Diabetes mellitus can damage the eyes,kidneys,nerves and heart.Microvascular and macrovascular disorders are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients.Hyperglycemia can increase the indicators...Diabetes mellitus can damage the eyes,kidneys,nerves and heart.Microvascular and macrovascular disorders are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients.Hyperglycemia can increase the indicators of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in which free radicals have the main role in the pathogenesis of these complications.Therefore,antioxidants which combat oxidative stress should be able to prevent and repair free radicals induced damages.Although free radicals contribute to kidney damage,atherosclerosis,diabetes,heart disease,nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity; however,clinical trials do not uniquely confirm a substantial impact on diabetic damage.It seems that antioxidants in vegetables,fruits and grains help preventing diabetes complications; however,there is little evidence that taking single antioxidants such as vitamin E or vitamin C protect these complications.The findings about combination antioxidants are also complicated and not entirely clear.In this review paper we tried to present the role of oxidative stress on microvascular complications of type2 diabetes mellitus.Other objective of this paper is to review the new findings about the role of various antioxidants on prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus as well as its complications including retinopathy,nephropathy and neuropathy.展开更多
Objective: It is to determine the causes of invasive fungal sinusitis in patients of Shiraz University hospitals, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 18 months (from 21 March 2009 till 22 Se...Objective: It is to determine the causes of invasive fungal sinusitis in patients of Shiraz University hospitals, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 18 months (from 21 March 2009 till 22 September 2010) in three Shiraz University Hospitals. Thirty-six patients with sings of invasive fungal sinusitis were enrolled, and tissue samples were investigated for histopathology, culture and antifungal susceptibility test. The laboratory results with host factor and sinus computed tomography scan were evaluated for classification of patients as proven, probable and possible invasive fungal sinusitis. Results: Thirty-five patients have involved with at least one risk factor (immune compromised disease, diabetes mellitus, or use of immune suppressed drugs). Radiological findings of parasinus invasion or necrosis were present in 20 patients. By histopathology, 21 patients were considered as proven, from these, 17 samples had positive growth. The culture aetiology agents were 4 Candida, 8 Aspergillus, and 5 Mucor. All positive culture samples were matched with histopathology findings. Significant associations were considered for radiologic finding and histopathology and culture (p 0.05). From 8 patients with mucormycosis histopathology, 6 suffered from diabetes mellitus. None of the antifungal agents were effective on these three types of infections. Conclusion: DM is the most common predisposing factor for IFS followed by ALL and AML. The most common aetiology of IFS was found to be Aspergillus fumigant followed by Mucormycosis and Candida. None of antifungal agents could successfully cover all the species.展开更多
Asian rice comprises two major subspecies:Xian(X)and Geng(G),and the diverged resistance genes(R)have provided a foundation for breeding improved cultivars to control rice blast disease.After conducting two-phase alle...Asian rice comprises two major subspecies:Xian(X)and Geng(G),and the diverged resistance genes(R)have provided a foundation for breeding improved cultivars to control rice blast disease.After conducting two-phase allele mining using six updated FNP marker systems,the functional haplotypes at Pit,Pib,and Pi63 strictly diverged into the X-populations and were defined as X-R loci,while those at Pi54,Pi37,and Pi36 into the G-populations as G-R loci.The genic diversity at the three X-R loci(16 alleles)was twofold higher than that at the three G-R loci(8 alleles),and the allelic diversity in the Southern region(21 alleles)was nearly double that in the Northeastern region(11 alleles).Both observations reflect a significant difference in genetic diversity between X-and G-populations,and indicate that the effective R-genes mainly originated from X-subspecies.Based on the allelic structures characterized by a set of 10 parameters,8 and 16 alleles were respectively recognized as favorable and promising ones for the regional breeding programs.The genotypic structures of the two regional populations were almost different,indicating that the diverged alleles have been further assembled into two series of regional genotypes through long-term breeding programs,despite the presence of one-third of region-common alleles.The genotypic diversity in the Southern region(55 genotypes)was nearly twice as high as that in the Northeastern region(28),which perfectly reflects the aforementioned differences in both genic and allelic diversities.After analyzing the genotypic structures using a set of 13 parameters,4 and 23 genotypes,respectively,can be recommended as the favorable and promising ones for the regional breeding programs.The case study serves as a concrete sample of how to identify the favorable and promising alleles and genotypes,and beneficial parents based their comprehensive population structures for gene-designed breeding.