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The metabolic syndrome is a multi-factorial condition and functional foods need more investigation as novel adjunct treatments for this group. This study aimed to determine the effects of daily consumption of a functional acorn cake in conjunction with energy restriction (119.50 kJ) on individuals with overweight or obesity and the metabolic syndrome. In this randomised double-blinded study, eighty-four participants were randomly allocated to either an energy-restricted diet plus two servings (2 × 30 g)/d of functional acorn cake (a cake made of acorn for the intervention group) (FC) (n 42) or an energy-restricted diet plus placebo cake (PC) (n 42). Body composition and biochemical parameters were measured before and after 10 weeks of intervention. Seventy-three participants completed this trial. No differences in loss of body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure were shown between two groups. Body weight decreased by 4·2 (sd 1·9) kg and 5·1 (sd 2·8) kg in PC and FC groups, respectively. Compared with PC, the consumption of FC resulted in a significant reduction in serum insulin (P = 0·02), homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (P = 0·02), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0·04) and a significant increase in adiponectin concentration (P = 0·04). Although lipid metabolism did not differ among groups, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol improved non-significantly in the FC group. Functional acorn cake as an adjunct to energy restriction could possibly improve insulin resistance in individuals with obesity. Further research is needed to elucidate whether functional acorn cake can be used as a preventive strategy for the metabolic syndrome in individuals with obesity.

Objective This study sought to investigate the effect of Spirulina on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic profile, and liver enzymes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Methods This randomized, double‐blind clinical trial was performed on 46 NAFLD patients. Subjects were allocated to consume either Spirulina sauce or placebo, each 20 g/day for 8 weeks. Fatty liver grade, liver enzymes, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and serum lipids, glucose, insulin, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were assessed pre‐ and postintervention. Results Fatty liver grade was significantly different between the two groups. A significant change for ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) was seen between the two groups (p = .03 and .02, respectively), while ALP (alkaline phosphatase) serum levels were not significantly different within or between groups. Pertaining to glycemic profile, all variables, except HOMA‐IR, were not significantly different within or between groups. Finally, statistically significant changes were seen in both MDA (malondialdehyde) and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) among the groups (p = .04 and

BACKGROUND: Military staff are required to be in a proper condition of mental health and weight standards and have a specific level of physical performances (PP). Dairy products are rich sources of essential nutrients. It was demonstrated that Iranians consume much less milk and its products and there is no exception in the military staff. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between consumption of low or whole-fat dairy and psychological disorders and PP in military personnel. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four military zones of Iran. Dairy products intake were evaluated by using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Persian version of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess participants’ depression, anxiety and stress and PP were assessed by a 2-mile run, sit-up, push-up and pull-up. RESULTS: There was a significant negative relationship between the tertiles of total and low-fat dairy consumption and depression (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.79, P

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to examine the relationship between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and depression, anxiety and stress in Iranian men with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Mottahary SCI clinic, Isfahan, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: The current study was conducted on 150 men with SCI aged 40–65 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative 148 item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess the psychological profile of the participants. RESULTS: The DII score ranged from −3.62 to 4.02. Overall, 34% of study participants had at least mild levels of depression and anxiety symptoms and 25% had at least mild levels of stress symptoms. A one-unit increase in the DII was significantly associated with higher scores of depressive symptoms (β = 1.31, 95% CI 0.44–2.18; P = 0.003). Also, a one-unit increase in the DII was associated with higher odds of having at least mild depressive symptoms (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.17, 2.67; P = 0.007). No significant association was found between the DII and anxiety and stress. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that a higher DII score is associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms in men with SCI. These initial findings highlight the crucial role of the inflammatory potential of diet in the mental health of subjects with SCI. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Spirulina protein isolate (SPI) is a bio-polymer that can be used in the design and synthesis of hydrogels due to its biodegradability and non-toxicity. Herein, dual-crosslinked hydrogels were synthesized based on spirulina protein isolate through covalent crosslinking with genipin and metal coordination with Zn

