Comparison of thyme, milk thistle and cape aloe essences on the growth of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 production

زمینه و هدف: آسپرژیلوس فلاووس (Aspergillus flavus) مهم ترین قارچ تولید کننده آفلاتوکسین B1 است. این توکسین می تواند از طریق زنجیره غذایی وارد بدن انسان شده و مسمومیت ایجاد ‌کند. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی اثر اسانس آویشن (Thymus vulgaris L.)، خارمریم (Silybum marianum L.) و صبر زرد (Aloe vera) بر رشد قارچ آسپرژیلوس فلاووس و تولید آفلاتوکسین B1 انجام شد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی غلظت‌های صفر، 100، 200، 300 و 400 قسمت در میلیون (ppm) از اسانس گیاهان مورد مطالعه در چهار تکرار استفاده شدند. برای سنجش حداقل غلظت مهار کنندگی (MIC) و حداقل غلظت کشندگی (MFC) کلنی قارچ، از محیط کشت غنی (Yeast Extract Sucrose) استفاده شد. غلظت آفلاتوکسین B1 و اجزای عمده اسانس ها به ترتیب با استفاده از روش های کروماتوگرافی لایه نازک (TLC) و گاز کروماتوگرافی جرمی (GC-Mass) اندازه گیری شدند. یافته ها: مهمترین اجزای تشکیل دهنده اسانس های آویشن، خارمریم و آلوئه ورا به ترتیب کارواکرول، سیلی دیانین و گلوکومانان ها بودند. کمترین بازده تولید آفلاتوکسین B1 متعلق به غلظتppm 200 از اسانس آویشن بود، (001/0=P). در مقابل، بیشترین بازده تولید توکسین در تیمار حاوی ppm 100 اسانس آلوئه ورا مشاهده شد، (013/0=P). بدین ترتیب، حداقل غلظت مهار کنندگی اسانس آویشن ppm200 و حداقل غلظت کشندگی آن ppm400 برآورد شد. نتیجه گیری: هر سه اسانس آویشن، خارمریم و آلوئه ورا دارای اثر ضد قارچی بر روی آسپرژیلوس فلاووس بودند. احتمالاً ترکیبات فنولیک موجود در اسانس آویشن بیشترین فعالیت ضد قارچی را بر علیه تولید آفلاتوکسین B1 در مقایسه با دو اسانس دیگر موجب شده است. با توجه به نتایج بدست آمده به نظر می رسد، افزودن اسانس آویشن به مواد خوراکی می تواند از رشد قارچ و تولید آفلاتوکسین ممانعت کند

Effects of Postbiotics from Food Probiotic and Protective Cultures on Proliferation and Apoptosis in HCT-116 Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background and Objective: Postbiotics are microbial-derived soluble products, which are released during the growth and fermentation process of beneficial microorganisms in gastrointestinal tract, food and complex microbiological culture systems (cell-free supernatant or extracellular extract) or after cell lysis (intracellular extract). Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers within the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, which can be associated with a defeated gastrointestinal barrier. In this study, potential functionality of the extracellular and intracellular extracts of probiotics (Latilactobacillus sakei, LS) and protective culture (FreshQ®, FQ) on proliferation and cell survival of HCT-116 colon cancer epithelial cells was investigated. Material and Methods: Probiotic bacteria were cultivated in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe broth and then postbiotics was isolated by centrifugation and sonication. The achieved solutions were lyophilized and stored until use. Moreover, HCT-116 cells were exposed to various concentrations of Latilactobacillus sakei and FreshQ® extracts (1.25-40 mg ml-1) for 24 h and then effects of these products on cell cytotoxicity, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, wound healing and AO/EB assays. Results and Conclusion: Extracellular and intracellular extracts of Latilactobacillus sakei and FreshQ the decreased in cell viability based on the postbiotic concentrations (p≤0.05), while cell proliferation was inhibited by extracellular and intracellular extracts of Latilactobacillus sakei and FreshQ® in wound healing assay. Results showed that postbiotics could induce apoptosis evidenced by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. In summary, Latilactobacillus sakei and FreshQ® postbiotics are able to decrease cell viability and proliferation and enhance apoptosis in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells. In addition, FreshQ® postbiotics seemed more potent than that Latilactobacillus sakei postbiotics did. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest

\u3cem\u3eIn vitro\u3c/em\u3e Effect of Graphene Structures as an Osteoinductive Factor in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review