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance and biofilm production capabilities of clinical Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)isolates in this study.Methods:A.baumannii isolates were collected from...Objective:To investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance and biofilm production capabilities of clinical Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)isolates in this study.Methods:A.baumannii isolates were collected from Tehran Imam Khomeini Hospital in this cross-sectional study,and the minimum inhibitory concentrations for 16 antibiotics were determined using Vitek2®systems.All isolates were analyzed for biofilm production,then presence of biofilm-associated genes,and class Ⅰ and Ⅱ integron genes.Results:60 non-replicate A.baumannii isolates were included in this study.The resistance rates reached 100%for aztreonam,cefepime,ceftazidime,ciprofloxacin,piperacillin-tazobactam,piperacillin,ticarcillin,and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.A.baumannii isolates were most sensitive to colistin and rifampicin being the most effective treatments.Multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant isolates accounted for 83.3%and 16.7%,respectively.Of the isolates,91.6%formed biofilms,categorized as 10%strong,31.6%moderate,and 50%weak.No correlation was found between antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation.The genes csuE,abaI,and ompA were prevalent,but their distribution was similar across biofilm categories.A relationship between Int1 and biofilm production was noted.Conclusions:The high rates of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation,alongside the presence of integrons including class Ⅰ and Ⅱ,underscore the necessity for ongoing monitoring of A.baumannii.Notably,classⅠintegron presence was significantly linked to biofilm formation.Further research is needed to explore the connection between antibiotic resistance and biofilm production in A.baumannii.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is a model organism for understanding host-pathogen interactions and infection-mediated carcinogenesis. Gastric cancer and H. pylori colonization indicates the strong correlation. The pr...Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is a model organism for understanding host-pathogen interactions and infection-mediated carcinogenesis. Gastric cancer and H. pylori colonization indicates the strong correlation. The progression and exacerbation of H. pylori infection are influenced by some factors of pathogen and host. Several virulence factors involved in the proper adherence and attenuation of immune defense to contribute the risk of emerging gastric cancer, therefore analysis of them is very important. H. pylori also modulates inflammatory and autophagy process to intensify its pathogenicity. From the host regard, different genetic factors particularly affect the development of gastric cancer. Indeed, epigenetic modifications, Micro RNA and long non-coding RNA received more attention. Generally, various factors related to pathogen and host that modulate gastric cancer development in response to H. pylori need more attention due to develop an efficacious therapeutic intervention. Therefore, this paper will present a brief overview of host-pathogen interaction especially emphases on bacterial virulence factors, interruption of host cellular signaling, the role of epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs.展开更多
AIM： To determine the causative agents of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP） in children with liver disease and ascites in our center. METHODS： During a 2.5 year period, from September 2003 to March 2006, 12 ...AIM： To determine the causative agents of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP） in children with liver disease and ascites in our center. METHODS： During a 2.5 year period, from September 2003 to March 2006, 12 patients with 13 episodes of SBP were studied. In all cases at the time of admission serum albumin and glucose, urinalysis and urine culture was performed. Analysis [white blood cell （WBC） count with differential, albumin, glucose], gram stain, culture by BACTEC method and antibiogram was done on ascitic fluids. Abdominal paracentesis was repeated after 48 h of antibiotic therapy for bacteriologic assay. The patients were followed for at least three months in a gastroenterology clinic. RESULTS： There were 7 girls （58%） and 5 boys （42%） with a median age of 5.2 years （range, 6 mo to 16 years）. All cases had positive ascitic fluid culture. Gram stain was positive in 5 （38.5%） of them. The isolated organisms were S. pneumoniae in 5 （38.5%）, E. coli in 2 （15.3%）, S. viridans in 2 （15.3%）, and K. pneumoniae, H. influenza, Enterococci, and nontypable Streptococcus each in one （7.7%）. All of them except Enterococci were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. All ascitic fluid cultures were negative after 48 h of antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION： S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of SBP in the pediatric age group and we recommend a third generation cephalosporine （e.g., Ceftriaxlone or Cefotaxime） for empirical therapy in children with SBP.展开更多
Objective:To determine lactic acid bacteria's capability to enhance the process of binding and isolating aflatoxin B1 and to utilize such lactic acid bacteria as a food supplement or probiotic products for prevent...Objective:To determine lactic acid bacteria's capability to enhance the process of binding and isolating aflatoxin B1 and to utilize such lactic acid bacteria as a food supplement or probiotic products for preventing absorption of aflatoxin Bl in human and animal bodies.Methods:In the present research,the bacteria were isolated from five different sources.For surveying the capability of the bacteria in isolating aflatoxin Bl,ELISA method was implemented,and for identifying the resultant strains through 16S rRNA sequencing method,universal primers were applied.Results:Among the strains which were isolated,two strains of Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus beveris exhibited the capability of absorbing and isolating aflatoxin Bl by respectively absorbing and discharging 17.4%and 34.7%of the aforementioned toxin existing in the experiment solution.Conclusions:Strains of Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus beveris were isolated from human feces and local milk samples,respectively.And both strains has the ability to isolate or bind with aflatoxin Bl.展开更多
