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In this study, composite packaging films were produced from relatively inexpensive materials including whey protein isolate (WPI) and Persian gum (PG), supplemented with betanin nanoliposomes (NLPs). Using response surface methodology (central composite design), we investigated the effects of two variables (PG [0–2% w/v] and betanin NLPs’ [0–10% w/v] content) on the physico-mechanical and antioxidant properties of the film treatments. Afterward, the optimal treatment was evaluated for structural and antimicrobial characteristics. The film samples' permeability to water vapor decreased with the addition of NLP (from 7.38 to 5.46 g/Pa.s.m) but increased with PG incorporation; decreased solubility was observed when either substance was added. Mechanical properties like Young’s modulus and tensile strength were weakened by PG addition, but the incorporation of NLPs led to pronounced tensile strength. XRD analysis revealed improved crystallinity through NLPs’ addition. The presence of NLPs in the nanocomposite film resulted in an elevated level of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while the addition of both PG and betanin NLPs led to improved antioxidative activity (63.45%). Considering the results, PG/WPI films loaded with betanin NLPs could be introduced in active packaging applications for the shelf life extension of perishable food products.

Abstract: Biogenic amines (BAs) are compounds deemed to be foodstuff contaminants and are the cause of poisoning or allergy. The main BAs found in foods include histamine, tyramine, putrescine, cadaverine, spermine and spermidine. The number of poisoning cases related to BAs in food has increased, which is reinforcing the need for BAs detection to ensure food safety. BAs are found in varying quantities in different foods such as fish, fruits, meat, cheese, vegetables, beer, and wine. Currently, different analytical techniques are used for BAs detection, as well as sample treatment methods that allow greater sensitivity, higher analyzing speed and lower detection limits. Moreover, BAs can be precursors of nitrosamines, which have been associated with mutagenic and carcinogenic activity. This review aims to provide a general approach to the different detection techniques of the BAs in foods, their concentrations and treatment methods.

Background: Sabalan (Savalan) Lake is a stable crater lake located at the summit of Sabalan, an inactive stratovolcano and the third highest mountain of Iran. Because of cold weather conditions, the lake is frozen in most months of the year. The biodiversity of microbial flora in this area needs to be explored to find its similarity with the arctic regions’ biodiversity. Objective: The psychrophilic bacterial population of Sabalan (Savalan) Crater Lake was identified. The current research is the first report on aquatic bacterial strains isolation and characterization from Sabalan Lake. Methods: Water sample collections were cultured on four different media, and then colonies were isolated by the plating method. The phylogenetic features of the isolates were scrutinized, and finally, the phenotypic characteristics were investigated using specific culture methods. Results: The results of morphological tests indicated that most isolates were Gram-negative and rod shape, which were able to grow between ˗4 and +37 ºC. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strains belonged to Pseudomonas, Yersinia, Kocuria, and Micrococcus genera, and about 60% of the isolates belonged to the various species of Pseudomonas as a dominant genus with abounded frequency. In addition, several isolates showed 99% similarity with bacteria, which were previously isolated from Antarctic regions such as Pseudomonas antarctica and Micrococcus antarctica. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the microbial populations of cold areas are the same across geographical distances. In addition, these bacterial strains could be a primitive source of new enzymes for technological applications, such as biosurfactant production.

Background Colorectal cancer which is related to genetic and environmental risk factors, is among the most prevalent life-threatening cancers. Although several pathogenic bacteria are associated with colorectal cancer etiology, some others are considered as highly selective therapeutic agents in colorectal cancer. Nowadays, researchers are concentrating on bacteriotherapy as a novel effective therapeutic method with fewer or no side effects to pay the way of cancer therapy. The introduction of advanced and successful strategies in bacterial colorectal cancer therapy could be useful to identify new promising treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients. Main text In this article, we scrutinized the beneficial effects of bacterial therapy in colorectal cancer amelioration focusing on different strategies to use a complete bacterial cell or bacterial-related biotherapeutics including toxins, bacteriocins, and other bacterial peptides and proteins. In addition, the utilization of bacteria as carriers for gene delivery or other known active ingredients in colorectal cancer therapy are reviewed and ultimately, the molecular mechanisms targeted by the bacterial treatment in the colorectal cancer tumors are detailed. Conclusions Application of the bacterial instrument in cancer treatment is on its way through becoming a promising method of colorectal cancer targeted therapy with numerous successful studies and may someday be a practical strategy for cancer treatment, particularly colorectal cancer.