IntroductionPoor nutritional status might impact in unintentional weight loss and decreased muscle mass and strength. The levels of physical fitness (PF) is a predictor of chronic diseases in future years. Also, evaluation of fitness is an essential factor for duty in occupations which are sensitive to time and emergency reaction. Since there is no literature that study the association between dietary patterns and the PF level in physically strenuous occupations, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and the PF level in military staffs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out in military zones of Iran. Typical dietary intakes were assessed by using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Mediterranean diet (MD) score and healthy diet indicator (HDI) score were calculated. PF tests were designed to test the muscular strength, endurance and cardiovascular respiratory fitness (CRF).ResultsMean age of participants was 33.03±4.65 in the study. Referring to the performance in the PF tests, there was a correlation between tertiles of MD (OR 4.37, p=0.048) and HDI (OR 5.21, p=0.019) scores and suitable PF level in the crude and confounder adjusted models. Also, a negative relationship was found between body mass index and waist circumference with fitness score.ConclusionsWe concluded that accompanying a medium or high adherence to a healthy dietary pattern will have an impact on good level of PF and will result in a better working power and long-term health consequences among physically strenuous occupations.

Background A large number of studies have investigated the association of the Mediterranean and DASH diets with psychological health as well as sleep related outcomes. However, only a few number of studies have examined the association of their newly proposed hybrid, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern, with sleep quality and sleep related outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male health professions (mean age 38.67 years). Dietary information was collected using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The MIND score was computed based on major dietary components emphasized or minimized in this pattern. The higher the MIND score of a subject, the greater his adherence to the MIND pattern. Mental health was evaluated using the 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. Sleep-related outcomes (day-time sleepiness and insomnia) were also evaluated using standard questionnaires Results No significant associations were found between adherence to the MIND diet score and odds of stress, anxiety and depression either in the crude or multivariable-adjusted models (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, participants with the greatest adherence to the MIND diet had lower odds of poor sleep quality (OR for T3 vs. T1: 0.56 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.92), P-trend = 0.023). The results remained significant after full adjustment for confounding variables (P-trend = 0.042). Participants in the highest tertile of MIND diet had a 42% lower odds of daytime sleepiness in the crude and multivariable-adjusted model (P-trend Conclusion While no significant associations were found between adherence to the MIND diet and stress, anxiety and depression, greater adherence to the MIND diet were associated with lower odds of poor sleep quality and sleep-related outcomes.

Background In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association of dietary inflammation scores (DIS) and lifestyle inflammation scores (LIS) with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a prospective population-based study. Methods A total of 1625 participants without MetS were recruited from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study(2006–2008) and followed a mean of 6.1 years. Dietary data of subjects were collected using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline to determine LIS and DIS. Multivariable logistic regression models, were used to calculate the odds ratio (ORs) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) of MetS across tertiles of DIS and LIS. Results Mean ± SD age of individuals (45.8 % men) was 37.5 ± 13.4 years. Median (25–75 interquartile range) DIS and LIS for all participants was 0.80 (− 2.94, 3.64) and 0.48 (− 0.18, − 0.89), respectively. During the study follow-up, 291 (17.9 %) new cases of MetS were identified. Based on the age and sex-adjusted model, a positive association was found between LIS (OR = 7.56; 95% CI 5.10–11.22, P for trend Conclusions The findings of the current study showed that greater adherence to LIS and DIS, determined to indicate the inflammatory potential of diet and lifestyle, are associated with increased the risk of MetS.

This study sought to investigate the effect ofThis randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed on 46 NAFLD patients. Subjects were allocated to consume eitherFatty liver grade was significantly different between the two groups. A significant change for ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) was seen between the two groups (

