Increasing gland number and red pigments in St. John’s wort in vitro

In order to develop a protocol for increasing the gland number and red pigments of Hypericum perforatum, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of hydrolyzed casein (0.0 and 500 mg l-1), mannitol (0.0, 5 and10 g l-1) and sucrose (20 and 30 g l-1) on the synthesis of these pigments and glands on the produced leaves. Leaf discs of in vitro plantlets, were prepared and cultured on MS medium with 0.5 mg l-1 BAP to induce the shoot. All the cultures were incubated in the dark at 25 ± 2°C for 1 month. In all of the treatments, callus and shoot induction were observed. Percentage of calli and leaves containing red pigments, number of glands and percentage of leaves containing gland were noted as indicating the presence of hypericin and pseudohypericin pigments. Percentage of calli and leaves containing red pigments were significantly influenced by different concentrations of the hydrolyzed casein, mannitol and sucrose. The highest percentage of calli containing red pigments was observed in the culture medium which had 500 or 0.0 mg l-1 hydrolyzed casein and 20 g l-1 sucrose, without mannitol. Glands were observed on all the produced leaves. Number of glands and percentage of leaves containing gland were significantly influenced by the different concentrations of mannitol and sucrose and their interaction. The highest number of gland and percentage of leaves containing gland was achieved when explants were cultured in medium that included 30 g l-1 sucrose with 5 or 10 g l-1 mannitol and in medium containing 20 g l-1 sucrose, with 5 g l-1 mannitol. Morphological changes induced by carbon source and hydrolyzed casein were observed and described in detail. The obtained results will be applied in experimental botany and in the technology of H. perforatum cultivation for pharmaceutical applications.Key words: Hydrolyzed casein, hypericin, Hypericum perforatum, mannitol, pseudohypericin, sucrose

Identification of boneless parts in silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix) fillets

The silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix) comprises about 50% to 85% of the composition of fish species in the polyculture system of warm water species in Iran. However, the difficulty in preparation of this species and the presence of pin bones are among the main reasons to restrict the demand of this species in the domestic markets, particularly in non-coastal province s. The objective of this study was to identify parts with less and/or no bones in silver carp fillets. The shape, size and location of bones found in the flesh were studied by three methods: Enzyme digestion, cooking in hot water and X-ray scanning. Results showed that except vertebral bones and ribs, the thin bones found in different parts of the flesh can be categorized into three groups: Pinshaped, Y shaped and non-regular shaped (several bifurcations). On the basis of density and arrangement of bones, we found that the fillets are made up of three d different layers: External layer mostly of dark muscles and lipids with no bones, middle layer with the highest density of bones and the internal layer which comprises about one third of the depth of fish flesh. The shape and arrangement of the bones in fish tail was significantly different. On the basis of recent findings, the deep part of the back and a narrow band on the upper part of the back are considered as boneless parts in silver carp

Effects of edible film of sodium alginate on quality changes of dressed kilka in frozen storage

The likely effects of sodium alginate edible coating on the quality of dressed kilka fish in the frozen storage was investigated. Sodium alginate edible coating was prepared in four concentrations (0.25, 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75%). Then, dressed kilka fish were coated with sodium alginate for 1h, packed in polyethylene dishes with cellophane blanket and stored at - 18°C. The amount of hem Iron, pH, percent lipid and organoleptic characteristics (odor, color) were assessed within 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 months (sample size: 125 packs of 250g). Results showed a significant difference between the mean hem iron and percent lipid and increase in sodium alginate concentration (P0.05) with different levels of coating. Organoleptic results showed that the mean color and odor value of the samples were affected significantly by different levels of coating (P<0.05). Use of sodium alginate edible coating to protect hem iron and improve organoleptic properties can increase the quality of kilka in frozen storage up to 4 months

Effect of nicin z on some of spoilage chemical and bacterial properties in surimi of kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris caspia) stored in 4°C

The effect of antibacterial and antioxidant of nicin z in two forms (free and encapsulated) was investigated on Total Viable Count (TVC) , Psychrotrophic Counts (PTC) , Peroxide Value (PV) , Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Total volatile nitrogen (TVN) in zero, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 days of storage.Two concentrations (700IU/gr ,1000IU/gr) of free and encapsulated nicin in liposome (by spray-dried method) were added as spray on surimi of kilka and one treatment was selected as a control. The results showed that change of chemical and bacterial parameters in treatment of encapsulated nicin was lower than free nicin and control treatments. Concentration of 1000IU/gr of nicin was better than results of other treatments. The shelf life of surimi of kilka in control, free and encapsulated nicin treatments for bacterial results were 9,12 , 15 days, respectively, and for TBA , TVN and PV were 6 , 15 and at least 15 days, respectively. The conclusion was that encapsulated nicin in liposome improved shelf life of surimi of kilka

Survey of heavy metals (Pb & Hg) in cultured shrimp (Penaeus indicus) in Iran

The aim of this study was recognition of pollution, which is polluted by heavy metals (Lead and mercury). This study was carried out with cooperation of France Food Agency and AFSSA according to the latest international and Europe Union standards, for two years during 2000-2001. The sampling stages were done according to the European Union enclosed No. 4 in guide direction 96/23 by method to once time sampling, which was collected per 100 tons shrimp production. So, 42 sample in a year and were connected 84 samples totally during two years that the sample provided for each one was 500g. All samples were frozen and then were sent to France and AFSSA for analyzing. To study of heavy metals mercury and lead, in samples methods of chromatography with high efficiency HPLC and LC-MS and GC-MASS have been used. Quantitative determination rate in Pb was 20 and for Hg was 10µg /kg. The rest amount of this metals which cause we start our effort for controlling Pb and Mg pollution was found 500µg/kg. In this study, the quantitative determination rate of all samples as measured less than 500µg

