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Rice milling by-products extract and Persian grape syrup (Persian grape molasses), as the proper alternatives for milk ingredients and sucrose, respectively, can be considered a promising way to produce functional milk analogs. In this study, we studied the production of rice milling by-product extracts via the subcritical water extraction method, as a green method. The optimum extract was then fermented by Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum, and the different physicochemical, sensory, and rheological properties and the viability of these lactic acid bacteria were assessed during fermentation and certain intervals of 28-day storage. Considering rheological properties, the optimum rice milling by-product extract was recognized based on DOE analysis and the rheological curves of fermented drinks and Persian grape molasses were fitted by Herschel–Bulkley and Bingham models, respectively. The extract and also milk analog had excellent fitness with Herschel–Bulkley model, and this fermented milk analog showed a drop in the consistency index, flow behavior, and yield stress during the 28-day storage. According to the results, the viable cell count of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei remained at 106–108 colony forming unit/mL after 28-day storage, which showed a combination of rice milling by-product ingredients and inulin had a positive effect on the survival rate of lactic acid bacteria. An increase in values of total phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant activity observed during fermentation; however, these compounds dropped considerably during storage as a result of degradation and interaction with other compounds. Moreover, in terms of sensory evaluation, Lactobacillus plantarum drinks provided the highest overall acceptability among other samples on the 28th day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, for the first time, walnut bloom (WB) powder was used as a natural and economic sorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. This new biosorbent was characterized using the following techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), COHNS, BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. MB removal efficiency and its adsorption onto WB powder were tested in a batch system by varying parameters such as initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, and dosage of biosorbent in which the removal percentages of ~92% was achieved under the optimum conditions. Equilibrium data and adsorption isotherms fit well with the Langmuir model ([R.sup.2] - 0.999, 0 < [R.sub.L] < 1) with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 46 mg [g.sup.-1]. The chemical kinetics of MB adsorption followed the pseudo second-order model. Also, the magnitude of thermodynamic functions identified the removal of MB. [DELTA]Ho of-7.32 kJ [mol.sup.-1] and [DELTA]So of-4.32 kJ [mol.sup.-1] indicated the spontaneity, exothermicity, and favorability of the adsorption process at room temperature. Key words: methylene blue, removal, walnut bloom powder. Dans le cadre de la presente etude, nous avons ete les premiers a utiliser la poudre de fleurs de noyer (FN) comme sorbant naturel et economique pour l'elimination du bleu de methylene (BM) d'une solution aqueuse. Nous avons caracterise ce nouveau biosorbant a l'aide des techniques suivantes: microscopie electronique a balayage (MEB), diffraction des rayons X (DRX), analyses par la methode de Cohns et la methode de Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) et spectroscopie infrarouge a transformed de Fourier (FTIR). Nous avons evalue l'efficacite de l'elimination du BM et son adsorption sur la poudre de FN dans un systeme de traitement par lots en faisant varier les parametres tels que la concentration initiale du colorant, le temps de contact, le pH, la temperature et la quantite du biosorbant, avec lequel des pourcentages d'elimination d'environ 92 % ont ete atteints en conditions optimales. Les donnees d'equilibre et les isothermes d'adsorption concordaient bien avec le modele de Langmuir ([R.sup.2] - 0,999; 0 < [R.sub.L] < 1), pour une capacite maximale d'adsorption monocouche de 46 mg*[g.sup.-1]. La cinetique de l'adsorption chimique du BM suit le modele de pseudo-second ordre. De plus, l'ordre de grandeur des fonctions thermodynamiques Concorde avec l'elimination du BM. Le [DELTA]?o de -7,32 kJ [mol.sup.-1] et le [DELTA]So de 4,32 kJ [mol.sup.-1] indiquent un processus d'adsorption spontane, exothermique et favorable a temperature ambiante. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: bleu de methylene, elimination, poudre de fleurs noyer., Introduction 3,7-Bis(Dimethylamino)-phenothiazine-5-ium chloride or methylene blue (MB) is a heterocyclic aromatic compound that is widely used in a range of different fields, especially in the textile industry. (1) As most [...]