Cumin essential oil oil-in-water nanoemulsions were formulated using non-ionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Tween 20) using an ultrasonic method. Nanoemulsion preparation was optimized for parameters such as surfactant type, surfactant concentration and sonication time to achieve minimum droplet diameter with higher physical stability. Results showed that surfactant concentration had inverse relationships with droplet diameter; however, increasing sonication time in Tween 20 and Tween 80 systems had different effects on droplets diameter. A transparent, stable nanoemulsion with droplet diameter of 70 nm was prepared with Tween 80 at a concentration of 0.75%. Thermal stability analysis showed that the nanoemulsions were stable when heated to 65 °C and then cooled to 25 °C. Before development of nanoemulsion-filled hydrogels, the brittle structure of the κ-carrageenan gel (0.25%) with the highest amount of syneresis was improved by the addition of the soluble part of gum tragacanth at a concentration of 0.6%. Optically transparent filled hydrogels were formed by incorporating cumin essential oil nanoemulsions into carrageenan-tragacanth gels. The textural properties of the mixed gels did not change noticeably after the nanoemulsion droplets were incorporated. This approach may, therefore, be useful for the incorporation of various types of lipophilic bioactive agents into functional food gels.

Due to the importance of Camelina for low expectation (water and other inputs) and as an oil crop, Soheil cultivar was cultivated in Ardebil, Hamedan, Rasht, Ilam, Kermanshah, Karaj, Mashhad, Ahvaz and Bushehr Provinces. Fatty acids were measured with MG-Mass. Results showed that morphological traits were not very dependent on the climate, but the profile of the fatty acids was dependent. ANOVA of the effects of climate on the saturated fatty acid showed that there were significant differences between climates for all studied SFAs (P

Introduction Hibiscus sabdariffa is a common ingredient in herbal tea blends. Several properties such as antihypertensive and antioxidant activities have been attributed to this plant. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the knowledge about the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (sour tea) compared to other herbal teas and antihypertensive drugs on cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods PubMed, Web of Sciences (ISI), Embase, and Scopus (Elsevier) databases were searched to identify related articles published up to 12 December 2019. All clinical trials which investigated the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (sour tea) consumption on systolic blood pressure (SBS), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), FBS (fasting blood sugar), BW (body weight) and BMI (body mass index) for more than one week were included. Twenty-two studies (24 effect sizes) were included in the analysis; weighted mean differences for each were estimated using random-effects models. Results The pooled data suggested that however Hibiscus sabdariffa consumption reduced the SBP levels (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −7.14, 95 % CI: −11.16, −3.12, p Conclusion In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicated that Hibiscus sabdariffa consumption could efficiently reduce SBP and DBP levels.

Meat spoils very rapidly and its microbial load exceeds the permitted limit very soon even if it is kept in a refrigerator. The main goal of this study was to dry meat by a Refractance Window drier...

Background Widespread methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and absence of effective antimicrobial agents has led to limited therapeutic options for treating MRSA infection. We aimed to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the expression of novel identified methicillin resistance markers (NIMRMs) in S. aureus using complementary DNA-Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) approaches to address the therapeutic alternatives for MRSA infections. Materials and methods We used cDNA-AFLP to compare MRSA and methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) for identification of target genes implicated in methicillin resistance. To determine the sub-lethal aPDT (sPDT), MRSA and MSSA clinical isolates photosensitized with toluidine blue O (TBO), and then were irradiated with diode laser. After sPDT, the colony forming units/mL was quantified. Antimicrobial susceptibility against methicillin was assessed for cell-surviving aPDT. Effects of sPDT on the expression of NIMRMs were evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Results According to our results, serine hydrolase family protein (Shfp) encoding gene and a gene encoding a conserved hypothetical protein (Chp) were implicated in methicillin resistance in MRSA. sPDT reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations of methicillin by 3-fold in MRSA. sPDT could lead to about 10- and 6.2- fold suppression of expression of the Chp and Shfp encoding genes, respectively. Conclusion sPDT would lead to reduction in resistance to methicillin of MRSA in surviving cells by suppressing the expression of the Shfp and Chp encoding genes associated with methicillin resistance. This may have potential implications of aPDT for the treatment of MRSA infections.