Background In the near future, sensitive, rapid and economical detection of food allergens will remain a hardship to the health promotion of the community. Biogenic Amines (BAs) are a type of food allergens, and due to the trace level and complexity of BAs, improvement of professional and cost-effective detection techniques has become particularly demanding. Since vegetables, canned and fresh fish, beverages, and fermented foods have high concentrations of BAs and are mainly consumed, the advancement of specific and finely tuned methods for quick diagnosis of BAs are exceedingly urgent. Scope and approach In this review, enzyme-based biosensors for BAs detection in foods with different transducers such as chemiluminescent, surface-enhanced raman scattering biosensors electrochemical, and fluorescence biosensors are presented. Nanozymes-based detection of BAs in foods are also discussed with recent applications. Moreover, the latest advances of BAs detection by enzyme-based biosensors and nanozyme-based methods are further tabulated. Key findings and conclusion Among modern diagnostic techniques, biosensors are economical, simple, and precise instruments for BAs detection. In the future, studying novel biosensors such as multifunctional nanocomposite biosensors will satisfy the demand for the enhancement of food safety and cost-effective nanozyme-based methods for BAs detection.

Background Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been successively applied in different industries such as food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, where a sustainable and “green” extraction is desired. The selectivity, low applied extraction temperatures, and in many cases short processing times, have led to the extensively use of this technique in extracting seed oils. Scope and approach Specifically, in this review we discuss the use of the supercritical fluid extraction technique to extract seed oils. In addition to the health importance of seed oils, different aspects of the use of the SFE technique, including the relevant extraction systems, associated with supercritical CO2 extraction are reviewed. These aspects of SFE includes the mechanisms of extraction, the parameters used for extraction, the use of response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the process, as well as the application of semi-empirical models to describe the thermodynamics and mass transfer processes associated with the supercritical extraction of seed oils. Key findings and conclusions SFE is capable of extracting seed oils in high efficiency within a short time and at a low cost, using modeling and optimization methods suggested in recent years. Also, there is a recent trend towards the combination of SFE with other extraction methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction as a synergistic step to facilitate the extraction process.

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Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoliposomes containing crocin and nisin in milk samples as a food model. Therefore, three formulations were prepared and compared, including (1) milk samples containing free nisin and crocin, (2) samples with nanoliposomes containing nisin and crocin, and (3) nisin and crocin-loaded nanoliposomes coated with chitosan. Methods: In order to find the optimum amount of both bioactives within nanoliposomes, analyses of size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were accomplished. Then, the best formulated nanoliposome was evaluated and compared with a solution containing free bioactives and nanoliposomes coated with chitosan using other experiments, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities, viscosity, colorimetric and bacterial growth. Results: The best nanoliposomal system based on the factors of size, PDI, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency was related for the nanocarrier with 4 mg crocin, 4.5 mg nisin, and 40 mg lecithin. Based on the results obtained, both nanoliposome (a*=5.41) and chitosan-coated nanoliposome (a*=5.09) solutions could significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the redness of milk induced by free bioactives (a*=12.32). However, viscosity of milk in chitosan-coated nanoliposome solution was found to be higher (3.42 cP) than other formulations (viscosity of samples with free bioactives was 1.65 cP and viscosity of samples containing nanoliposome was 1.71 cP). In addition, chitosan-coated nanoliposomes could inhibit the growth of listeria monocytogenes stronger than other samples. On the other hand, milk samples with nanoliposomes without chitosan coating demonstrated significantly higher inhibition activity compared to the sample containing free bioactives during 14 days of storage, and the average bacterial counts on the last day of preserving were 12.3, 9.7, and 7.5 log CFU/mL for samples containing free bioactives, nanoliposomes, and nanoliposomes coated with chitosan, respectively. Conclusion: Encapsulation of nisin and crocin in nanoliposomes showed promising results for preserving food safety and quality.