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS).After over 26 years of efforts,there is still not a therapeutic cure or an effective vaccine agai...Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS).After over 26 years of efforts,there is still not a therapeutic cure or an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS.The clinical management of HIV-1 infected people largely relies on antiretroviral therapy (ART).Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has provided an effective way to treat AIDS patients,the huge burden of ART in developing countries,together with the increasing incidence of drug resistant viruses among treated people,calls for continuous efforts for the development of anti-HIV-1 drugs.Currently,four classes of over 30 licensed antiretrovirals (ARVs) and combination regimens of these ARVs are in use clinically including:reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) (e.g.nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,NRTIs;and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,NNRTIs),protease inhibitors (PIs),integrase inhibitors and entry inhibitors (e.g.fusion inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists).Here,we intend to provide updated information of currently available antiretroviral drugs for ART to promote the development of novel anti-HIV-1 drugs.展开更多
AIM: To study the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram-negative healthcare associated bacterial infections at two tertiary hospitals in the Sanandaj city, Kurdistan Province, Iran.METHODS: From January 2012 to D...AIM: To study the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram-negative healthcare associated bacterial infections at two tertiary hospitals in the Sanandaj city, Kurdistan Province, Iran.METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2012, all positive cultures from potentially sterile body fluids were gathered. They sent to professor Alborzi clinical microbiology center in Shiraz for further analysis and susceptibility testing. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method(disk diffusiontechnique). The Results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines against a series of antimicrobials. World Health Organization definitions for Healthcare associated infections were followed.RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty-two positive cultures were reported from both hospitals. Seventynine isolates/patients fulfilled the study criteria for healthcare associated gram-negative infections. The most frequent bacterial cultures were from the pediatric wards(52%). Serratia marcescens(S. marcescens)(38%) Escherichia coli(E. coli)(19%), Klebsiella pneumoniae(K. pneumoniae)(19%), Acinetobacter baumannii(6%), Enterobacter species(6%), Serratia odorifera(4%) and Pseudomonas species(5%) were the most frequently isolated organisms. The susceptibility pattern of common isolates i.e., S. marcescens, E. coli and K. pneumoniae for commonly used antibiotics were as follows: Ampicillin 3.3%, 6.7%, 20%; gentamicin 73.3%, 73.3%, 46.7%; ceftazidim 80%, 73.3%, 33.3%; cefepim 80%, 86.7%, 46.7%; piperacillin/tazobactam 90%, 66.7%, 86.7%; ciprofloxacin 100%, 73.3%, 86.7%; imipenem 100%, 100%, 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The most effective antibiotics against gram-negative healthcare associated infections are imipenem followed by ciprofloxacin. The resistance rate is high against ampicillin and cephalothin. The high mortality rate(46.1%) associated with S. marcescens is alarming.展开更多
Rising worldwide cancer incidence and resistance to current anti-cancer drugs necessitate the need for new pharmaceutical compounds and drug delivery system. Malfunction of the immune system, particularly in the tumor...Rising worldwide cancer incidence and resistance to current anti-cancer drugs necessitate the need for new pharmaceutical compounds and drug delivery system. Malfunction of the immune system, particularly in the tumor microenvironment, causes tumor growth and enhances tumor progression. Thus, cancer immunotherapy can be an appropriate approach to provoke the systemic immune system to combat tumor expansion. Texosomesj which are endogenous nanovesicles released by all tumor cells, contribute to cell-cell communication and modify the phenotypic features of recipient cells due to the texosomes＇ ability to transport biological components. For this reason, texosome-based delivery system can be a valuable strategy for therapeutic purposes. To improve the pharmaceutical behavior of this system and to facilitate its use in medical applications, biotechnology approaches and mimetic techniques have been utilized. In this review, we present the development history oftexosome-based delivery systems and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the associations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype with HBeAg and anti-HBe status, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV-DNA detection in different groups of HBV-infected patients in sout...AIM: To investigate the associations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype with HBeAg and anti-HBe status, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV-DNA detection in different groups of HBV-infected patients in southwest Iran. METHODS: A total