Evaluation of antimicrobial and probiotic properties of the predominant LAB isolated from fermented germinated clover seed رز�اب� خص�ص�ات ضد٠�کر�ب� � پر�ب��ت�ک� باکتر� اس�د �اکت�ک غا�ب جدا شد� از تخ٠�ر تصاد��

Recently, the tendency to use probiotic-potential starter cultures among lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from non-dairy fermented substrates has been increased. The aim of this study was to isolate and molecularly identify the predominant LAB isolated from fermented germinated clover seeds, and also to evaluate its probiotic and antifungal properties. The LAB isolate was identified asPediococcus pentosaceus, in accordance with the sequencing results of the PCR products. The antifungal and antibacterial effect of the isolate on Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus was significantly (P <0.05) higher than the other studied foodborne fungi and bacteria. Furthermore, P. pentosaceus isolate had a good survival (77.22) in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The isolate had no hemolytic activity, and its auto-aggregation activity was 35.51. Also, the rate of co-aggregation of the isolate with Escherichia coli and S. enterica was equal to 48.71 and 18.43, respectively. In addition, the bacterium was sensitive to the penicillin, cephalothin, ampicillin and cefazolin antibiotics. Accordingly, it is possible to use the isolate as a probiotic culture with potential biological preservative in the food industry. © 2022 Journal of Food Science and Technology (Iran). All rights reserved

Partial sequence conservation of SARS-CoV-2 NSP-2, NSP-12, and Spike in stool samples from Abadan, Iran

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the clinical manifestations of the virus have undergone many changes. Recently, there have been many reports on gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients. This study is aimed to perform a detailed phylogenetic study and assessment of different SNVs in the RNA genome of viruses isolated from fecal samples of patients with COVID-19 who have gastrointestinal symptoms, which can help better understand viral pathogenesis. In the present study, 20 fecal samples were collected by written consent from COVID-19 patients. According to the manufacturer's protocol, virus nucleic acid was extracted from stool samples and the SARS-CoV-2 genome presence in stool samples was confirmed by RT�PCR assay. Three viral genes, S, nsp12, and nsp2, were amplified using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT�PCR) method and specific primers. Multiple sequencing alignment (MSA) was performed in the CLC word bench, and a phylogenetic tree was generated by MEGA X based on the neighbor-joining method. Of all cases, 11 (55) were males. The mean age of the patients was 33.6 years. Diabetes (70) and blood pressure (55) were the most prevalent comorbidities. All 20 patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection in respiratory samples. Molecular analysis investigation among 20 stool samples revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 genome was found among 10 stool samples; only three samples were used for sequencing. The polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis in SARS-CoV-2 showed great similarity among all of the evaluated genes with the Wuhan reference sequence and all of the current variants of concern (VOCs). The current study represents a great similarity in polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 isolates with the Wuhan reference sequence and all of the current VOC in the particular evaluated partial sequences of S, nsp12, and nsp2. © 2022 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc

Urinary nitrate and sodium in a high-risk area for upper gastrointestinal cancers: Golestan Cohort Study�

Background: The epidemiological evidence regarding the carcinogenicity of nitrate and sodium in drinking water is limited, partly because measuring the exposure at the individual level is complex. Most studies have used nitrate in water supplies as a proxy for individual exposure, but dietary intakes and other factors may contribute to the exposure. The present study investigates the factors associated with urinary nitrate and sodium in a high-risk area for esophageal and gastric cancers. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we used data and samples collected in 2004�2008 during the enrollment phase of the Golestan Cohort Study from a random sample of 349 participants (300 individuals from 24 rural villages and 49 from the city of Gonbad), stratified by average water nitrate in their district, the source of drinking water, and the usual dietary intake of nitrate and sodium. Nitrate, sodium, and creatinine were measured in a spot urine sample collected at the time of interview. We used the provincial cancer registry data to calculate the cumulative incidence rates of esophageal and gastric cancers for each location through June 1, 2020, and used weighted partial Pearson correlation to compare the incidence rates with median urinary nitrate and sodium in each village or the city. Results: Among 349 participants (mean age±SD: 50.7 ± 8.6 years), about half (n = 170) used groundwater for drinking, and the use of groundwater was significantly more common in high-elevation locations (75.8). The geometric mean of the creatinine-corrected urinary nitrate concentration was 68.3 mg/g cr (95CI: 64.6,72.3), and the corresponding geometric mean for urinary sodium was 150.0 mmoL/g cr (95CI: 139.6,161.1). After adjusting for confounders, urinary nitrate was associated with being a woman, drinking groundwater, and living in high-elevation locations, but not with estimated dietary intake. Urinary sodium concentration was significantly associated with monthly precipitation at the time of sampling but not with elevation or drinking water source. There were significant positive correlations between both median urinary nitrate and sodium in each location and esophageal cancer incidence rates adjusted for sex and age (r = 0.65 and r = 0.58, respectively, p < 0.01), but not with gastric cancer incidence. Conclusion: In a rural population at high risk for esophageal and gastric cancers, nitrate excretion was associated with living at a higher elevation and using groundwater for drinking. The associations between nitrate and sodium excretion with esophageal cancer incidence warrant future investigation. © 202