Graphene and its derivatives have been well‐known as influential factors in differentiating stem/progenitor cells toward the osteoblastic lineage. However, there have been many controversies in the literature regarding the parameters effect on bone regeneration, including graphene concentration, size, type, dimension, hydrophilicity, functionalization, and composition. This study attempts to produce a comprehensive review regarding the given parameters and their effects on stimulating cell behaviors such as proliferation, viability, attachment and osteogenic differentiation. In this study, a systematic search of MEDLINE database was conducted for in vitro studies on the use of graphene and its derivatives for bone tissue engineering from January 2000 to February 2018, organized according to the PRISMA statement. According to reviewed articles, different graphene derivative, including graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with mass ratio ≤1.5 wt % for all and concentration up to 50 μg/mL for graphene and GO, and 60 μg/mL for RGO, are considered to be safe for most cell types. However, these concentrations highly depend on the types of cells. It was discovered that graphene with lateral size less than 5 µm, along with GO and RGO with lateral dimension less than 1 µm decrease cell viability. In addition, the three‐dimensional structure of graphene can promote cell‐cell interaction, migration and proliferation. When graphene and its derivatives are incorporated with metals, polymers, and minerals, they frequently show promoted mechanical properties and bioactivity. Last, graphene and its derivatives have been found to increase the surface roughness and porosity, which can highly enhance cell adhesion and differentiation

Berberine Improves Meat Quality and Carcass Traits in Broilers Challenged with Mycotoxins

Background and Aim: Mycotoxin-contaminated feed causes significant concern in poultry production and public health because of serious economic losses and health problems caused by them.  Berberine hydrochloride (Berberine), a natural plant alkaloid derived from Chinese medicine, is characterized by diverse pharmacological effects. This study is designed to evaluate the effects of different levels of Berberine (BBR) on carcass traits and meat quality of broilers fed diets contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 (AFB) and Ochratoxin A (OCT). Methods: A 42-day floor pen trial was performed with 288 Ross 308 broilers. A randomized design, with 4 replicates of 8 birds each, was conducted with the following 9 treatments: (1) negative control diet with no additives (NC); (2) NC + 2 ppm AFB (positive control AFB; PCAFB); (3) NC + 2 ppm OCT (positive control OCT; PCOCT); (4) PCAFB + 200 mg/kg BBR; (5) PCAFB + 400 mg/kg BBR; (6) PCAFB + 600 mg/kg BBR; (7) PCOCT + 200 mg/kg BBR; (8) PCOCT + 400 mg/kg BBR; and (9) PCOCT + 600 mg/kg BBR. At the end of the experiment, from every group, eight birds were selected, slaughtered, and subjected to analyses. The analyzed parameters carcass and cut yields and meat quality according to water-holding capacity (WHC) and breast level MDA. Results: Both PCAFB and PCOTA diets decreased carcass relative weight, breast level MDA, and WHC values compared with the NC diet (p<0.05). Meat level of MDA in PCAFB and PCOTA treatments were higher than in the NC treatment (p˂0.05), and supplementation with BBR at multiple levels partially these effects (p˂0.05). The addition of 600 mg/kg BBR to PCAFB diets increased WHC value to levels not different from that in the NC group (p>0.05). Carcass efficiency in PCAFB and PCOTA treatments was lower than in the NC treatment (p˂0.05), and supplementation with BBR at multiple levels partially or fully reversed these effects. The addition of 600 mg/kg BBR to PCAFB diet increased carcass relative weight compared to PCAFB alone (p>0.05). Conclusion: These data provided supplementation of BBR (600 mg/kg) improves meat quality in broiler fed diet contaminated with mycotoxins. *Corresponding Author: Nazar Afzali; Email: [email protected] Please cite this article as: Malekinezhad P, Afzali N, Farhangfar SH, Omidi A, Mohammadi A. Berberine Improves Meat Quality and Carcass Traits in Broilers Challenged with Mycotoxins. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2020;6:1-9 (e23). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v6.3333

A comparison of difficulties in emotional regulations of patients with mild traumatic brain injury and normal controls

Background: Many individuals with traumatic brain injury experience difficulties with social behavior, some of which are attributed to difficulties in regulation of emotions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the difficulties in emotional regulations of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and normal controls. Patients and Methods: In this cohort study, 72 patients with MTBI and 72 normal controls with similar gender were selected. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaires were completed for both the study groups at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, Chi-square, and paired t-test. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between MTBI patients and normal controls in all subscales 6 months after MTBI, and in the total score of DERS, except for the nonaccepted scale and PANAS (P = 0.001), in which no significant difference was observed. In addition, the results of multivariate regression showed that trauma (β = 0.493), age (β = 0.196), familial history of mental disorders (β = 0.185), and financial status could predict emotional regulation (β = 0.148). Conclusions: It seems that mild traumatic brain injuries may be the cause of problems in social behaviors

