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Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder necessitating a low-protein and phenylalanine diet. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of producing a low-protein pasta using potato and tapioca starches. The pasta formulation substituted semolina flour with a blend of potato and tapioca starches. Date kernel fiber and xanthan gum were incorporated as prebiotic compounds and texture enhancers, respectively. Physicochemical (moisture, fat, total ash, protein, phenylalanine, cooking loss, cooking time, color indexes, and hardness) and sensory properties (texture, flavor, color, and overall acceptability) were evaluated and compared against the control sample (based on semolina flour). The results demonstrated no significant alteration in moisture and fat content upon substitution, but a significant decrease in ash and protein content (p<0.05). Consequently, phenylalanine levels decreased from 530.58 mg/100 g in the control sample to 24.49-26.60 mg/100 g in the pasta. Replacing flour with starches increased cooking loss, reduced cooking time, and diminished pasta hardness compared to the control (p<0.05). The pasta exhibited higher L* and lower a* and b* values than the control. Sensory evaluation revealed that the pasta containing 35% potato starch and 40% tapioca starch attained the highest scores, indicating its favorable acceptability. Overall, this study suggests that the combination of potato and tapioca starches, along with date kernel fiber and xanthan gum, enables the production of and low-protein pasta suitable for PKU patients.

 

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     The growing global consumption of non-alcoholic drinks has brought attention to the characterization and quality control of popular beverages such as malt beverages. Organic acids remarkably impact on the microbial control, stability and organoleptic characteristics (flavor, color and aroma) of beverages. This study focuses on the determination of organic acids, including oxalic, citric, tartaric, malic, succinic, lactic, fumaric, acetic, propionic, and gallic acid, in 100 commercial malt beverages from different brands (five Iranian and five various imported brands) and flavored variants (classic, pomegranate, peach, tropical and lemon). In addition, the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and free amino acids were measured to assess the overall composition. Liquid chromatography (LC) was employed to develop a method for analyzing the organic acids, while spectrophotometric techniques were used for quantifying other bioactive compounds.  The results revealed significant variations in the organic acid profiles, with succinic acid being the most abundant, while tartaric acid was absent in all samples. For better data analysis, chemometrics technique (PCA method) was applied to classify achieved results. The results show that PCA can classify the malt drinks based on the additive values with a very high precision. In order to improve the quality control of malt beverages, it is recommended that some extra assessments like organic acids and free amino nitrogen determination tests would better to be considered at Iranian national standard.
 

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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of organic pollutants, have been observed to exert deleterious effects on plant growth and various physiological processes. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of phenanthrene (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) on growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, some antioxidant enzymes, and some biochemical compounds of the maize plant were investigated. The experiments were conducted as pot cultures of plants under controlled conditions using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications for each treatment. Increasing phenanthrene concentration reduced all studied growth parameters and significantly increased photosynthetic pigment contents. Phenanthrene led to the increase in catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities in the roots but in shoots, only the peroxidase activity was increased. Moreover, higher phenanthrene concentrations were associated with elevated levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, coupled with a marked reduction in soluble sugar content in both shoot and root tissues (p<0.05). Also, increase in phenanthrene concentration in the shoots decreased the total phenol and flavonoid contents compared to anthocyanin. Phenanthrene treatment led to a significant reduction in the concentrations of lauric acid, meric acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid in maize shoots. In conclusion, it seems that high concentrations of phenanthrene induce oxidative stress in the maize, and plants improve their enzymatic antioxidant system to moderate the stress condition. In addition, damage of cell membranes by phenanthrene leads to weakening of plants root system as well as disordering in water and nutrient uptake and finally reduction in the plant growth.
 

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Background:Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening microvascular complication of diabetes in which the vascular endothelium is damaged due to oxidative stress and inflammation, and vitreous VEGF concentration becomes elevated. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of DR with genetic variations of the MnSOD, a major antioxidant enzyme, and VEGF, an important mediator of neovascularisation, in northern Iran. Methods: 70 patients with DR and 70 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex was recruited for this study. PCR-based RFLP assay was used to determine the genotypes of MnSODA16V and VEGF+405 C/G polymorphisms. Results and Conclusions:A higher frequency of the AV genotype (71.43%) of the MnSODA16V polymorphism was found in the patients compared with controls which had a 8.33-fold increase in risk of DR (OR= 8.33, 95% CI= 2.56-27.13, P= 0.0004). The frequency of GG, GC, and CC genotypes of VEGF +405 C/G polymorphism in controls were 42.86%, 45.71% and 11.43%, respectively, while in DR patients were 18.57%, 48.57%, and 32.86%, respectively.The +405C allele was considered as a high risk factor of DR (OR= 2.55, 95% CI= 1.57-4.14, P= 0.0001). In conclusion, It is suggested that the MnSODA16V and the VEGF+405 C/G polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of DR in northern Iran.