Prevalence of reflux nephropathy in Iranian children with solitary kidney: results of a multi-center study

Background: Given the importance of the function of the remnant kidney in children with unilateral renal agenesis and the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment of reflux nephropathy to prevent further damage to the remaining kidney, we aimed to determine the prevalence of reflux nephropathy in this subgroup of pediatric patients. Methods: In general, 274 children referred to pediatric nephrologists in different parts of Iran were evaluated, of whom 199 had solitary kidney and were included in this cross-sectional study. The reasons for referral included urinary tract infection (UTI), abnormal renal ultrasonography, being symptomatic, and incidental screening. Demographic characteristics, including age and gender were recorded. History of UTI and presence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were evaluated. Results: Of the 274 children evaluated in this study with the mean age (SD) of 4.71 (4.24) years, 199 (72.6) had solitary kidney. Among these, 118 (59.3) were male and 81 (60.7) were female, 21.1 had a history of UTI, and VUR was present in 23.1. The most common cause of referral was abnormal renal ultrasonography (40.2), followed by incidental screening (21.1), being symptomatic (14.1), and UTI (5.5). In 116 children (58.3), the right kidneys and in 83 (41.7) the left kidneys were absent. Besides, 14.6 of the participants had consanguineous parents and 3 had a family history of solitary kidney. Upon DMSA scan, the single kidney was scarred in 13.1, of which only 7.5 were associated with VUR. In addition, proteinuria and hematuria were observed in 6.5 and 1.5 of children, respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of reflux nephropathy was 7.5 in children with solitary kidney with a male predominance. Given the relatively high prevalence of reflux nephropathy in these children, screening for VUR in the remnant kidney appears to be essential in this population. © 2022, The Author(s)

Global prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in cattle: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Giardia duodenalis is an important intestinal parasite responsible for diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Up to now, G. duodenalis infections in cattle have been reported in many studies around the world. Hence, the aim of the present study is to report on the distribution of G. duodenalis in cattle at global scale and to evaluate the global prevalence, risk factors and genetic characterization of G. duodenalis infection among cattle worldwide. International databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis across studies, and the variance between studies (heterogeneity) was quantified by I2 index. One hundred and fifty-eight articles (including 195 datasets), from 48 countries met eligibility criteria for analysis. Considering detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 24 (95 confidence interval (CI), 19�30) using copro-antigen techniques, 22 (95 CI, 17�28) using molecular, and 16 (95 CI, 12�20) using microscopic detection. Molecular methods showed that the highest number of reports were associated with assemblage E (45/46; 97.83 studies), assemblage A (33/46; 71.74 studies) and assemblage A+E (10/46; 21.74 studies). The pooled prevalence different of subgroups (WHO regions, countries, and type of cattle) were analyzed separately. Moreover, a significant association was observed between G. duodenalis infection with cattle suffering from diarrhea (odds ratio (OR), 2.61; 95 CI, 1.50�4.55) and pre-weaned calves (OR, 1.79; 95 CI, 1.08�2.95). These results suggest that the corresponding control scheme and effective management measures should be formulated to reduce the transmission of G. duodenalis infection according to the difference of geographical conditions in different areas. © 2022 Elsevier B.V

Effect of nano-oxides on the color stability of maxillofacial silicone elastomers

