simulating a hairy layer. In addition, their insoluble fractions could promote physical stability of the mixtures due to making a gel-like network and increasing viscosity

[Antifungal activity of peppermint [mentha piperita L.] on phytopathogenic fungi]

Using plant crude extracts on the control of microbial agents is increasing, because of medicinal, antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant-based secondary metabolites. The present work was conducted to find out antifungal activity of peppermint and access to the best solvent to elicit antifungal metabolites from peppermint. Aerial parts of peppermint were dried and crude extracts were obtained using water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform. The antifungal activity of this plant was evaluated on mycellial growth of phytopathogenic fungi, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora dershleri and Bipolaris sorkiniana using two different methods, paper disc and agar diffusion. The results of the tested solvents demonstrated that water is the best to elicit the inhibitory compounds from peppermint. Methanol and acetone extracts had little inhibitory effects on B. sorkiniana while ethanol and chloroform extracts could not elicit inhibitory compounds against all of tested fungi. The mycellial growth of F. oxysporum and B. sorkiniana was inhibited at the concentration of 2mg/paper disc while the other two fungi was affected at the concentration of 4 mg/paper disc. In agar diffusion method, aqueous extract completely supperesed the growth of P.dershleri and B. sorkiniana at 500 and 1000 ppm of the crude xtract, respectively. However, the mycellial growth R. solani, F. Oxysporum was not completely supperesed even at 2000 ppm. From these results it was concluded that peppermint possesses sufficient in vitro activity on the control of tested phytopathogenic fungi. Besides, it can be stated that water is the best solvent among the tested solvents for extracting the antifungal compounds from peppermint

[Antifungal activity of some plant crude extracts on four phytopathogenic fungi]

Some of plants have antifungal properties because of special compounds in their contents. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal activities of fine plant species collected from Kermanshah including Anthemis altissima, Eucaliptus sp. Euphorbia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora drechsleri and Bipolaris sorkiniana. The fungitoxicity of crude extracts of the different parts of Anthemis altissima, Eucaliptus sp., Euphorbia heteradenia, Asparagus officinalis and Carthamus oxyacantha on the Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora dershleri and Bipolaris sorkiniana was verified in vitro by means of paper disc method, Crude extracts were obtained using water, methanol and ethanol. Each paper disc was impregnated by 5mg of each extract. Methanolic extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha in seeding stage and leaves of Eucaliptus sp, showed the highest inhibitory property against the mycelial growth of B, Sorkiniana, Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha and aqueous extract of Anthemis altissima significantly inhibited the growth of P, dershleri, Methanolic extract oxysporum, Ethanolic extract of Carthamus oxyacantha showed highest inhibitory activity against R, Solani. Results indicated that extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha, Anthemis sp., Eucaliptus sp., Euphorbia sp. and Asparagus sp. have broad ranges of antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, surprisingly; all of extracts of Carthamus oxyacantha did not show any inhibition against all tested fungi

Evaluation of the current trend of nalidixic acid susceptibility in typhoidal Salmonellae; a marker of therapeutic failure for the fluoroquinolones

Typhoid is a major health problem faced by the developing countries like Pakistan. More than 20 million cases are reported annually worldwide. Currently fluoroquinolones are the drugs of choice to treat typhoid fever. In vivo resistance to fluoroquinolones leading to therapeutic failure is developing rapidly and is becoming a major concern for the clinicians. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity pattern of Nalidixic acid over the last four years. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out at the Microbiology Department of the Army Medical College, National University of Sciences and Technology, Rawalpindi from January 2006 to December 2009. All the isolates were dealt with standard microbiological procedures. The antimicrobial sensitivity of Nalidixic acid and Ciprofloxacin was determined using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as per the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute [CLSI]. Out of 240 isolates, 111 were Salmonella typhi and 129 were Salmonella paratyphi A. The resistance of the typhoidal Salmonella to Nalidixic acid has reached significant levels and it seems only a matter of time when hundred percent resistance will be encountered. All isolates were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin on disc diffusion method. Resistance to Nalidixic acid predicting therapeutic failure with fluoroquinolones is on a steady rise

[Selection of a mathematical model for drying kinetics of sour cherry [Prunus cerasus L.] in a microwave-vacuum dryer]