Abstract Lighvan cheese (Lighvan panir) is among the most famous traditional cheese in Iran for its desired aroma and flavor. Undoubtedly, the lactic acid bacteria especially the genus Lactobacillus are the critical factors in developing the aroma, flavor, and texture in Lighvan cheese. In this study, the Lactobacillus population of the main Lighvan cheese was investigated. The Lactobacillus of the main Lighvan cheese was isolated using specific culture methods according to previously published Guidelines. Then, the phylogenetic features were investigated and the phenotypic characteristics were examined using specific culture methods. Twenty-eight Gram-positive bacterial species were identified belonged to the genus Lactobacillus. According to the same sequences as each other, three groups (A, B, and C) of isolates were categorized with a high degree of similarity to L. fermentum (100%) and L. casei group (L. casei, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus) (99.0 to 100%). Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprint analysis manifested the presence of three clusters that were dominant in traditional Lighvan cheese. Cluster І was divided into 4 sub-clusters. By the result of carbohydrate fermentation pattern and 16S rRNA sequencing, isolates were identified as L. rhamnosus. The isolates in clusters II and III represented L. paracasei and L. fermentum, respectively as they were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and fermented carbohydrate patterns. Our result indicated that the specific aroma and flavor of traditional Lighvan cheese can be related to its Lactobacillus population including L. fermentum, L. casei, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus. Graphical abstract

Synthetic coloring agents have been broadly utilized in several industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and textile. Recent surveys on the potential of teratogenicity and carcinogenicity of synthetic dyes have expressed concerns regarding their use in foods. Worldwide, food industries have need for safe, natural and new colorings to add variety to foods and make them appealing to consumers. Natural colorings not only expand the marketability of the food product, but also add further healthful features such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and antiviral properties. Novel microbial strains should be explored to meet the increasing global search of natural pigments and suitable techniques must be developed for the marketable production of new pigments, using microbial cultures, viz., fungi, and bacteria. To address the issue of the natural coloring agents, this review presents the recent trends in several studies of microbial pigments, their biological properties and industrial applications.

Cancer is a serious debilitating disease and one of the most common causes of death. In recent decades the high risk of various cancers enforced scientists to discover novel prevention and treatment methods to diminish the mortality of this terrifying disease. Accordingly, its prevention can be possible in near future. Based on epidemiological evidence, there is a clear link between pathogenic fungal infections and cancer development. This association is often seen in people with weakened immune systems such as the elderly and people with acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS). Carcinoma in these people is first seen chronically and then acutely. Although the different genetic and environmental risk factors are involved in carcinogenesis, one of the most important risk factors is fungal species and infections associating with cancers etiology. Now it is known that microbial infection is responsible for initiating 2.2 million new cancer cases. In this way, many recent studies have focused on investigating the role and mechanism of fungal infections in diverse cancers occurrence. This review provides a comprehensive framework of the latest clinical findings and the association of fungal infections with versatile cancers including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, lung, cervical, skin, and ovarian cancer.