of 89 HBsAg-positive serum samples were collected from the same number of patients. All sera were then investigated to determine HBV DNA and serological markers. For all the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive samples, biochemical, histopathological assays and genotyping were also performed. RESULTS: Genotype D was the only type of HBV foundin different clinical forms of acute and chronic infections. There was a high prevalence of HBeAg-negative HBV- infected patients with chronic hepatitis (52.7%). Out of 55 patients with chronic hepatitis, seven (12.7%) were diagnosed with cirrhosis. A significant association between the presence of anti-HBe antibody and an increase in ALT level, among either HBeAg-negative (P = 0.01) or HBeAg-positive (P = 0.026) patients, was demonstrated. No significant differences were observed between the clinical outcomes of HBeAg-positive and -negative individuals (P = 0.24). CONCLUSION: Genotype D has been recognized as the only type of HBV found in different clinical forms of HBV infections, including cirrhosis, among the residents of southwest Iran. Anti-HBe possibly plays a role in disease progression in some patients with chronic hepatitis, at least for a period of disease.展开更多
Acidithiobacillus caldus is one of the dominant sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in bioleaching reactors. It plays the essential role in maintaining the high acidity and oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds during...Acidithiobacillus caldus is one of the dominant sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in bioleaching reactors. It plays the essential role in maintaining the high acidity and oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds during bioleaching process. In this report, the complete genome sequence of A. caldus SM-1 is presented. The genome is composed of one chromosome （2,932,225 bp） and four plasmids （pLAtcl, pLAtc2, pLAtc3, pLAtcm） and it is rich in repetitive sequences （accounting for 11% of the total genome）, which are often associated with transposable genetic elements. In particular, twelve copies of ISAtfe and thirty-seven copies of ISAtcl have been identified, suggesting that they are active transposons in the genome. A. caldus SM-1 encodes all enzymes for the central metabolism and the assimilation of carbon compounds, among which 29 proteins/enzymes were identifiable with proteomic tools. The SM-1 fixes CO2 via the classical Calvin-Bassham--Benson （CBB） cycle, and can operate complete Embden-Meyerhof pathway （EMP）, pentose phosphate pathway （PPP）, and gluconeogenesis. It has an incomplete tricarboxylic acid cycle （TCA）. Four putative transporters involved in carbohydrate uptake were identified. Taken together, the results suggested that SM-1 was able to assimilate carbohydrates and this was subsequently confirmed experimentally because addition of 1% glucose or sucrose in basic salt medium significantly increased the growth of SM-1. It was concluded that the complete genome of SM-1 provided fundamental data for further investigation of its physiology and genetics, in addition to the carbon metabolism revealed in this study.展开更多
Objective:To study virulence and regulatory genes(hlyA,ctxB,tcpI) in clinical strains of Vibrio ckolerae(V.cholerae),simultaneously.Methods:Three important genes,tepI,hlyA and ctxB were used for detection of toxigenic...Objective:To study virulence and regulatory genes(hlyA,ctxB,tcpI) in clinical strains of Vibrio ckolerae(V.cholerae),simultaneously.Methods:Three important genes,tepI,hlyA and ctxB were used for detection of toxigenic and pathogenic V.cholera by chain reaction assay method. Results:According to the results of the PCR,the incidence of hlyA,tcpI,and ctxB genes in clinical isolates was obtained as 94.7%(72 sample),90.8%(69 sample),and 92.1%(70 sample), respectively.Five strains possessed all genes except ctxB,six strains possessed all genes except tcpI,four strains possessed all genes except hlyA,one strain possessed only hlyA and 60 strains contained a combination of three genes.Including hlyA,ctxB and tcpI,Conclusions:Result show that this method could be reliable to detect toxigenic-pathogenic strains of V.cholerae in Iran.展开更多
In this study, large-scale production of microalgal lipid containing high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by fermentation of Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101 was performed. The microalgal strain yielded productivity o...In this study, large-scale production of microalgal lipid containing high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by fermentation of Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101 was performed. The microalgal strain yielded productivity of docosahex-aenoic acid (DHA) productivity of 1.08 and 1.6 g/L/d by fermentation at 300-L and 5000-L scale stirrer-type bioreactor. The productivity was significantly enhanced upto 5.6 g/L/d by fermentation at 6000-L scale airlift-type bioreactor, probably due to the reduced shearing force. The microalgal lipid could be efficiently recovered by safe extraction methods such as ethanol extraction, hot water extraction or supercritical fluid extraction, promising commercial potential of the microalgal DHA-rich lipid in the food and feed industry.展开更多