In the recent years, the application of microwave-vacuum drying as a novel, effective, and low-cost method for dehydration of various foods has been investigated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of this method in drying sour cherry, as well as to select an appropriate mathematical model for describing its drying kinetics. The experimental drying trials were performed at 4 nominal microwave power levels [360, 600, 840, and 1200 Watts] and 4 absolute pressures [200, 400, 600, and 800 mbar] using a microwave-vacuum dryer designed in our laboratory. The drying parameters were determined as functions of absolute pressure and microwave power. Moreover, the fitting rates of experimental data with seven semi-theoretical and empirical models based on R2, chi2 and RMSE values were determined and the most appropriate mathematical model was selected. The findings showed that the microwave power and the vacuum level play the major role in the drying rate of sour cherry, such that increasing microwave power and decreasing the drying chamber pressure reduce the drying time significantly. Moreover, the drying process occurred in the falling rate period. Comparison of different models showed that the Middili and co-workers model can be the most suitable model due to its having the highest R2 and lowest chi2, RMSE values. The findings of this study indicate that the drying process of sour cherry does not show any constant drying rate during dehydration using a microwave-vacuum dryer. Thus, microwave-vacuum drying has a high potential for dehydration of sour cherry and other food and agricultural products due to high efficiency and reasonably short proceesing times

Efficiency of two iron microencapsulation techniques and their effects on some properties of pasteurized milk

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the world, as well as in Iran. A solution to this problem is fortification of foods with iron. In this study the possibility of milk fortification with microencapsulated iron was investigated. Two kinds of iron salts were microencapsulated by two novel methods, and the efficiencies and optimum conditions of the methods were compared. Then, milk fat oxidation, color indices and sensory characteristics of the fortified milks during storage for 3 days at 4oC were studied. Maximum efficiency [ME] was obtained with microcapsules with a ratio of iron ion-to-lipid [0.04] and a 5 molar% of Tween 80 in the liposome method [ME=85.5%], and at ratio of polyglycerol monostearate-to-iron salt of 15 to 1 in the F.A.E. method [ME=81.8%]. The minimum and maximum milk fat oxidation was observed in milks fortified with irons microencapsulated by F.A.E. and plain iron, respectively. From a sensorial point of view, there was no difference between milks fortified with iron microencapsulated by F.A.E. at a concentration of 7mg L-1 and control. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the F.A.E. method, due to its simplicity, low cost, reasonableness, rapidness of the process, as well as higher stability of the microcapsules obtained, is an appropriate method for iron microencapsulation and fortification of pasteurized milk

Amniotic membrane dressing vs conventional topical antibiotic dressing hospitalized brun patients

Different natural and synthetic materials were used for temporary burn wound coverage; however, they are associated with disadvantages including high price which prohibit their widespread use, especially in developing countries. Among all, human amniotic membrane is the only easily available and cost free coverage. Its effects on burn wounds have been studied in this survey. One-hundred and twenty four patients with 20-50% second and third degree burns and without any other disease were randomly assigned into two groups. The first 61 patients [control group] underwent traditional method of dressing with silver sulfadiazine and gauze which were changed twice a day. The remaining 63 patients underwent dressing with human amniotic membrane [amnion group], being changed every 3-4 days. Patients in the control group had significantly lower albumin and needed more albumin infusion [231.80 +/- 234 gr. versus 111.51 +/- 143.82 gr.], received more blood transfusion [1.75 +/- 2.52 bags versus 0.65 +/- 1.18 bags], had significantly more intense pain and so received more narcotics than amnion group [7.97 +/- 12.85 doses versus 3.84 +/- 7.56]. Wound infection was higher in the control group [65.66% versus 46.91%] and so was the incidence of sepsis [24.62% versus 6.10%]. There was 8.53% mortality in the control group versus 0% in the amnion group. All of the above-mentioned differences were statistically significant. Amniotic membrane dressing in deep and more extensive burns leads to better homeostatic, immunologic and local results and because of its low price, its use is strongly recommended

[Efficiency and mechanism of action of hydrocolloids in preventing serum separation in Doogh]