The quality of life is negatively impacted by chronic wounds for more than 25 million people in the US. They are quite prone to infection, which may lead to the eventual loss of a limb. By exposing the ulcers to treatment agents at the appropriate time, the healing rate is increased. On‐demand drug release in a closed‐loop system will aid us in reaching our goal. In this study, we have developed a platform capable of real‐time diagnosis of bacterial infection by wirelessly reading wound pH, as well as slow and on‐demand local administration of antibiotics. The drug carrier microparticles, an electrical patch, a thermoresponsive hydrogel with an integrated microheater, and a flexible pH sensor comprised the closed‐loop patch. Here it is reported that slow and smart release of cefazolin can be addressed by incorporation of drug encapsulated hydrophobic microparticles embedded into a thermo‐responsive hydrogel. The utilization of a programmable bandage to provide antibiotic medication highlights the need of not only choosing appropriate therapeutic substances but also the controlled release of the medicine and its rate of release within the wound area. The results of our study indicate that the use of cefazolin encapsulated polycaprolactone (PCL) microparticles can effectively regulate the application of antibiotic treatment for chronic skin wounds. The results also showed a substantial gradual release of cefazolin from the thermo‐responsive Pnipam hydrogel when the wound dressing was subjected to a temperature of 37°C. We believe that the developed flexible smart bandage can have a significant impact on chronic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Halal-friendly healthcare services have emerged as an important sector of the overall healthcare service delivery system. This study aimed to examine levels and determinants of expectations on halal-friendly healthcare services from the Muslim medical tourists' perspective. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four cities, seventeen hospitals, across Iran, with a sample of 365 international Muslim medical tourists. Results: Mean expectation score of the respondents was 3.95 ± 1.43. Being in the 25–34 age group (aOR = 2.65; CI 95%: 2.14–3.16), being married (aOR = 2.09; CI 95%: 1.46–2.72), having completed secondary education (aOR = 2.14; CI 95%: 1.26–3.02), belonging to a high-income socioeconomic background (aOR = 1.69; CI 95%: 1.06–2.33), coming from Iraq (aOR = 3.08; CI 95%: 2.12–4.04), being Shia (aOR = 2.83; CI 95%: 2.00–3.67), receiving information by recommendation as a source for travel decision (aOR = 3.02; CI 95%: 1.82–4.22), traveling with family or relatives (aOR=2.16; CI 95%: 1.42–2.90), receiving medical service of cosmetic surgery (aOR = 1.57; CI 95%: 1.22–1.92) and cardiovascular therapy (aOR = 2.33; CI 95%: 1.23–3.43), and traveling one or two times in the past (aOR = 2.33; CI 95%: 1.00–3.66) significantly increased the expectations on halal-friendly healthcare services. Conclusion: This study will represent an important contribution to the literature concerned with the levels and drivers of expectations on halal-friendly healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a basic nutrients and very effective antioxidant that acts as a natural preservative in fruits (such as Cucumis sativus). Aiming to maintain bioactive compounds (especially inhibition the dehydroascorbic acid formation) and preventing the spoilage development, the effect of edible coating types (I: control, II: Shiraz gum & III: Shiraz gum containing 1000 ppm Mentha piperita L. essential oil) and storage times (1, 8 and 16 days) on the auto-oxidation kinetics of vitamin C and its inhibitory role on inhibition of bacterial/fungal growth of Cucumis sativus at +4 °C, was evaluated. The results indicated that the variation rate of Cucumis sativus vitamin C degradation during storage period follows the zero-order kinetic reaction (the highest R²/P(%) ratio). The lowest growth rate of mesophilic bacteria (6.95), mold (3.21) and yeast (6.04) of Cucumis sativus in (log10 CFU/g) observed after 16 days of storage in sample (III) that corresponding to the lowest rate of vitamin C degradation. The half-time values (t1/2) of vitamin C degradation rate showed that, the best shelf-life of Cucumis sativus (in the studied conditions) was ~10 days, aiming to maintain the most nutritional properties. Generally, the findings of present research can be useful for monitoring the shelf life of Cucumis sativus kept in cold stowage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary antioxidants including phenolic compounds are believed to be effective nutrients in the prevention of oxidative stress related disease. Pomegranate has been used for centuries in ancient cultures for its medicinal purpose and is widely acknowledged for antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to assess the effect of pomegranate fresh fruit consumption on the plasma antioxidant capacity. Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Volunteers were randomly divided into three groups (pomegranate, vitamin E and water consumption). Blood samples were collected, after at least 12 hours overnight fast, the day before beginning supplementation period and the day after supplementation had finished. Total antioxidant capacity measurement by FRAP method and clinical laboratory test were performed for all volunteers in two selected times. The obtained data revealed that consumption of 100 grams pomegranate and vitamin E per day for ten days resulted in a significant rise (14.05%, 8.28%) plasma antioxidant capacity respectively, but this difference was not significant for water group.

Background: Subcritical water extraction (SWE) is a friendly technique applied to produce rice by-product extract. The aim of this study is using SWE as a new friendly extraction method for producing protein isolates (PI) of rice bran and rice combination as a byproduct of Iranian agriculture product. Methods: D-optimal combined design was used to optimize bran rice ratio, solid/water ratio, extraction time, and particle size to obtain maximum protein. Bran (8-12%) and rice ratio (88-92%) solid water (0.04 -0.12%), time (15-45 min), and particle sizes (420 μm and 710 μm) were selected as independent variables, and protein as dependent variable. After optimization, the effects of extraction parameters on functional properties were investigated. Results: Increasing bran/rice ratio has a significant effect on the protein extraction. In this study, the optimum SWE conditions were solid water (0.12), bran rice ratio (8:92), time (45 min), particle size (420 μm), and the optimum SWE temperature was obtained at 120 C°. SWE also could significantly enhance functional properties, such as the solubility, emulsifying activity index (EAI), and degree of hydrolysis of by-product of rice milling (BRM) PI. Conclusion: According to the positive impact of SWE on protein extraction and the functional properties of BRM PI, this method could be applied as a novel extraction technique to modify the properties of rice protein isolate for functional purposes in the future. However, more investigation is required to study the quantity and quality of the extracted valuable materials to scale it up for industrial means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]