Evaluation of antioxidant properties of button mushroom in different harvest and morphological stages

This study was conducted to test the impact of flush number, mushroom size and cap openness on phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant properties of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Results showed that all tested facrors had a significant effect on dry matter and antioxidant properties of mushroom. The first flush had the highest dry matter in comparison with second and third flushs. Antioxiant activity and flavonoid content of mushrooms in second flush was significantly more than others but for phenol content, the first flush was the best. Surprisingly, the lowest antioxidant activity, phenol, and flavonoid contents were obseved in third flush. The highest antioxidant activity, phenol, and flavonoid content were recorded in large size, medium size, and small size of mushrooms, respectively. Cap of the mushroom showed significantly more antioxidant properties and flavanoid content, however, the phenol in stipe part was more than the cap part. Closed-cap mushrooms had significantly more dry matter and total phenol content, while no significant difference was seen in antioxidant activity and flavonoid compounds. In summary, mushrooms produced in third flush have lower dietary quality than first and second flushes, cap part of button mushroom was better than stipe and total antioxidant capacity was not affected by cap opening

Assessment of Pb (II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Ascorbic Acid-stabilized Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The growing pollution of water resources and the limited availability of water supplies have led to a growing interest by researchers to develop novel methods of water remediation and reuse. One such method is the use of ascorbic acid-stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles (AAS-ZVIN) for the removal of lead (Pb) from aqueous solutions. Using zero-valent iron nanoparticles stabilized with acid ascorbic under aerobic conditions, the present study was conducted to assess the efficiency of Pb removal from aqueous solutions and its optimization by the response surface methodology (RSM). For this purpose, use was made of the central composite design and the response surface methodology with the four input variables of ASS- ZVIN dose (0.5, 1, and 2 g L-1), pH (2, 5, and 7), contact time (5, 20, and 60 min), and initial Pb concentration (5, 10, and 20 mg L-1) to determine the optimal conditions for the process. Numerical optimization revealed that the optimum conditions for Pb removal (97.93%) included an ASS-ZVIN dose of 2 g L-1, an initial Pb (II) concentration of 25 mg L-1, a contact time of 60 min, and an initial solution pH of 7. The results also imply that not only does ASS-ZVIN offer a good potential for the remediation of water bodies contaminated with Pb, given its high reactivity for Pb removal, but that  the RSM optimization process can be successfully employed for the optimization of the process in question

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Abstract: Objective: Aim of the study was to evaluate the HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and associated risk behaviors among Injection Drug Users in Detention, Tehran, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional survey included 499 male Injection Drug Users arrested by police during a predetermined police sweep in Tehran (February, 2006). At the temporary detention center, they were screened using a urine test and a physical examination for injection marks. Those who were identi¿ed as injectors were sent to the rehabilitation center for 3 months. A questionnaire was ¿lled out for each individual by interview. Blood specimens were collected for HIV and HCV testing. The variables associated with HIV/HCV coinfection at a signi¿cance level of P<0.10 were considered in multivariate analysis