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In general, temporary well plugging is essential for repairing of oil and gas wells due to their long life time. One of the newest methods used for this purpose is gel polymer plugging. The strength of the gel in the well conditions is one of the most important challenges in the application of gel polymer in the temporary well plugging in work over operation. In this study, silica nanoparticles were used to improve the strength of polymer hydrogels. The bottle and rheological tests were used to determine the gel strength in desired well conditions (high temperature and high salinity). Also, the gel strength properties and swelling behavior were studied in various conditions such as distilled water, formation water, tap water and oil. It was observed that the strength of the gel increased from 520Pa to about 36kPa (5000% increase) by adding nanoparticles. Also, the gel swelling in the aqueous solution has been significantly reduced. Based on the results obtained in this study, a polymer gel containing 9 wt.% of silica nanoparticles with structural strength and thermal stability at 90 °C was introduced for field studies.

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This study was conducted to choose the best species for plantation on a poor drainage soil in southern coast of Caspian Sea, Iran. Nutrient concentrations in live and senescent leaves and soil properties were compared among Alnus subcordata C.A.Mey (N-fixing tree), Populus deltoides­ Marsh. (Non N-fixing tree)and Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. (Coniferous tree) plantations. In each of these plantations and an adjacent natural forest, six 20×20m plots have been selected according to a 100m × 100m randomly systematic grid. Leaf samples of green trees were collected from the bottom one-third of the tree crown by clipping two small twigs located on opposite sides of the crown (six representative trees were sampled in each plot). Senescence leaves have been collected inside wooden trap-based in each stand. Results revealed different effects of species on soil nutrients. Alnus subcordata increased soil N (%) whereas Populus deltoides­ and Taxodium distichum reduced it.The results of nutrition, litter quality, retranslocation and soil properties indicated that Alnus improve soil quality in comparison with the two others.

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The views of the great poets on the essence of poetry and its constituent elements, expressed implicitly within the lines of their poetry, offer invaluable points that are often missed by literary critics. These critical views, which are sometimes expressed in a pseudo-philosophical statements, and are often wrapped in artistic expressions, are based in their actual experiences.  These views are usually expressed in brief, or wrapped in imagery, or even in an elegant indirect language, which may be extracted and, through analysis, may lead to our deeper understanding and invaluable views on poetry. These conclusions, we realize, are sometimes confirmed by the bulk of criticism. It is worth noticing that such conclusions were already preceded by great poets who were apparently the best critics themselves. The classification and the analysis of these poets’ views on poetry are considerable, and can constitute a new branch of study in the field of history of literary criticism in Persian Literature, and subsequently change the traditional system of evaluation of poetic styles.

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  Abstract Background: Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavities sable to produce mutacin (bacteriocin-like substances) with antibiotic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and expression of genes encoding mutacins typeI, II, III and IV and also two of 8 genes in a cluster encoding the putative bacteriocins, the designated bsm 283, bsm 299, bsm 423, bsm 1889c, bsm 1892c, bsm 1896, bsm 1906c and bsm 1914, were also screened by PCR and specific primers for each type of mutacin biosynthesis gene and then mutacin activity against the indicator strains determined. Methods : In this study, dental clinic samples were collocated; Streptococcus mutans was detected using biochemical tests and molecular methods (PCR). Frequency of mutacin biosynthesis genes types I, II, III and IV, bsm299 and bsm1899 were measured by PCR, using specific primers for each type of mutacin biosynthesis gene. Furthermore, the antimicrobial spectra of Streptococcus mutans isolates against other indicators, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli were evaluated using well diffusion, disk diffusion and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) methods. Results : Out of 56 samples collected from patients referred to Milad Hospital dental clinic on October 2011 and three private dental clinics on November 2011, 24 strains of Streptococcus mutans produced mutacins. 67.52% of the strains had a wide antimicrobial spectrum and 37.5% of 67.5% had a high frequency of genes with more inhibitory activity against, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis respectively that are more related to putative bacteriocins. The expression frequency of the bsm gene (putative bacteriocins) was higher than that of the characterized mutacins types (I–IV). The lowest dilution rate mutacin was found against Staphylococcus epidermidis (0.0625 unit/mL). Conclusion : These findings suggested that all putative bacteriocins may represent a large repertoire of inhibitory substances produced by Streptococcus mutans. Therefore, the high diversity of mutacin-producing phenotypes, associated with high frequency of expression of the biosynthesis genes screened and wide antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis could be used as safe antimicrobial agents in treatment of superficial infections such as, removing the pimple caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