Impact assessment of master plan of "attain to technical knowledge of specific pathogen free shrimp production and cut off to dependence on foreign products" on Bushehr city environment: A case study, Shoghab research station

This study is a part of the national and technology master plan entitled "Attain to technical knowledge of specific pathogen free shrimp production and cut off to dependence on foreign products". The goals of this work were to assess the environmental effects of Specific Pathogen Free shrimp production complex on surrounded region in Persian Gulf (Shoghab) research station in Bushehr city. The environmental impacts were assessed in Bandragah research station in Bushehr city by usage of comprehensive method for impacts prediction, and Pastakia Matrix for assessment during Feb 2012 till Sep 2014. Results showed 8 negative and 3 positive environmental factors that affect by operating phase including 48% very slightly negative and 44.5% slightly positive and 7.5% very slightly positive effects. Although there is no significant different between negative and positive effects but based on national strategy on getting the technology doing such a projects is highly recommended. By the usage of technical methods in effluents treatment control and reduction of bad impacts is achievable

Impact assessment of master plan of "attain to technical knowledge of specific pathogen free shrimp production and cut off to dependence on foreign products" on Bushehr city environment: A case study, Shoghab research station

This study is a part of the national and technology master plan entitled "Attain to technical knowledge of specific pathogen free shrimp production and cut off to dependence on foreign products". The goals of this work were to assess the environmental effects of Specific Pathogen Free shrimp production complex on surrounded region in Persian Gulf (Shoghab) research station in Bushehr city. The environmental impacts were assessed in Persian Gulf (Shoghab) research station in Bushehr city by usage of simple checklist for impacts prediction, and scaling check list for assessment during Feb 2012 till Sep 2014. Flushing the effluents to the sea is the biggest concern of this project that can resulted in health impacts on aquatic and human communities that can be avoided by treatment. Low diversity in activities beside lack of environmental sensitive elements in the region leads us to use of scaling check list for impact assessment. Environmental grade of each activity can be achieved by stratification of them according to their intensity, significance and scale. We reached +320 and -198 for positive and negative points respectively that sounds a clear yes for execution choice

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) on cultivation of the nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with brackish water in Dashtestan

EIA is a worthy tool for identifying and assessing potential impacts and control them.it compatibles environmental aspects with sustainable development. In order to predict the effects of tilapia culture activities on regional we gathered physical, biological, and social information to quantify the activities effects on them. We addressed 42 impacts consist of 31 positive, and 11 negative. These affect half of social, 33% of physical, and 17 of biological elements. This equivalent with -42, +304, and+36 when puts in the charts.in order to have a good and comprehensive assessment of activities Leopold matrices was employed. Based on summarized values from this we have +380and -82 results +298. This means that this activity has a great positive result especially on socio-economic environment. These kinds of studies are highly recommended for other parts of the Bushehr province e.g Dashtestan county that most of their water resources are brackish and not suitable for agriculture

Etiologic Evaluation of Late Term Abortions or Stillbirths in Some Small Ruminant Flocks of South Khorasan Province, Iran

Abortion, bacteria, blood parameters, drought Abstract In the present study, late term abortions in 477 (17.9%) of 2651 pregnant ewes and 129 of 680 pregnant goats (18.9%) from 17 small ruminant flocks of the South Khorasan province, east of Iran were investigated. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select the flocks and aborted animals. From which, 25 appropriate fetuses were chosen for bacterial and fungal contaminations. Blood samples were also taken from forty aborted and forty healthy age matched sheep. No microbial or fungal agents were detected in 45.4 % and 42.8% of sheep and goat,s fetuses respectively. The bacteria isolated from aborted fetuses of sheep and goat´s were as follows: Escherichia coli 27.2% and 7.1%, Staphylococcus spp. 9.0% and 7.1%, Campylobacter fetus 9.0% and 14.2%, Staphylococcus spp. and Campylobacter fetus together 9.0% and 0.0 %, Klebsiellas 0.0 % and 21.4%, Aspergillus fumigatus 0.0 % and 7.1%, respectively. The concentrations of total tri-iodothyronine (tT3), total thyroxin (tT4), copper, phosphorus and magnesium were significantly lower, but thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was higher in the aborted ewes compared to the healthy controls. The serum levels of calcium, zinc and vitamin E were not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, deficiencies of tT3, tT4, copper, phosphorus and magnesium, and increase in the TSH concentration could have taken part in the etiology of abortion in ewes. The most important cause of late term abortions was probably due to the maternal deficiencies (for example, iodine) in the concurrent drought in the province