The Contents of Sesamol in Iranian Sesame Seeds

Abstract Sesamol is a sesame lignan. Sesame lignans have multiple functions, including antioxidant activity and also seem to have potential as a source of phytostrogens. This study was condncted to evaluate sesamol contents of 7 brands of Iranian sesame seeds (Sesamum indicume L.). The brands were named Karaj 29, Darab 14, Ultan, Dezful, Varamin, Branching Naz, and Nonbranching Naz. After method validation, the methanolic extracts of seeds were investigated by HPLC. Their mean of total sesamol was found to be 4.67±0.92 mg/g (ranging between 2.75 and 6.13 mg/g). The brands Karaj 29 with 5.84±0.25 mg/g, Dezful with 5.48±0.08 mg/g, and Varamin with 5.4±0.1mg/g had the highest content, and Darab 14 with the content of 3.30±0.57mg/g had the lowest (p<0.05). Iranian sesame can be considered to be a good source of natural antioxidants for medicinal and commercial uses

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials on the effects of soy and soy products supplementation on serum adiponectin levels

"ackground and aims: Our aim in this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of soy and soy product supplementation on serum adiponectin levels. Method: A systematic search was conducted using Medline (PubMed and Web of Science), Scopus, and Cochrane Library for eligible trials up to August 2020. A random-effects model was used to pool calculated effect sizes. Results: Seven trials were included in the overall analysis. Our analysis showed that soy and soy product supplementation did not significantly affect adiponectin concentrations (WMD ¼ 0.77 mg/ml, 95% CI: 0.61, 2.15, P ¼ 0.27) in comparison with a placebo. The between-study heterogeneity was high (I2: 68.2%, P ¼ 0.004). Subgroup analysis, based on participants’ health status and duration of the supple- mentation, could not detect the potential source of the observed heterogeneity. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that the effect was not statistically significant in all subgroups. Conclusion: Overall, soy and soy product supplementation did not change the circulatory adiponectin levels. In addition, the results were not affected by the participant's health status and duration of sup- plementation. However, further studies are needed to confirm the present results

Modeling of Vitamin C Degradation Kinetics of Fresh Cucumis sativus as a Function of Edible Coating Kind and Storage Time

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a basic nutrients and very effective antioxidant that acts as a natural preservative in fruits (such as Cucumis sativus). Aiming to maintain bioactive compounds (especially inhibition the dehydroascorbic acid formation) and preventing the spoilage development, the effect of edible coating types (I: control, II: Shiraz gum & III: Shiraz gum containing 1000 ppm Mentha piperita L. essential oil) and storage times (1, 8 and 16 days) on the auto-oxidation kinetics of vitamin C and its inhibitory role on inhibition of bacterial/fungal growth of Cucumis sativus at +4 °C, was evaluated. The results indicated that the variation rate of Cucumis sativus vitamin C degradation during storage period follows the zero-order kinetic reaction (the highest R2/P(%) ratio). The lowest growth rate of mesophilic bacteria (6.95), mold (3.21) and yeast (6.04) of Cucumis sativus in (log10 CFU/g) observed after 16 days of storage in sample (III) that corresponding to the lowest rate of vitamin C degradation. The half-time values (t1/2) of vitamin C degradation rate showed that, the best shelf-life of Cucumis sativus (in the studied conditions) was ~10 days, aiming to maintain the most nutritional properties. Generally, the findings of present research can be useful for monitoring the shelf life of Cucumis sativus kept in cold stowage

Shelf Life Prediction of Infant Formula by Using Rancidity Test

Abstract Infant formula has a fatty acid composition that meets the needs of the neonates for unsaturated fatty acids.These fatty acids are of major importance during this period of life in which the brain and retina are developing, and will therefore have an influence upon visual acuity and learning abilities. Oxygen reacts readily with unsaturated fatty acids, so that every time these compounds are handled there is a danger of contaminated with oxidative products. Oxidative stability is an important parameter in characterization of fats and oils. The purpose of this study was to predict the shelf life of an infant formula using accelerated stability test (rancimat), to save time. The Rancimat method is based on conductometric determination of volatile degradation products and features automatic plotting of the conductivity against time. The evaluation was performed graphically after completion of the experiments. The stability of a commercially available infant formula in Tehran, Iran was measured using rancimat method at temperatures of 60, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120 and 130 °C. Equations have been derived by which the shelf life can be predicted on the basis of the Rancimat method, thus avoiding the time-consuming long-term studies. The shelf life of the commercial infant formula studied was estimated as 534 days (approximately 18 months)

Antioxidant Capacity of Plasma after Pomegranate Intake in Human Volunteers

Dietary antioxidants including phenolic compounds are believed to be effective nutrients in the prevention of oxidative stress related disease. Pomegranate has been used for centuries in ancient cultures for its medicinal purpose and is widely acknowledged for antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to assess the effect of pomegranate fresh fruit consumption on the plasma antioxidant capacity. Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Volunteers were randomly divided into three groups (pomegranate, vitamin E and water consumption). Blood samples were collected, after at least 12 hours overnight fast, the day before beginning supplementation period and the day after supplementation had finished. Total antioxidant capacity measurement by FRAP method and clinical laboratory test were performed for all volunteers in two selected times. The obtained data revealed that consumption of 100 grams pomegranate and vitamin E per day for ten days resulted in a significant rise (14.05%, 8.28%) plasma antioxidant capacity respectively, but this difference was not significant for water group