Zika virus(ZIKV) causes rash, moderate fever, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia, and has serious connection with neurological complications;therefore, it is a major threat to public health. A rapid and supersensitive met...Zika virus(ZIKV) causes rash, moderate fever, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia, and has serious connection with neurological complications;therefore, it is a major threat to public health. A rapid and supersensitive method for detecting anti-ZIKV antibodies in humans and animals is thus urgently required. Here, we report an NS1-based luciferase immunosorbent assay(LISA), developed to detect ZIKV-specific IgG. Fusion proteins including a reporter Nano-luciferase(NLuc) and various fragments of ZIKV NS1 protein were expressed in 293 T cells. LISA was performed using the above cell lysates containing the expressed fusion proteins. Sample panels of humans and animals infected with ZIKV were examined for sensitivity of LISA, relative to those of ZIKV RT-PCR, commercial NS1-based ELISA, and micro-neutralization(MN) assays.Specificity and potential cross-reactivity were also evaluated using various convalescent serum samples derived from patients infected with dengue virus(DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV), and hepatitis C virus(HCV). Results indicated the optimal antigenic domain for anti-ZIKV IgG detection was located within 172–352 amino acids(aa) of ZIKV NS1 protein. NS1-based LISA performs better than commercial ELISA in anti-ZIKV Ig G detection. LISA was shown to be at least fourfold more sensitive than commercial ELISA, and could detect anti-ZIKV Ig G in various animal hosts without the need of species-specific labeled antibody. This novel assay is potentially useful for the rapid and sensitive detection of anti-ZIKV IgG in human and animal samples.展开更多
Dear Editor,Acute flaccid paralysis(AFP)is a complex syndrome often caused by polioviruses.While most countries have eradicated wild polioviruses by vaccination,AFP still remains a health problem in these countries.Mo...Dear Editor,Acute flaccid paralysis(AFP)is a complex syndrome often caused by polioviruses.While most countries have eradicated wild polioviruses by vaccination,AFP still remains a health problem in these countries.Most studies have highlighted non-polio enteroviruses(NPEVs)展开更多
Objective:To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases andtheir aggravating factors are essential in all public health.This study attempts to use geographic information system(GIS)to provide more information about ...Objective:To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases andtheir aggravating factors are essential in all public health.This study attempts to use geographic information system(GIS)to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax.Methods:Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016.Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up,pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern.Results:Most cases were reported in females(57 cases,54.80%),and the lower body limbs were most affected(63 cases,60.57%).The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan,Saqez and Divandareh,with more concentration in the central parts of the province,rather than borderline areas.The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj(57.74%)with a potential susceptible area of 1729.12 km2 and then in Saqez(54.36%)with a potential area of 2422.4 km2.Conclusions:A vast area of Kurdistan Province is high risk for new cases of anthrax.Therefore,it is important to scale up the surveillance system in the province.展开更多
AIM: To study immunogenicity of outer membrane protein F(Opr F) fused with B subunit of LT(LTB), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The Opr F, a major surface exposed outer membrane protein that i...AIM: To study immunogenicity of outer membrane protein F(Opr F) fused with B subunit of LT(LTB), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The Opr F, a major surface exposed outer membrane protein that is antigenically conserved in various strains of P. aeruginosa, is a promising immunogen against P. aeruginosa. In the present study recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB fusion gene was cloned, expressed and purified. BALB/c mice and rabbits were immunized using recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB and challenged at the burn site with P. aeruginosa lethal dose of 104 CFU. The protective efficacy of rabbit anti Opr F Ig G against P. aeruginosa burn infection was investigated by passive immunization. RESULTS: It has been well established that the LTB is a powerful immunomodulator with strong adjuvant activity. LTB as a bacterial adjuvant enhanced immunogenicity of Opr F and anti Opr F Ig G titer in serum was increased. Experimental findings showed significantly higher average survival rate in burned mice immunized with Opr F-LTB than immunized with Opr F or the control group. Rabbits anti Opr F Ig G brought about 75% survival of mice following challenge with P. aeruginosa. Post challenge hepatic and splenic tissues of mice group immunized with Opr F-LTB had significantly lower bacterial load than those immunized with Opr F or the control groups. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that LTBfused Opr F might be a potential candidate protein for a prophylactic measure against P. aeruginosa in burn infection.展开更多
This study aims to develop infant flours fortified with iron and vitamin A, taken from local products such as powder from dried Moringa oleifera leaves and pulps of Parkia biglobosa to improve the nutritional status o...This study aims to develop infant flours fortified with iron and vitamin A, taken from local products such as powder from dried Moringa oleifera leaves and pulps of Parkia biglobosa to improve the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 24 months. Chemical analyses show that, for 100 g of local flours destined for children, there are adequate protein levels (between 7.00 ± 0.44 and 12.69 ± 0.44 g) and fat content (between 7.52 ± 0.35 and 16.26 ± 0.84 g), but that there are low levels of b-carotene and certain micronutrients Zn (0.67 ± 0.01 to 2.51 ± 0.19 mg), Fe (7.11 ± 0.90 to 12.70 ± 0.56 mg), Ca (0.67 ± 0.01 to 2.51 ± 0.19 mg), Mg (6.79 ± 0.19 to 24.99 ± 1.75 mg). Analyses of minerals and vitamins showed that Moringa oleifera leaf-powder (per 100 g) is rich in calcium (1443.90 ± 11.03 mg), magnesium (176.72 ± 0.73 mg), iron (53.75 ± 5.07 mg), zinc (17.58 ± 0.89 mg) and b-carotene (624.40 ± 0.41 μg ER). 100 g of Parkia biglobosa’s pulps is rich in magnesium (73.00 ± 1.14 mg), iron (14.82 ± 2.49 mg), zinc (7.79 ± 0.44 mg) and vitamin C (75.29 ± 0.00 mg). In conclusion, we believe that these two ingredients can be effectively used to fortify local infant flours in vitamin A and iron and contribute to eradicating malnutrition due to micronutrients deficiencies.展开更多