Doogh is a kind of Iranian fermented dairy-based drink produced by adding water and salt to yoghurt. The major problem of this product is serum separation during storage, because of its low pH and aggregation of caseins. In the present study, the efficiency of some hydrocolloids in preventing serum separation as well as the stabilization mechanism of gum tragacanth-a local gum-were investigated. The effects of high-methoxyl pectin, tragacanth, and locust bean gum at different concentrations, individually and in combined forms, tragacanthin, and soybean soluble polysaccharides type M, on the stability of sour Doogh were investigated. In addition, the influence of gum tragacanth and locust bean gum on the stability of prebiotic Doogh [containing inulin] was also studied. In each case the duration of the study was 30 days. In order to elucidate the stabilization mechanism of gum tragacanth, the rheological properties, zeta potential, and microstructural characteristics of the stabilized Doogh samples were measured. According to our findings, tragacanthin, tragacanth and locust bean gum could inhibit serum separation for 30 days at a concentration of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%, respectively, while type M soybean soluble polysaccharides caused the stabilization at a concentration of 0.6% only for 6 days. Furthermore, combinations of gum tragacanth and locust bean gum were also effective in fully stabilizing Doogh [at a concentration of 0.15% and ratios of 80:20 and 50:50]. Inulin was not effective in stabilizing the sour Doogh samples. However, tragacanth and locust bean gums inhibited serum separation in prebiotic Doogh. Based on our findings, the most suitable rheological model for the control samples and the samples containing hydrocolloids were the Newtonian and Power law, respectively. Based on the results of this study, tragacanthin [the water-soluble part of gum tragacanth] seems to have a major role in stabilizing Doogh, probably by being adsorbed onto caseins [via electrostatic and steric repulsion]. On the other hand, bassorin [the water-insoluble part of gum tragacanth] may help stabilization by increasing viscosity. Therefore, gum tragacanth could be strongly recommended to be used as an adsorbing hydrocolloid in sour Doogh to inhibit serum separation

[Optimization of the extraction of soybean soluble polysaccharides from Okara]

Background and objectives: Soybean soluble polysaccharides [SSPS] are a food additive with various applications, including the stabilization of emulsions and dairy-based acid beverages. They are normally extracted from okara, a waste product in the production of soy products. In this study the feasibility of the extraction of SSPS from dried okara with and without demethoxylation and from wet okara [obtained in the process of soy milk extraction] with demethoxylation was investigated. In order to optimize the demethoxylation conditions, the response surface methodology [RSM] was used and demethoxylation was carried out at different temperatures [60, 75 and 90°C] and okara: water ratios [1:6, 1:8and 1:10].Different types of SSPS were extracted at various temperatures [120 and 130°C], pHs [3 and 4.5] and heating times [2 and 3 h]. Then, the extracted juices were purified [using ethanol for precipitation of high-molecular weight SSPS], dehydrated, and analyzed. Each one of the independent variables [demethoxylation temperature and okara: water ratio] was linearly related to the response [total soluble solids extracted], the effects being statistically significant [P<0.01 and P<0.0001, respectively]. In addition, the total soluble solids increased at high extraction temperature and low pH conditions. The findings also showed that pH was an important factor in the extraction of high-molecular weight SSPS [HM-SSPS]. Furthermore, when the demethoxylation process was used, the maximum yield of HM-SSPS [22.4% +/- 1.04%] was achieved at the following conditions: 130°C, 3h, and pH=4.5; on the other hand, without demethoxylation the highest yield [30.8% +/- 1.6%] was obtained at these conditions: 120°C, 2 h, and pH=4.5. The soymilk okara was found to be a feasible natural source for the extraction of various types of SSPS. Our findings also revealed that the dehydration of wet okara could prevent its spoilage and improve the yield of SSPS

[ effect of concurrent injection of amantadine and paroxetine on positive reinforcing effect of morphine in conditioned place preference[CPP] model in mice]

Increased level of dopamine in accumbens nucleus has a key role in the rewarding effects or positive reinforcement of abused drugs, whereas serotonin facilitates dopamine release in brain .The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of concurrent use of amantadine and paroxetine on reinforcing effect of morphine in conditioned place preference model in mice. In this experimental study male NMRI mice [20-30 g] were used within 6 consecutive days including preconditioning, conditioning and postconditioning phases. On the first day, after removal of the partitions, time spent in every 3 compartments was measured for 10 minutes. After determination of low and high preferred side, animals received morphine sulfate [5 mg/kg] intraperitoneally on the 2nd and 4th days in the least preferred side, but on the 3rd and 5th days of the test, animals received saline [10ml/kg] in high preferred side. On the test day or postconditioning phase, animals received amantadine, and paroxetine alone or their concurrent does, instead of morphine. Control group received saline in both sides [n = 8]. Our results show that morphine significantly and dose dependently [2.5, 5,10 mg/kg] induced CPP [P<0.001]. Amantadine, only in doses of 5 and 10 mg /kg [P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively] induced CPP. Paroxetine induced CPP in all doses. Concurrent use of amantadine[10mg/kg] and paroxetine [10mg/kg] significantly enhances morphine - like CPP [P <0.001]. Concurrent use of drugs, releases dopamine and inhibit reuptake of serotonin, and may potentiate morphine-like CPP and could be useful in decreasing some opioid withdrawal signs