A novel vitamin B9 sensor based on modified screen-printed electrode

In the field of determination of vitamin B9 (folic acid, FA), we have described the development of a sensitive electrochemical sensor through promoting the screen-printed electrode (SPE) and taking the advantage of zinc ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4MNPs). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments demonstrated the powerful activity of ZnFe2O4MNPs/SPE for electrooxidation of FA by showing the prominent oxidation peak at 600 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. By differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements, a linear relation between current response and concentration of vitamin B9 was determined in the range of 1.0–100.0 μM, and detection limit is found to be 0.3 μM (S/N=3). Except high sensitivity, the developed sensor demonstrated high stability, reproducibility and repeatability, and was also successfully applied to specify FA in real samples of vitamin B9 tablets and human urine

Microbiota Alterations and Their Association with Oncogenomic Changes in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive disease with a high mortality and poor prognosis. The human microbiome is a key factor in many malignancies, having the ability to alter host metabolism and immune responses and participate in tumorigenesis. Gut microbes have an influence on physiological functions of the healthy pancreas and are themselves controlled by pancreatic secretions. An altered oral microbiota may colonize the pancreas and cause local inflammation by the action of its metabolites, which may lead to carcinogenesis. The mechanisms behind dysbiosis and PC development are not completely clear. Herein, we review the complex interactions between PC tumorigenesis and the microbiota, and especially the question, whether and how an altered microbiota induces oncogenomic changes, or vice versa, whether cancer mutations have an impact on microbiota composition. In addition, the role of the microbiota in drug efficacy in PC chemo- and immunotherapies is discussed. Possible future scenarios are the intentional manipulation of the gut microbiota in combination with therapy or the utilization of microbial profiles for the noninvasive screening and monitoring of PC.Peer reviewe

Oncogenomic Changes in Pancreatic Cancer and Their Detection in Stool

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis. To improve patient survival, the development of screening methods for early diagnosis is pivotal. Oncogenomic alterations present in tumor tissue are a suitable target for non-invasive screening efforts, as they can be detected in tumor-derived cells, cell-free nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles, which are present in several body fluids. Since stool is an easily accessible source, which enables convenient and cost-effective sampling, it could be utilized for the screening of these traces. Herein, we explore the various oncogenomic changes that have been detected in PC tissue, such as chromosomal aberrations, mutations in driver genes, epigenetic alterations, and differentially expressed non-coding RNA. In addition, we briefly look into the role of altered gut microbiota in PC and their possible associations with oncogenomic changes. We also review the findings of genomic alterations in stool of PC patients, and the potentials and challenges of their future use for the development of stool screening tools, including the possible combination of genomic and microbiota markers.Peer reviewe

Oncogenomic Changes in Pancreatic Cancer and Their Detection in Stool

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with a dismal prognosis. To improve patient survival, the development of screening methods for early diagnosis is pivotal. Oncogenomic alterations present in tumor tissue are a suitable target for non-invasive screening efforts, as they can be detected in tumor-derived cells, cell-free nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles, which are present in several body fluids. Since stool is an easily accessible source, which enables convenient and cost-effective sampling, it could be utilized for the screening of these traces. Herein, we explore the various oncogenomic changes that have been detected in PC tissue, such as chromosomal aberrations, mutations in driver genes, epigenetic alterations, and differentially expressed non-coding RNA. In addition, we briefly look into the role of altered gut microbiota in PC and their possible associations with oncogenomic changes. We also review the findings of genomic alterations in stool of PC patients, and the potentials and challenges of their future use for the development of stool screening tools, including the possible combination of genomic and microbiota markers.Peer reviewe

Investigating the Effect of Spirulina Platensis Microalgae on Textural and Sensory Properties of Baguette Bread