The aim of the present study was to design a delivery system of curcumin (CU) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CU-CSLNs) for evaluating the antimicrobial properties in hamburger patty. Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) was prepared through a homogenizing technique. A response surface methodology was applied to optimize the CU-CSLNs to minimize the particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), as well as to maximize the zeta potential to avoid aggregation of particles. The optimized sample revealed a spherical morphology under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) with particle sizes of 126.87 ± 0.94 nm and 0.21 ± 0.025 PDI. The zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency (EE %) were found to be -30 ± 0.3 mV and 99.96 ± 0.01%, respectively. The CSLNs exhibited higher in vitro antimicrobial effect (142 µg·ml-1 ) against Staphylococcus aureus and generic Escherichia coli as compared to free CU (1000 µg·ml-1 ). Finally, the CSLNs antimicrobial effect was tested in hamburger patty inoculated with foodborne pathogens during eight days of storage at 4 °C. The results indicated that CSLNs had a higher antimicrobial effect than free CU. This study provides insight into the preparation of the novel antimicrobial nanoparticles for food safety applications.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy cancer, and its mortality rates have been increasing worldwide. Diagnosis of this cancer is complicated, as it does not often present symptoms, and most patients present an irremediable tumor having a 5-year survival rate after diagnosis. Regarding treatment, many concerns have also been raised, as most tumors are found at advanced stages. At present, anticancer compounds-rich foods have been utilized to control PC. Among such bioactive molecules, flavonoid compounds have shown excellent anticancer abilities, such as quercetin, which has been used as an adjunctive or alternative drug to PC treatment by inhibitory or stimulatory biological mechanisms including autophagy, apoptosis, cell growth reduction or inhibition, EMT, oxidative stress, and enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapy agents. The recognition that this natural product has beneficial effects on cancer treatment has boosted the researchers’ interest towards more extensive studies to use herbal medicine for anticancer purposes. In addition, due to the expensive cost and high rate of side effects of anticancer drugs, attempts have been made to use quercetin but also other flavonoids for preventing and treating PC. Based on related studies, it has been found that the quercetin compound has significant effect on cancerous cell lines as well as animal models. Therefore, it can be used as a supplementary drug to treat a variety of cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. This review is aimed at discussing the therapeutic effects of quercetin by targeting the molecular signaling pathway and identifying antigrowth, cell proliferation, antioxidative stress, EMT, induction of apoptotic, and autophagic features.

Background Recent seroepidemiological studies have suggested that tularemia could be an endemic bacterial zoonosis in Iran. Methods From January 2016 to June 2018, disease cases characterized by fever, cervical lymphadenopathy and ocular involvement were reported in Youzband Village of Kaleybar County, in the East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran. Diagnostic tests included Francisella tularensis serology (including tube agglutination test and ELISA), PCR, and culture. Results Among 11 examined case-patients, the tularemia tube agglutination test was positive in ten and borderline in one. PCR detected the F. tularensisISFtu2 elements and fopA gene in one rodent and a spring water sample from the same geographic area. Conclusions Based on the clinical manifestations of the disease suggesting an oropharyngeal form of tularemia, serology results in case patients, and F. tularensis detection in the local fauna and aquatic environment, the water supply of the village was the likely source of the tularemia outbreak. Intervention such as dredging and chlorination of the main water storage tank of the village and training of villagers and health care workers in preventive measures and treatment of the illness helped control the infection.

Tularemia is a zoonotic disease that transmitted to humans and domestic animals by wildlife, especially rodents. There are some evidences of the circulation of F. tularensis in rodents, livestock, human populations, and surface waters in western parts of Iran. In this study, we investigated the exposure of livestock and ranchers to F. tularensis in the endemic regions of western Iran. Blood samples were collected from 289 sheep, 103 cattle, and 51 ranchers in 2018. Animal sera were tested by standard tube agglutination method. The specific IgGs against F. tularensis were evaluated by ELISA in human sera. Moreover, the extracted DNAs from 50 sheep spleen samples were evaluated using TaqMan real-time PCR for the presence of ISFtu2 and FopA genes. All animal sera and spleen samples were negative for tularemia. Of the 51 human samples, two samples were seropositive and one sample showed a borderline status for tularemia. Serologic evidence of F. tularensis in the ranchers but negative results in the livestock indicates different transmission routes in human populations and domestic animals in western Iran. Therefore, drinking contaminated water, contact to wildlife or rodents and arthropod bite should be considered as probable routes in the suspicious areas.