Statement of problem: A significant challenge of craniofacial prostheses is their limited service life because of degradation and color instability. In spite of improvements in the materials and techniques used for the fabrication of silicone maxillofacial prostheses, undesirable color change over time remains a challenge. Zn and Ti nano-oxides (nano-TiO2) have been reported to impart an ultraviolet- (UV) shielding property to silicone elastomers. However, studies examining the effects of nanopigments on the color stability of craniofacial prostheses are sparse. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color stability of a room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone elastomer with the addition of iron oxide and titanium dioxide nanopigments under accelerated artificial aging. Material and methods: Sixty disks (�15�2 mm) were fabricated from RTV silicone 4408 Q. The specimens were divided into 5 groups containing iron oxide nanopigment, iron oxide nanopigment and rutile nano-TiO2 (as an opacifier), burnt sienna pigment, burnt sienna and nano-TiO2, and silicone without pigment or opacifier. The specimens were subjected to accelerated aging in a Xenotest chamber for 1000 hours. CIELab color coordinates and the total color difference (�E�) values were determined before and after aging. �E� values were compared between the groups by using 1-way ANOVA and Tamhane multiple comparisons (α=.05), and a standard deviation of 1.09 was considered. Results: ANOVA showed that the values of �E� differed among all groups (P&lt;.05). The minimum amount of a color change perceived (�E� approximately =1.1) by the visual system as the threshold was observed in the specimens treated with burnt sienna and nano TiO2. The greatest color change occurred in the specimens treated with iron oxide nanopigment. As per the acceptable clinical threshold, the color change was satisfactory in all groups. Conclusions: Nano-TiO2 with burnt sienna groups had a lower color change than the other groups. The color change in all groups was within a clinically acceptable range. © 2020 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistr

Knowledge and Attitude of Iranian Medical University Students about Organ Donation and Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Medical professionals' knowledge of and attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation have positive impact on donation rates. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of medical university students in Iran about organ donation and transplantation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1078 undergraduate students in Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, from January to June 2019. All eligible students were recruited using convenient sampling. Data were gathered using knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and transplantation questionnaire. The higher scores of both subscales, the knowledge subscale (range from 0 to 13) and the attitude subscale (range from 13 to 65), indicate the better knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and transplantation. Results: The mean age of students was 22.24±5.16 years. Finding showed that the mean score of students' knowledge and attitude toward organ donation and organ transplantation were 8.48±1.71 and 48.55±8.11 respectively. Also, the mean score of students' knowledges in females (P<0.001), married (P=0.001) and who had organ donation card (P<0.001) was significantly higher. Nearly all of the students had heard about organ donation (98.3) and organ transplantation (98.4). Majority of them pointed that their source of information about organ donation and transplantation was television (TV) program (47.1). Most of the students (73.8) reported that they agree to donate their organs but most of them (67.5) did not know how to obtain organ donation card and only 9.6 of them had the organ donor card as a volunteer donor. Conclusion: According to finding, despite the awareness and favorable attitude about organ donation and transplantation among medical students, the number of registered donors was low. In addition to promoting college students' awareness about organ donation for increasing registered donors, it is needed to aware and pursue lay people through social media. © 2022 Kolagari Sh., et al

Taxonomical Investigation, Chemical Composition, Traditional Use in Medicine, and Pharmacological Activities of Boswellia sacra Flueck

Aromatic oleo-gum-resin secreted from B. sacra, reputed as frankincense, is widely used in traditional medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease, gastric disorders, hepatic disorders, etc. Frankincense is also used in the cosmetic, perfume, and beverage and food industries. Frankincense is a rich resource for bioactive compounds, especially boswellic acids and derivatives. Although several reports have described frankincense's constituents and pharmacological activities, there is no comprehensive study that covers the valuable information on this species. Therefore, the current review will focus on the phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological activities of B. sacra. © 2022 Mansour Miran et al

Meat consumption and risk of esophageal and gastric cancer in the Golestan Cohort Study, Iran

Red meat and processed meat are associated with some gastrointestinal cancers. Our study aims to investigate the association of different meat types with esophageal and gastric cancer (EC, GC) in a high-risk population. The Golestan Cohort Study (GCS) is a population-based cohort of 50 045 individuals aged 40 to 75 from northeast Iran. Detailed data on different exposures were collected using validated questionnaires. We considered quintiles of meat consumption, using grams and density (g/1000 kcal/day). We calculated intake of red, processed, organ and white meat, as well as total red meat, including the first three. We used proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95 confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between meat types and cancer. During 12 years of follow-up, out of 49 585 participants (57.4 women), 369 developed EC (48.2 women) and 368 developed GC (27.5 women), including 309 esophageal squamous cell, 20 esophageal adenocarcinomas, 216 cardia and 95 non-cardia GC. No association was found for EC except for red meat among females (HR for one quintile increase 1.13, 95 CI = 1.00-1.27). The risk of GC increased for intake of total red meat (HR 1.08, 95 CI = 1.00-1.17) and red meat separately (HR 1.09, 95 CI = 1.00-1.18). The HR for red meat and non-cardia GC was 1.23 (95 CI = 1.02-1.48). No associations were observed for other types of meat. In conclusion, in this high-risk population red meat intake is associated with GC, but not EC, suggesting a substantial role of this modifiable factor in determining the burden of GC. © 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Cancer published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of UICC