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Psychological capital is one of the new concepts in recent years that consider the capabilities and positive qualities in people and importance of a positive work environment; and try with the theoretical and practical approach and positive elements help to employees' life and work. Due to the developing the approach of psycap in the organizations, this paper has studied and identified the role of psycap on organizational commitment and job satisfaction in Iranian public organization. Due to the developing the approach of psycap in the organizations, this paper has studied and identified the role of psycap on organizational commitment and job satisfaction in Iranian public organization. So, first the researcher reviewed the research literature, then with the use of descriptive-survey method, statistical sample of the population that were employees of public organizations in Tehran province were selected and the research hypothesis were tested by using structural equations and regressions. The finds of research shows that psycap has significant positive relation with the organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The result show resiliency has the highest rank, and optimism lowest rank. At last, psycap has the moderating role between organizational climate and organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Key words: Psychological capital, organizational climate, job satisfaction and organizational commitments

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Generally, the main objective of managers is improving organizational outcomes. Review the history of organization and management shows that to accomplish of this, were provided many different ways. One of the new ways is Psychological capital. Psycap is one of the new concepts in recent years, and it has entered in the field of management since new centuryPsychological capital is one of the new concepts in recent years that consider the capabilities and positive qualities in people and importance of a positive work environment; and try with the theoretical and practical approach and positive elements help to employees' life and work. Due to the developing the approach of psycap in the organizations, this paper has studied and identified the role of psycap on organizational commitment and job satisfaction in Iranian public organization. So, first the researcher reviewed the research literature, then with the use of descriptive-survey method, statistical sample of the population that were employees of public organizations in Tehran province were selected and the research hypothesis were tested by using structural equations and regressions. The finds of research shows that psycap has significant positive relation with the organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The result show resiliency has the highest rank, and optimism lowest rank. At last, psycap has the moderating role between organizational climate and organizational commitment and job satisfaction.

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Aim: Effective communication has a key role in nursing profession. Furthermore, controlling emotions as a part of communication skills has an important role in initiating and maintaining healthy social communications. The meaning of emotional intelligence is also effected considerably by the importance of this aspect of social communications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of emotional intelligence training on the communication skills of final-year nursing students of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan branch (Khorasgan) in 2014. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done with semester 7 and 8 undergraduate (nursing) 77 students. Data were collected by Bar-On Emotional Intelligence Test and Queen-Dom Communication Skills Test. Initially, the questionnaires were completed by the students; then the emotional intelligence workshop was held in 6 sessions’ each took 45 minutes. After a month, again both questionnaires were completed by the students. Analysis of results was performed by descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, middle and standard deviation) and analytic statistics (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Wilcoxon and Spearman correlation coefficient) in the SPSS software (version 19). Findings: Difference of communication skills’ scores before and after the intervention had a significant level (p=0.001), and the scores increased after the intervention significantly. Conclusion: Emotional intelligence training has a positive impact on communication skills of nursing students. So holding emotional intelligence workshops in one of the university alternatively annually for nursing students is recommended.

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Research Subject: In this paper, the adsorbents used to remove lead ion using adsorption operation have been reviewed.
Research Approach: The types of adsorbents used to remove lead ions, the modifications of adsorbents, adsorption conditions, isotherms and adsorption capacity of adsorbents have been investigated and compared based on the literature survey.
Main Results: Modification by impregnation of functional groups has a significant role in increasing the adsorption capacity. The pH of the solution plays an important role in the adsorption of lead ions and generally the adsorption capacity increases by increasing the pH of the solution. Langmuir's isotherm model has been more consistent with the equilibrium data. Among the reviewed adsorbents, carbon-based adsorbents such as activated carbon and graphen-oxide, modified by chemicals such as ammonium persulfate or polyamines, show higher adsorption. Also, biomasses due to their abundance and low prices have the potential to be used as lead ion adsorbents.