Background: Spirulina platensis is a photosynthetic microalgae with fibrous filamentous that belongs to the cyanobacteria family. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanol and methanol extracts as well as the powder of spirulina platensis microelements on the sensory and texture properties of the bread. Methods: In order to determine the texture characteristics, we applied a texture analyser and conducted the Texture Profile Analysis test (Double-Density Compression). Sensory evaluation (hedonic scale 1−5) of the samples was performed by 10 trained panelists. Results: The results showed that use of spirulina microalgae in the formulation of bread altered the tissue properties significantly compared with the control sample. Addition of the spirulina decreased the hardness of the bread compared to the control sample. Moreover, addition of the methanol extract resulted in the highest adhesiveness, while addition of ethanol extract and spirulina microalgae powder led to the highest springiness rate among the samples. The highest and lowest amounts of gumminess were observed in bread samples containing spirulina microalgae powder and control treatments, respectively. The control sample received the highest score regarding all of the sensory features. Samples with spirulina powder received the lowest sensory properties. Conclusion: We can produce spirulina fortified bread with desirable nutritional and sensory characteristic

Evaluation of Sensorial, Chemical, and Microbial Characteristics of Pickled Cucumber Supplied in Shiraz

Background: Cucumber is one of the vegetables that are widely preserved by fermentation in brine. Vegetables such as cucumber are normally not washed in the commercial centers and this causes microbial growth during fermentation. At the beginning of the fermentation process, lactic acid bacteria, depending on the environmental conditions, begin to grow. The aim of this study was to compare the microbial, chemical, and sensorial characteristics of canned and bulk pickles. Methods: In this study, a random sampling was implemented from the pickles of three locations in Shiraz city as suppliers of pickles. The sensorial evaluation was also conducted by 60 members of the hospital staff. Data was collected through questionnaires. Sensorial evaluation was performed using a hedonic scale of nine points. For microbial assessment, Iran National Standards 2326 was used. Results: The results of the microbiological tests showed that bulk pickles were infected with mesophilic aerobic bacteria at 26.6%, aerobic thermophilic bacteria at 6.6%, and 43.3% by mold and yeast; while canned pickles (with license the Ministry of Health) were infected 13.3% by mesophilic aerobic bacteria. The average pH of the bulk samples based on the national standard was more than the maximum allowed level. The results of the sensorial evaluation of taste, texture, color, and overall acceptability showed that canned pickles had the most overall acceptance and texture acceptance points and bulk pickles had the most points of flavor and color acceptance. Conclusions: According to the findings, it seems that the use of herbs in bulk pickles is the main cause of increase in the microbial load and rated the taste, because fragrant fresh vegetables have a greater impact on the microbial load than dried vegetables

Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch–zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil

Abstract The production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm−2 d−1 kPa−1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry

Comparative Use of Electromyography in the Evaluation of Electroacupuncture and Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS) Effect on Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve in Dog

Abstract Objective-To determine the effect of Electroacupuncture and Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation on Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve in Dog Design -Experimental in vivo study. Animals -A total of 15 adult male mixed bred dogs, weighing 26±2.6 Kg/BW with aging of 42±6 months, which were divided into three groups of 5 dogs. Procedures-Under general anesthesia, the right sciatic nerves were exposed and completely crushed using artery forceps within 5 seconds in each dog. No treatment was given to control group, dogs in experimental group (I) were subjected to electro-acupuncture treatment daily for 10 minutes for a period of 15 days by locating BL60, SP9, GB30,and ST36 acupoints using 4 Hwato needles of 0.3×40 mm with 50Hz frequency and 30 to100 mA intensity and dogs in experimental group (II) were subjected to transcutaneous electrical stimulation daily for 10 minutes using four superficial electrodes with 100 Hz frequency and intensity of 80 µs (2.8 ±1.6 mA). Clinical signs were recorded for two months and electromyography was recorded from right semi-membranous, semitendinous, extensors and flexors groups of muscles in normal after crush and on 14, 28, and 45 days. Results-The right hind limb paralysis was observed in all dogs of three groups immediately after full recovery from anaesthesia. The positive effect of electro-acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical stimulation were observed on second week on skin wound healing and increasing physical activity by improvement and changes in weight bearing and coordination on 3 rd week and normal coordination and full weight bearing on 5 th week in all dogs of experimental groups. Significant changes in reduction of amplitude in all muscles * Corresponding Author