Wild almond (Prunus scoparia L.) as potential oilseed resource for the future: Studies on the variability of its oil content and composition

Wild almond genetic resources have still not received considerable attention for oil chemical compositions and uses. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of variation in oil content and fatty acid composition in forty Iranian accessions of Prunus scoparia L. (Spach) to identify genotypes with desirable traits in terms of oil quantity, quality and industrial utilization. Oil parameters and indices were measured, and fatty acid methyl ester analysis was carried out by gas liquid chromatography. Oleic and linoleic fatty acids showed high variability among accessions, ranging from 232.4 to 359.6 g/kg oil and from 190.7 to 348.8 g/kg oil, respectively. Total unsaturated fatty acid fraction was higher than total saturated fatty acid. The ranges of saponification number (199.2-202.1), iodine value (104.8-125.7 kg I2/kg) and cetane number (43.8-48.8), confirmed that the oils have industrial potentialities. Results could contribute to select wild almond genotypes as genetic sources for oil production

Lead and Cadmium Contamination in Raw Milk and Some of the Dairy Products of Hamadan Province in 2013-2014

Background & Objectives: Since milk and its products constitute an important part of human diet in many parts of the world; effective procedures should be applied to improve quality and quantity of milk production, quality of its composition and milk hygiene and to minimize milk pollutants. This study aimed to determine concentration of lead and cadmium in milk and some dairy products of Hamadan markets and compare with international standard levels. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 190 samples of raw cow milk, raw sheep milk, raw goat milk, yogurt and white cheese (made from cow milk) produced in dairy product manufacturing centers of Hamadan province were collected during 2013-2014. Lead and cadmium residues in the samples were examined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: In the present study, lead levels were not higher than the licensed level and in all samples cadmium were within standard ranges. Among dairy products, the highest and lowest average concentration of lead were found in white cheese (0.325 ppm) and yogurt (0.136 ppm); respectively. In raw milk samples the highest average concentrations of lead and cadmium were found in goat raw milk with 0.223 ppm and 0.006 ppm; respectively. Conclusion: Comparing lead and cadmium concentrations in the samples with Codex (2000) standard revealed that average lead and cadmium levels are lower than the permissible levels. The average lead in any of the samples was not higher than the allowable concentration and cadmium amount was within the permissible range for all the samples

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Metronidazole Derivatives as Anti-Giardia Agents

Nitroimidazole derivatives such as Metronidazole (MTZ) have been used as anti- protozoa and anti-anaerobic bacteria. In this study several derivatives of MTZ were synthesized and evaluated against Giardia lamblia cyst. MTZ were reacted with several alkyl halide to obtain o-alkyl MTZ derivatives, then products were purified and their chemical structures were confirmed by spectral analysis (1HNMR and Mass). In order to assess biological evaluation, all compounds were investigated against 25 Giardia samples isolated from Giardia-infected patients. Results showed that compound 2 had the most activity on cyst of Giardia in comparison with MTZ