Background: Overweight in adults has increased significantly in developed countries in recent decades. This problem has attracted interests of researchers in the field of nutrition knowledge. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the dietary habits and nutritional knowledge questionnaire and the nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adults, and to confirm their structural model in the Iranian population. Methods: A sample of 300 hospital employees from a hospital in Mashhad, Iran, participated in this study and completed the questionnaires. The questionnaires were translated using the forward-backward translation method. Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the questionnaires with a total 5 subscales was assessed based on content validity and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Chronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient, respectively. Results: For qualitative content validity, the content validity index scores for all items were ≥ 0.80 and the content validity ratio scores were 0.91, 0.87, 0.84, 0.9, and 0.85 for all subscales. The Persian version of the questionnaires were confirmed by calculating confirmatory factor analysis models fit indices. The internal consistency figures for the Nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adults subscales were 0.7, 0.75, and 0.73 and for the total scale was 0.78; for the dietary habits and nutritional knowledge questionnaire were 0.71 and 0.7 and for the total scale was 0.74. The intra-class correlation coefficient were 0.97 and 0.95 for the total scale of nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adults and the total scale of dietary habits and nutritional knowledge questionnaire respectively. Conclusions: The findings show that the Persian version of the questionnaires has good content validity as well as acceptable validity and reliability.

The aim of the present study was, first to fabricate Melissa officinalis seed gum (MOSG)-based films incorporated with montmorillonite (MMT) at various concentrations and subsequently, evaluate of the physicochemical properties of the developed films. Afterward, the anti-bacterial and anti-mold activities of the developed nanocomposites were assessed. Finally, curcumin was incorporated into formulation of the fabricated film at optimal condition to sense pH changes. Incorporating MMT nanoparticles into MOSG-based films could reduce the thickness, water solubility and moisture content of the samples. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) values significantly increased with increase of MMT concentration. The nanoparticle addition specifically at higher levels resulted in increase of agglomeration. Neither anti-mold and nor anti-microbial activity were observed for the tested nanocomposites. The films containing curcumin had good antibacterial and anti-mold activities and can be used as smart package due to their ability to sense the pH change.

In the present study, chitosan-coated nanoliposomes were prepared using thin-film hydration method, as a practical delivery system for encapsulation of caffeine. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the optimum conditions for preparation of nanoliposomes based on the encapsulation efficiency, lightness (L*), electrical conductivity and stability. The morphological analysis demonstrated that the developed nanoliposomes were spherical particles with a homogenous distribution and smooth surfaces. The particle size of the samples determined by dynamic light scattering was higher than that observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The surface charges of nanoliposome and chitosome were −25 and 31.9 mV, respectively, exhibiting a relatively stable nanostructure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that there existed a broad peak at 226.74 °C. On the basis of the release profile of the developed nanostructured vehicles, most of caffeine released in the small intestine and chitosan-coated nanoliposomes presented a slower release rate compared to the nanoliposomal system. Kopcha model could describe the release behavior of cafeine from fabricated carriers. Overall, the results showed the potential of chitosomes for caffeine retention and sustained release in the digestive system, bearing more advantages compared to nanoliposomes.

Introduction Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Various studies have reported the prevalence of MetS in different armed forces personnel in different countries. However, performing a systematic review and meta-analysis on this subject seems necessary. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence of MetS among armed forces personnel including members of the military and police forces. Materials and Methods A systematic review was carried out on all associated papers published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, encompassing the timeframe: November, 2018 to January 2000. The overall prevalence of MetS, and its prevalence based on different diagnostic criteria [National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), American Heart Association (AHA) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF)] were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Twenty five eligible studies were selected for the meta-analysis. Among all police officers contained in this study group, the overall prevalence of MetS was 26.2% (95% CI: 19.7–34%; Q = 229.45, p = 0.00). Among different military personnel contained in this study group, the overall estimation of MetS prevalence was 8.3% (95% CI: 6.3–11%; Q = 540.88, p = 0.00) the prevalence of MetS was 8.0% (95% CI: 5.7–11%; Q = 409.76, p = 0.00) according to the NCEP-ATP III criterion. Conclusion The findings from the present meta-analyses displayed a low prevalence of metabolic syndrome in armed forces in general. These findings will allow healthcare providers and policy-makers to find solutions in order to take action to reduce MetS risks on a wider scale, especially among police officers.