Changes of fatty acid profiles in fillets of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) during frozen storage

In this study changes in fatty acids profile during frozen storage at -18°C of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum), caught from the Persian Gulf (Bandar Abbas) were studied. Changes in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), EPA+DHA/C16, n-3 PUFA/n-6 PUFA (n-3/n-6) and polyunsaturated fatty acids /saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) were investigated during a six- month storage at -18°C. Eighteen fatty acids were found in Cobia, with higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (46.07%), monounsaturated fatty acids (33.72%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (15.44%). The MUFAs and PUFAs reduced from 33.72 to 26.26% and 15.44 to 10.78%, respectively. Palmitic acid (C16:0, 27.42% of total fatty acids) and stearic acid (C18:0, 12.62%) were the dominant saturated fatty acids. The major unsaturated fatty acids were determined as docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3, 5.76%), oleic acid (C18:1n9, 25.76%) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6, 4.38%). As a result of the frozen storage (up to 6 months), marked content decreases were found in fatty acid groups such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated, as well as in the n-3/n-6 ratio and it means that the nutritional value of Cobia has decreased

Evaluation of some biofilter substrates in freshwater recirculation system

The nitrifying bacteria acting on various biofilter substrates including: scoria, P.V.C., marble and zeolite were evaluated. The experiment started with manufacture of a recirculation system with 130 liter fresh water volume in 7 l.min-1 flow rate in 3 replicate for every treatment. The volume of each biofilter was 60×40×30cm and after achievement to stable environmental conditions the nitrifying bacteria at a concentration of 105 ml-1were inoculated in each biofilters. Daily 3-10mg.l-1 of NH4Cl was added to biofilters. The procedure was conducted by exposure of Ammonium and Nitrate concentrations and pH in biofilters. The results showed that the Scoria can be reliable substrate as biofilter, in which provide the best substrate for the growth and attachment of the nitrifying bacteria which can reduce the retention time of a biofilter from 40-60 to 15 days

Effect of whey protein coating on physico-chemical properties of gutted Kilka during frozen storage

The a im of th is paper was to study the effects w hey pro t e in c oat i ng on ch e m ic al a nd physic al properties of gut t ed K i l ka dur i ng f roz en stor a ge. Coating of Kilka has done by dipping in whey protein solution with different concentrations of 3, 7, 10 and 13%, for 1h. Then, after being packed in polyethylene dishes, they were covered in cellophane blanket and stored in -18°C. There were 125 testing and control packages, each of them weight 250grams. Heme iron, peroxide value, protein, lipid and pH has measured after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 months storage in freezer. R e s u l ts of h e me iron, p e roxi de v a l ue and lipid of control tr e at m ents h a ve s hown s i gni f icant difference among ex p e r i m ent al tr e at m ents (p0.05). Our results showed that coating process with di ff e r e nt whey pro t e in con c entrat i on leads to decrease in peroxide value and increases the iron content. 13% whey protein concentration was provided the most satisfactory results

Length-weight frequency and sex ratio of crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, in Aras Reservoir, west Azerbaijan, Iran

The length-weight frequency and sex ratio of crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) in Aras Reservoir, was studied seasonally from spring 2008 to winter 2009. The total mean length and weight for the crayfish were 106.43±7.94mm and 35.81±10.86g, respectively. A measured 18.99% of the caught crayfish exceeded the standard commercial size (120mm) and only 16.43% of the catch weighed higher than the standard commercial weight 50 grams. The standards have been set forth by West Azerbaijan Fishery Office. Generally, the male crayfish dominated the samples. Comparisons of growth equations confirmed that the males are heavier than females with the same size. The results showed that crayfish Astacus leptodactylus has critical condition in Aras Reservoir

Comparison of antibacterial activities of Ircinia mutans extracts in two different seasons from Kish Island, Persian Gulf, Iran

Sponges, which constitute the phylum Porifera, are the most primitive of the multicellular animals, among all marine organisms screened. Marine sponges produce the largest number of structurally diversified natural products. In this study we investigated in vitro antimicrobial activity of Ircinia mutans collected from the Kish Island in the Persian Gulf against strains of bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 15224), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25619), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 1764), and Bacillus subtilis spizizenii (ATCC 6633). Diethyl etter, methanol and aqueous extracts of sponge were evaluated by using the Bacterial Broth Dilution Method. The results showed that the aqueous extracts didn’t have any antibacterial activity. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of the winter diethyl etter extract was 2 mg/ml for E.coli and 20 mg/ml for P. aeruginosa, whereas the summer diethyl etter extract and both of methanol extracts did not show any activity. The MIC and MBC (Minimum Bacterial Concentration) of summer diethyl etter extracts were 2 mg/ml and 3mg/ml against S. aureus; and 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml when tested on B. subtilis. The MIC and MBC of winter diethyl etter extracts were measured as 1.5 mg/ml and 2mg/ml against S. aurous; and 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml when examined on B. subtilis. Summer and winter methanol and aqueous extracts of I. mutans did not show any activity against these bacteria. Therefore secondary metabolite solutions in diethyl etter contain components with antibacterial properties and can be used as antibiotics products