文摘Diabetes mellitus can damage the eyes,kidneys,nerves and heart.Microvascular and macrovascular disorders are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients.Hyperglycemia can increase the indicators of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in which free radicals have the main role in the pathogenesis of these complications.Therefore,antioxidants which combat oxidative stress should be able to prevent and repair free radicals induced damages.Although free radicals contribute to kidney damage,atherosclerosis,diabetes,heart disease,nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity; however,clinical trials do not uniquely confirm a substantial impact on diabetic damage.It seems that antioxidants in vegetables,fruits and grains help preventing diabetes complications; however,there is little evidence that taking single antioxidants such as vitamin E or vitamin C protect these complications.The findings about combination antioxidants are also complicated and not entirely clear.In this review paper we tried to present the role of oxidative stress on microvascular complications of type2 diabetes mellitus.Other objective of this paper is to review the new findings about the role of various antioxidants on prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus as well as its complications including retinopathy,nephropathy and neuropathy.
文摘Objective: It is to determine the causes of invasive fungal sinusitis in patients of Shiraz University hospitals, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 18 months (from 21 March 2009 till 22 September 2010) in three Shiraz University Hospitals. Thirty-six patients with sings of invasive fungal sinusitis were enrolled, and tissue samples were investigated for histopathology, culture and antifungal susceptibility test. The laboratory results with host factor and sinus computed tomography scan were evaluated for classification of patients as proven, probable and possible invasive fungal sinusitis. Results: Thirty-five patients have involved with at least one risk factor (immune compromised disease, diabetes mellitus, or use of immune suppressed drugs). Radiological findings of parasinus invasion or necrosis were present in 20 patients. By histopathology, 21 patients were considered as proven, from these, 17 samples had positive growth. The culture aetiology agents were 4 Candida, 8 Aspergillus, and 5 Mucor. All positive culture samples were matched with histopathology findings. Significant associations were considered for radiologic finding and histopathology and culture (p 0.05). From 8 patients with mucormycosis histopathology, 6 suffered from diabetes mellitus. None of the antifungal agents were effective on these three types of infections. Conclusion: DM is the most common predisposing factor for IFS followed by ALL and AML. The most common aetiology of IFS was found to be Aspergillus fumigant followed by Mucormycosis and Candida. None of antifungal agents could successfully cover all the species.
基金funded by grants from the National Key R&D Project(2023YFD1400201-02,2023YFD1400203-02)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31870137)+1 种基金the National Transgenic Research Project(2015ZX08001-002)the Key R&D Project of Guangdong Province(2022B0202060005).
文摘Asian rice comprises two major subspecies:Xian(X)and Geng(G),and the diverged resistance genes(R)have provided a foundation for breeding improved cultivars to control rice blast disease.After conducting two-phase allele mining using six updated FNP marker systems,the functional haplotypes at Pit,Pib,and Pi63 strictly diverged into the X-populations and were defined as X-R loci,while those at Pi54,Pi37,and Pi36 into the G-populations as G-R loci.The genic diversity at the three X-R loci(16 alleles)was twofold higher than that at the three G-R loci(8 alleles),and the allelic diversity in the Southern region(21 alleles)was nearly double that in the Northeastern region(11 alleles).Both observations reflect a significant difference in genetic diversity between X-and G-populations,and indicate that the effective R-genes mainly originated from X-subspecies.Based on the allelic structures characterized by a set of 10 parameters,8 and 16 alleles were respectively recognized as favorable and promising ones for the regional breeding programs.The genotypic structures of the two regional populations were almost different,indicating that the diverged alleles have been further assembled into two series of regional genotypes through long-term breeding programs,despite the presence of one-third of region-common alleles.The genotypic diversity in the Southern region(55 genotypes)was nearly twice as high as that in the Northeastern region(28),which perfectly reflects the aforementioned differences in both genic and allelic diversities.After analyzing the genotypic structures using a set of 13 parameters,4 and 23 genotypes,respectively,can be recommended as the favorable and promising ones for the regional breeding programs.The case study serves as a concrete sample of how to identify the favorable and promising alleles and genotypes,and beneficial parents based their comprehensive population structures for gene-designed breeding.