Walnut bloom powder as a waste-based sorbent for cationic dyes removal: equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies

In the present study, for the first time, walnut bloom (WB) powder was used as a natural and economic sorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. This new biosorbent was characterized using the following techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), COHNS, BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. MB removal efficiency and its adsorption onto WB powder were tested in a batch system by varying parameters such as initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, and dosage of biosorbent in which the removal percentages of ∼92% was achieved under the optimum conditions. Equilibrium data and adsorption isotherms fitted well with the Langmuir model (R2= 0.999, 0˂RL˂1) with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 46 mg g-1. The chemical kinetics of MB adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order model. Also, the magnitude of thermodynamic functions identified the removal of MB. ΔH of -7.32 kJ mol-1 and ΔS of -4.32 kJ mol-1 indicated the spontaneity, exothermicity, and favorability of the adsorption process at room temperature.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Simultaneous Measurement of Zinc, Copper, Lead and Cadmium in Baby Weaning Food and Powder Milk by DPASV

Abstract Apart from the breast milk, infant formula and baby weaning food have a special role in infant diet. Infants and young children are very susceptible to amount of trace elements. Copper and zinc are two elements that add in infant food. Lead and cadmium are heavy metals that enter to food chain unavoidably. DPASV is a benefit and applicable method for measurement of trace elements in food products. In this study, concentration of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in four brands of baby food (rice and wheat based) and powder milk was analyzed with DPASV and polarograph set. Total Mean ± SE of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in baby foods (n = 240) were 11.86 ± 1.474 mg/100g, 508.197 ± 83.154 µg/100g, 0.445 ± 0.006, 0.050 ± 0.005 mg/Kg respectively. Also these amount in powder milk (n = 240) were 3.621± 0.529 mg/100g, 403.822 ± 133.953 µg/100g, 0.007 ± 0.003, 0.060 ± 0.040 mg/Kg respectively. Zinc level in baby food type I was higher than lablled value (P = 0.030), but in other brands was not difference. Concentration of copper in all of samples was in labeled range (P > 0.05). In each four products, level of lead and cadmium were lower than the standard limit (P < 0.05). Amount of zinc and lead in baby food I, had difference versus other products. Concentration of zinc, camium in baby food type I, was higher than type II (P = 0.043, 0.001 respectively). Concentration of lead and cadmium in baby food type II, was higher than infant formulas, but are in standard limit

Detoxification activity of bioactive food compounds against ethanol‐induced injuries and hangover symptoms: A review

Abstract Alcohol drinking is a popular activity among adolescents in many countries, largely due to its pleasant, relaxing effects. As a major concern, ethanol consumption put the drinkers at risk of nutrients' deficiency due to the disordered eating, anorexia, and malabsorption of nutrients. Moreover, alcohol drinking may lead to the development of hangover symptoms including diarrhea, thirsty, fatigue, and oxidative stress. A broad range of functional food components with antioxidant and/or anti‐inflammatory properties including pectin, aloe vera polysaccharides, chito‐oligosaccharides, and other herbal components have been explored due to their detoxification effects against ethanol. The underlying anti‐hangover mechanisms include reducing the intestinal absorption of ethanol or its metabolites, increasing the activity of ethanol metabolizing enzymes, development of fatty acid β‐oxidation in mitochondria, inhibition of inflammatory response, blocking the target receptors of ethanol in the body, and possession of antioxidant activity under the oxidative stress developed by ethanol consumption. Therefore, the development of bioactive food‐based therapeutic formula can assist clinicians and also drinkers in the alleviation of alcohol side effects

The challenges of E-learning system: Higher educational institutions perspective

INTRODUCTION: The development of information technology (IT) in education has led to the expansion of new teaching and learning methods at universities. Implementation of E-learning programs at Iran's universities as well as assessing the prerequisites and level of preparation of learners to attend E-learning environments require extensive study. Therefore, this study examined to investigate the challenges of E-learning system at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODOLOGY: This study was a descriptive and cross-sectional one that conducted in 2016_2017. The statistical populations were all of the students that have an E-learning course in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, from whom, 300 were selected to participate in the study using a stratified random sampling method. The tool of the study was a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed through SPSS software. RESULTS: According to the findings of this study, about half of the participants (40%) had problems accessing the technology, and only 26.4% of the participants had good preparation for the use of E-learning system. Furthermore, a significant difference was found between the challenges of skill and culture of the participants (P value = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Success in the implementation of E-learning educational system as one of the main approaches in managing knowledge and educational needs of higher education organization will not be achieved without identifying the different skill, technical and cultural challenges. To overcome this challenge, establishing IT infrastructure and standards, using experiences of the leading countries in the field of E-learning, creating proper culture, and familiarizing learners and teachers to the development and use of E-learning materials are necessary