Response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the effects of the formulation main components, such as Tween 80 emulsifier concentration (T80, 0.41–0.69% w/w), and ratio of canola oil to nettle essential oil (CO/NEO, 5.93–20.07 w/w) on the physicochemical stability characteristics of NEO nanoemulsions prepared by ultrasound-assisted emulsification. The droplet growth ratio (DGR), volume-weighted mean diameter (D43) of the droplets and their polydispersity index (span), peroxide value (PV), and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) antiradical efficiency (AE) were analyzed. Analytical gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, neophytadiene, β-ionone and phytol were the most dominant constituents of NEOs extracted by hydrodistillation process. An increase in T80 content significantly reduced the response variables. Applying desirability function technique for the second-order polynomial models revealed the minimum DGR (0.11), D43 (134.1 nm), span (0.38) and PV (0.85 meq O2/kg oil), and the maximum AE (0.224 × 10−3) could be achieved at T80 of 0.57% w/w and CO/NEO of 8.0 w/w. Practical Applications Nanotechnology rapidly emerged as one of the most promising and attractive research fields, with applications ranging from the aerospace to health industries. Nanoemulsions (NEs) can act as carriers or delivery systems for lipophilic compounds such as drugs, nutraceuticals, flavors, antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Ultrasound-assisted development of optimal structure and formulation for NEs encapsulating essential oil of Urtica dioica L. as an interest antioxidative component using response surface method can provide a possibility for innovating functional food products with high storability.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the association of leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues with habitual fatty acid intake and its subtypes in adults. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were gathered from 97 participants aged ≥ 20, who had undergone elective abdominal surgery. Dietary fatty acid intakes including total fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-3, n-6, and n-9 fatty acids were collected using a valid and reliable food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues was measured by Real-Time PCR. After controlling for body mass index (BMI) and insulin, energy-adjusted dietary intake of SFA was positively and MUFA and n-3 fatty acids were negatively associated with subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues leptin gene expression. Besides, a significant negative association of PUFA, n-6, and n-9 fatty acids with leptin mRNA from visceral adipose tissue were observed. In order to better interpretations of the results, the participants were allocated two groups including non-obese (BMI < 30kg/m2) and obese subjects (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2). Among non-obese participants, the SFA had positive and PUFA had negative association with leptin gene expression in both adipose tissues. Furthermore, in obese participants, n-3, n-6, and n-9 fatty acids had a negative association with visceral leptin gene expression. Habitual intake of SFA, MUFA, and n-3 fatty acids were associated with leptin gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues, suggesting an important role of quality and quantity of fatty acids intake in adipose tissue to regulate leptin expression.

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lactoperoxidase system-whey protein coating and modified atmosphere packaging (60% CO2, 30% N2, 10% O2) combination (LPOS+WPS+MAP) on the microbiological, chemical and sensory specifications of Pike-Perch (Sander Lucioperca, Linnaeus 1758) fillets. The highest bacterial count was observed in the fish fillets packaged with whey protein coating solutions (WPS) in compare with the other groups. Combination of WPS+LPOS and MAP packaging could significantly inhibit bacterial growth. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), as a quality index of flesh, had strong correlation (r=0.98-0.99) with microbial load, so that the highest and the lowest TVB-N values were observed in WPS and WPS+LPOS+MAP batches, respectively. Assessments of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index showed that incorporation of LPOS with WPS or MAP did not have remarkable effect on lipid oxidation, but combined effect of MAP and WPS+LPOS on reducing fat oxidation was significant. The pH values in WPS+LPOS, WPS+MAP and WPS+LPOS+MAP were significantly lower than WPS. Sensory evaluations indicated that LPOS+WPS+MAP kept Pike-Perch fillets at high sensory acceptability for at least 16days in refrigerated temperature. In conclusion, combination of MAP and WPS+LPOS showed synergistic effects on shelf-life extension of Pike-Perch fillets under refrigerated storage.