基金This study was financially supported by the Vice Chancellor for Research Affairs,Ilam University of Medical Sciences,Ilam,Iran(Project No.1326).
文摘Objective:To investigate the pattern of antibiotic resistance and biofilm production capabilities of clinical Acinetobacter baumannii(A.baumannii)isolates in this study.Methods:A.baumannii isolates were collected from Tehran Imam Khomeini Hospital in this cross-sectional study,and the minimum inhibitory concentrations for 16 antibiotics were determined using Vitek2®systems.All isolates were analyzed for biofilm production,then presence of biofilm-associated genes,and class Ⅰ and Ⅱ integron genes.Results:60 non-replicate A.baumannii isolates were included in this study.The resistance rates reached 100%for aztreonam,cefepime,ceftazidime,ciprofloxacin,piperacillin-tazobactam,piperacillin,ticarcillin,and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.A.baumannii isolates were most sensitive to colistin and rifampicin being the most effective treatments.Multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant isolates accounted for 83.3%and 16.7%,respectively.Of the isolates,91.6%formed biofilms,categorized as 10%strong,31.6%moderate,and 50%weak.No correlation was found between antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation.The genes csuE,abaI,and ompA were prevalent,but their distribution was similar across biofilm categories.A relationship between Int1 and biofilm production was noted.Conclusions:The high rates of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation,alongside the presence of integrons including class Ⅰ and Ⅱ,underscore the necessity for ongoing monitoring of A.baumannii.Notably,classⅠintegron presence was significantly linked to biofilm formation.Further research is needed to explore the connection between antibiotic resistance and biofilm production in A.baumannii.
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is a model organism for understanding host-pathogen interactions and infection-mediated carcinogenesis. Gastric cancer and H. pylori colonization indicates the strong correlation. The progression and exacerbation of H. pylori infection are influenced by some factors of pathogen and host. Several virulence factors involved in the proper adherence and attenuation of immune defense to contribute the risk of emerging gastric cancer, therefore analysis of them is very important. H. pylori also modulates inflammatory and autophagy process to intensify its pathogenicity. From the host regard, different genetic factors particularly affect the development of gastric cancer. Indeed, epigenetic modifications, Micro RNA and long non-coding RNA received more attention. Generally, various factors related to pathogen and host that modulate gastric cancer development in response to H. pylori need more attention due to develop an efficacious therapeutic intervention. Therefore, this paper will present a brief overview of host-pathogen interaction especially emphases on bacterial virulence factors, interruption of host cellular signaling, the role of epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs.
文摘AIM： To determine the causative agents of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP） in children with liver disease and ascites in our center. METHODS： During a 2.5 year period, from September 2003 to March 2006, 12 patients with 13 episodes of SBP were studied. In all cases at the time of admission serum albumin and glucose, urinalysis and urine culture was performed. Analysis [white blood cell （WBC） count with differential, albumin, glucose], gram stain, culture by BACTEC method and antibiogram was done on ascitic fluids. Abdominal paracentesis was repeated after 48 h of antibiotic therapy for bacteriologic assay. The patients were followed for at least three months in a gastroenterology clinic. RESULTS： There were 7 girls （58%） and 5 boys （42%） with a median age of 5.2 years （range, 6 mo to 16 years）. All cases had positive ascitic fluid culture. Gram stain was positive in 5 （38.5%） of them. The isolated organisms were S. pneumoniae in 5 （38.5%）, E. coli in 2 （15.3%）, S. viridans in 2 （15.3%）, and K. pneumoniae, H. influenza, Enterococci, and nontypable Streptococcus each in one （7.7%）. All of them except Enterococci were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. All ascitic fluid cultures were negative after 48 h of antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION： S. pneumoniae is the most common cause of SBP in the pediatric age group and we recommend a third generation cephalosporine （e.g., Ceftriaxlone or Cefotaxime） for empirical therapy in children with SBP.