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In 2010- 2012 surveys, witches'- boom disease of tomato was observed in Borazjan area (Bushehr province, Iran). Agent of the disease was transmitted from tomato to tomato and eggplant by grafting and to Madagascar periwinkle via dodder inoculation, inducing phytoplasma-type symptoms in inoculated plants. Presence of phytoplasma in naturally affected tomatoes and all symptomatic graft and dodder inoculated plants was confirmed by direct and nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using primer pairs P₁/P₇ and R₁₆F_2n/R₁₆R₂. BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis of 16SrDNA showed that detected phytoplasma belonged to peanut witches'- broom (16SrII) group. Phylogenetic analysis, percent homology and virtual RFLP indicated that, as a member of 16SrII group, Borazjan tomato witches’- broom (BTWB) phytoplasma together with Bushehr eggplant and alfalfa witches’- broom (BEWB and BAWB, respectively) phytoplasmas were classified with Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia, a phytoplasma related to 16SrII-D subgroup. Based on the same analysis, BTWB, BEWB and BAWB phytoplasmas were differentiable from three other Iranian 16SrII related phytoplasmas associated with alfalfa witches'- broom diseases in Yazd and Fars provinces and lime witches'- broom disease in southern Iran.This is the first report of tomato witches'- broom disease and characterization of its associated phytoplasma in Iran.

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Research Subject: Poor mechanical strengths and lack of thermal stabilities of hydrogels confine their extensive practical applications in many areas. The growing scientific need for solving this problem and achievement to the hydrogels with improved properties has led to the design and production of the nanocomposite hydrogels.
Research Approach: The polymeric networks of nanocomposite hydrogels compared to the ordinary hydrogels have improved elasticity and rheological properties. Other points that increase the importance of structural studies of nanocomposite hydrogels are the high strength of these materials versus the application of external forces, as well as maintaining its structure against increasing of temperatures. In this regard, the type and amounts of nanomaterial, the preparation method and formation of hydrogel network have a significant role in improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of hydrogels, and, it must be noted that these parameters will depend on the application of nanocomposite hydrogels. This also highlights the need for the production of nanocomposite tailored hydrogels. Therefore, orientation of the range of nanomaterials, the preparation method and product identification, along with sufficient information on the application of these materials, might have an important role in ensuring the success of these materials, requiring comprehensive library research and studies on polymerization processes, morphology and rheology.
Main Results: In this review article, the scientific advances in the field of nanocomposite hydrogels, focusing on its types based on the type of nanoparticles, its properties, preparation methods, identification methods with a new perspective on rheology, thermal analysis and morphology is investigated. Finally, the applicability of these materials is collected in a comprehensive table in various fields such as tissue engineering, enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, and etc…

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In 2011-2012 surveys for phytoplasma diseases, eggplant )Solanum melongena L.( plants with phyllody symptoms were observed in eggplant fields of Roodan (Hormozgan province of Iran). Agent of Roodan Eggplant Phyllody (REP) was transmitted from phyllody affected eggplant to eggplant and tomato by grafting and to periwinkle via dodder inoculation inducing phytoplasma-type symptoms. Phytoplasmal infection also was demonstrated by positive direct PCR reaction with phytoplasma universal primer pair P₁/P₇ and nested PCR using P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 primer pairs.A P₁/P₇ primed PCR product from a naturally phyllody affected eggplant was cloned and sequenced and submitted to GenBank under accession number JX464669. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of P1/P7-primed PCR product indicated the presence of a pigeon pea witches'-broom (16SrIX) group related phytoplasma in naturally phyllody affected eggplants. Using 16S rRNA and SR sequences, Blast search, phylogenetic and virtual RFLP analyses and nucleotide homology percent revealed that REP associated phytoplasma is classified with members of 16SrIX-C subgroup. To our knowledge eggplant is reported for the first time as a host for a 16SrIX group related phytoplasma.

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Laboratory experiments were conducted to understand the influence of host-finding behaviour of Apanteles subandinus Blanchard and Orgilus lepidus Muesebeck, two endoparasitoids of the potato tuber moth (PTM) Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidop-tera: Gelechiidae), in a successful biological control of the pest. Responses of the two parasitoids to their host and to three host plants of the PTM were investigated in a wind tunnel individually. The results suggested that host-finding by both parasitoids is stimu-lated by a combination of chemicals. Females of both species discriminate between the volatiles of a mechanically damaged plant and those of PTM larvae-damaged plant. The combination of odours originating from plant host on which the host is feeding play a cru-cial role in the foraging behavior of these parasitoids. Developmental experience during larval stages and experience of adults to host plant influence their foraging for host. The implications of parasitoid response towards plant volatiles and their importance in bio-logical control are discussed. Additional experiments are necessary to isolate and identify the nature of the volatile chemicals released from the host-plant complex and use them to improve the biological control of the pest.

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