Enzyme-assisted extraction process of the water-soluble Malva sylvestris polysaccharides (MSPs) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) . The highest yield (10.40%) of MSPs was achieved at 5.64% cellulase, 55.65 °C temperature, 3.4 h time, and 5.22 pH. Three homogeneous polysaccharide fractions (MSP-1, MSP-2, MSP-3) were purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography, which were composed of galactose, glucuronic acid, arabinose, rhamnose and mannose in different molar ratios with molecular weight range of 2.6 × 10 5 –8.8 × 10 5 Da. The fractions could significantly increase antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities in a dose-dependent pattern. MSP-2 revealed stronger antioxidant activities than MSP-1 and MSP-3, including reducing power and scavenging activity of DPPH and OH radicals. The antiproliferative activity of MSP-2 (1.0 mg/mL) on the growth of A549 and HepG2 cells was 45.1% and 53.2%, respectively. The Gram-positive bacteria ( Bacillus cereus PTCC 1015 and Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112) compared with Gram-negative ones ( Escherichia coli PTCC 1763 and Salmonella typhimurium PTCC 1709) showed less sensitivity against the various MSPs (3–15 mg/mL).

The operational parameters involved in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of jujube polysaccharide including microwave power, water to raw material ratio and extraction temperature and time were optimized by RSM. MAE at 400W, 75°C, 60 min, using 30 g water/g powdered jujube was the best condition for maximum yield (9.02%) of polysaccharide. Two novel water-soluble polysaccharides (JCP-1 and JCP-2) with average molecular weights of 9.1×10(4)-1.5×10(5)Da in term of the symmetrical narrow peaks were identified using the analytical purification procedures. The JCP-1 and JCP-2 mainly composed of glucose, arabinose, galactose and rhamnose in molar ratios of 1.4:2.1:4.2:0.9 and 1.2:1.8:4.1:1.1, respectively. The use of 1.5% JCP-1 led to a high emulsifying stability (95.5%) in a model oil-in-water type emulsion with a reduced surface tension (44.1 mN/m) and droplet size (1.32 μm), and an increased apparent viscosity (0.13 Pas) during 21-day cold storage. The antioxidant activities were increased in dose-dependent manners (25-200 μg/mL).

Background: Males' health plays a basic role in the community's health, especially in family's health. Health is a multifaceted issue that affects people in all aspects. Health is also one of the 4 metaparadigm concepts in nursing. This study was conducted to explore males' perspectives on health. Methods: In this qualitative study conducted based on a grounded theory approach, 22 males were selected through a purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and continued until data saturation. Data analysis was done using Strauss and Corbin's three-stage coding process. Results: Based on the perspectives of the participants, 8 categories emerged, which are as follow: psychological health; physical health; family health; spiritual health; welfare and social health; health and relationships; sexual health; and occupational-economic health. Psychological health was emerged as the core variable. Conclusion: As a multifaceted phenomenon, health is an individual's general condition in all these aspects, particularly psychological aspect. Males' health should be taken into account for the role they play in managing the family. Males as the family heads require evidence-based decision making and planning.

The Caucasus, from the distant past, whether as part of a land or as the sphere of influence has always attracted Russia’s attention. Regarding that it cannot remove all its rivals from the Political arena of Central Asia particularly the Caucasus in these new conditions, Moscow’s policy and influencing has been directed towards the path in through which has established strong relations with countries such as Armenia in the Caucasus region. Also, regarding this issue, this country is trying to use its own superior economic, political and military position in the region in order to control the conducts and foreign policies of Caucasian republics in line with fading the existence of factors which are incompatible with Russian interest and national security, hereby it can delay or prevent the convergence of countries of the region having western political and security structures. Armenia, because of strategic objectives like removing economic siege, being out of geopolitical isolation, responding to the local crisis and achieving regional security, tend to improve the relation with Russia. Such changes could alter the balance of power in the region. The changes of geopolitical components in the Caucasus include changes in regional alliances and the emergence of new regional order, evolution of mechanisms and security arrangements, influence on Karabakh conflict and particularly the economy of energy, and energy security as well as economic cooperation in the region.