Francisella tularensis could be disseminated through arthropod bites and exposure to infected animals, water, and aerosols. Water sources that are contaminated with rodent excrement could be a source of contamination; therefore, an analysis of water samples is an appropriate method to investigate the routes of dissemination. Since an outbreak occurred in one of the villages in East Azerbaijan. The current study aimed to investigate the Francisella isolation in the different water samples from East Azerbaijan, Iran. Sampling was carried out in East Azerbaijan province. Forty-six specimens of surface water were collected. Filtration, culture, and inoculation of the water sample into NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute) inbreed mice were performed. DNA was extracted from filtered water samples, different organs of inoculated mice, and bacterial isolates and was tested by TaqMan real-time PCR by targeting ISFtu2 and fopA genes. Despite the unsuccessfulness in isolation of F. tularensis, molecular test results indicate the presence of bacteria in surface water. The highest rate of F. tularensis (ten from 46 water samples, 21.7%) was detected from injected mice based on molecular methods. Despite the high efforts of researchers to isolate Francisella spp. in Iran, in recent years, and also the evidence that shows the presence of this bacterium in different parts of the country, the culture was not successful again in this study and the molecular method still is recommended to identify the possible sources of Francisella spp.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer in human beings and is also the major cause of death among the other gastrointestinal cancers. The exact mechanisms of CRC development in most patients remains unclear. So far, several genetically, environmental and epigenetically risk factors have been identified for CRC development. The circadian rhythm is a 24-h rhythm that drives several biologic processes. The circadian system is guided by a central pacemaker which is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus. Circadian rhythm is regulated by circadian clock genes, cytokines and hormones like melatonin. Disruptions in biological rhythms are known to be strongly associated with several diseases, including cancer. The role of the different circadian genes has been verified in various cancers, however, the pathways of different circadian genes in the pathogenesis of CRC are less investigated. Identification of the details of the pathways in CRC helps researchers to explore new therapies for the malignancy.

Psychrotrophs or psychrophiles are extremophilic microorganisms that have the maximum temperature above 20 °C for growth. Since around 70% of the earth's biosphere temperature is below 5 °C, psychrotrophs could be found in diversity of species. These bacteria are source of enzymes, mainly including proteases used in different food industries where main reactions should be proceeded in low temperatures to save the aroma and flavor of food materials and bioactivity of valuable food ingredients such as bioactive peptides. Proteases are among the major groups of industrial enzymes accounting for 60% of the total global trade of enzymes. In this review, at first, we describe the biology, classification and physiological functions of different proteases obtained from psychrotrophic bacteria. Then, we present the various methods to produce and purify these enzymes from the bacteria. Moreover, we discuss several applications of the proteases to produce bioactive peptides from versatile protein sources. A comprehensive introduction to different types of proteases and their production and purification methods could help researchers identify novel proteases with improved properties, considering that their total market is significantly growing every year.

Background The etiologic agent of tularemia, Francisella tularensis, is transmitted to humans via ingestion of contaminated water or food, arthropods bite, respiratory aerosols, or direct contact with infected animals body fluids or tissues. In the current study, due to the importance of water in transmitting the disease and the report of the disease in different regions of Iran, surface water of Kurdistan province were evaluated for the presence of F.tularensis. Materials and Methods Sampling was carried out in five-counties of Kurdistan province. Sixty-six specimens of surface water were collected. The detection was carried out by targeting ISFtu2 and fopA genes using TaqMan real-time PCR. Moreover, the samples were both cultured and inoculated into NMRI inbreed mice. Spleens of inoculated mice and bacterial isolates were tested by TaqMan real-time PCR. Results Despite the lack of isolation of F. tularensis, the results of the molecular testing indicate the presence of bacteria in surface water. Molecular positivity of one sample (1.51%) was confirmed using a real-time PCR for both ISFtu2 and fopA genes. Moreover, 4.54% of the samples were positive for ISFtu2. Conclusion Since the in vitro isolation of bacteria from environmental samples is associated with a very low success rate and depends on various environmental parameters, the use of molecular techniques for monitoring of the bacteria in the contaminated areas is fully recommended.

To investigate post-crash time management by police.The retrospective study comprised data related to all road traffic crashes from March 2009 to March 2010 in Sistan and Baluchistan province of Iran. Data was retrieved from the standard national form designed for road traffic crashes completed by police officers present at the scene. SPSS 15 was used for statistical analysis.The median time for police to be informed in the total 2442 accidents was 10 minutes and the police response time was 15-20 minutes for non-fatal cases, while the corresponding duration for fatal cases was 15 minutes and 30 minutes (p0.001). Police arrival was not dependent on road condition (p=0.178).Police arrival at the crash scene was beyond the average response time by Emergency Medical Services in Iran. It is vital to provide quicker ways of informing the police and to have more police stations along the highways.