基金Supported by Razi Vaccine And Serum Research Institute,Arak Branch,Iran(Grant No.TUMS/CMBRC-89-001)
文摘Objective:To determine lactic acid bacteria's capability to enhance the process of binding and isolating aflatoxin B1 and to utilize such lactic acid bacteria as a food supplement or probiotic products for preventing absorption of aflatoxin Bl in human and animal bodies.Methods:In the present research,the bacteria were isolated from five different sources.For surveying the capability of the bacteria in isolating aflatoxin Bl,ELISA method was implemented,and for identifying the resultant strains through 16S rRNA sequencing method,universal primers were applied.Results:Among the strains which were isolated,two strains of Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus beveris exhibited the capability of absorbing and isolating aflatoxin Bl by respectively absorbing and discharging 17.4%and 34.7%of the aforementioned toxin existing in the experiment solution.Conclusions:Strains of Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus beveris were isolated from human feces and local milk samples,respectively.And both strains has the ability to isolate or bind with aflatoxin Bl.
基金supported by HKU-UDF,HKSARG FHB/RFCID09080772the National Basic Research Program of China(2008ZX10001-011 and 2008ZX10001-015)
文摘Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS).After over 26 years of efforts,there is still not a therapeutic cure or an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS.The clinical management of HIV-1 infected people largely relies on antiretroviral therapy (ART).Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has provided an effective way to treat AIDS patients,the huge burden of ART in developing countries,together with the increasing incidence of drug resistant viruses among treated people,calls for continuous efforts for the development of anti-HIV-1 drugs.Currently,four classes of over 30 licensed antiretrovirals (ARVs) and combination regimens of these ARVs are in use clinically including:reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) (e.g.nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,NRTIs;and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,NNRTIs),protease inhibitors (PIs),integrase inhibitors and entry inhibitors (e.g.fusion inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists).Here,we intend to provide updated information of currently available antiretroviral drugs for ART to promote the development of novel anti-HIV-1 drugs.
基金Supported by Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences and Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences supported the whole study
文摘AIM: To study the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of gram-negative healthcare associated bacterial infections at two tertiary hospitals in the Sanandaj city, Kurdistan Province, Iran.METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2012, all positive cultures from potentially sterile body fluids were gathered. They sent to professor Alborzi clinical microbiology center in Shiraz for further analysis and susceptibility testing. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method(disk diffusiontechnique). The Results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines against a series of antimicrobials. World Health Organization definitions for Healthcare associated infections were followed.RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty-two positive cultures were reported from both hospitals. Seventynine isolates/patients fulfilled the study criteria for healthcare associated gram-negative infections. The most frequent bacterial cultures were from the pediatric wards(52%). Serratia marcescens(S. marcescens)(38%) Escherichia coli(E. coli)(19%), Klebsiella pneumoniae(K. pneumoniae)(19%), Acinetobacter baumannii(6%), Enterobacter species(6%), Serratia odorifera(4%) and Pseudomonas species(5%) were the most frequently isolated organisms. The susceptibility pattern of common isolates i.e., S. marcescens, E. coli and K. pneumoniae for commonly used antibiotics were as follows: Ampicillin 3.3%, 6.7%, 20%; gentamicin 73.3%, 73.3%, 46.7%; ceftazidim 80%, 73.3%, 33.3%; cefepim 80%, 86.7%, 46.7%; piperacillin/tazobactam 90%, 66.7%, 86.7%; ciprofloxacin 100%, 73.3%, 86.7%; imipenem 100%, 100%, 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The most effective antibiotics against gram-negative healthcare associated infections are imipenem followed by ciprofloxacin. The resistance rate is high against ampicillin and cephalothin. The high mortality rate(46.1%) associated with S. marcescens is alarming.
文摘Rising worldwide cancer incidence and resistance to current anti-cancer drugs necessitate the need for new pharmaceutical compounds and drug delivery system. Malfunction of the immune system, particularly in the tumor microenvironment, causes tumor growth and enhances tumor progression. Thus, cancer immunotherapy can be an appropriate approach to provoke the systemic immune system to combat tumor expansion. Texosomesj which are endogenous nanovesicles released by all tumor cells, contribute to cell-cell communication and modify the phenotypic features of recipient cells due to the texosomes＇ ability to transport biological components. For this reason, texosome-based delivery system can be a valuable strategy for therapeutic purposes. To improve the pharmaceutical behavior of this system and to facilitate its use in medical applications, biotechnology approaches and mimetic techniques have been utilized. In this review, we present the development history oftexosome-based delivery systems and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
文摘AIM: To investigate the associations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype with HBeAg and anti-HBe status, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV-DNA detection in different groups of HBV-infected patients in southwest Iran. METHODS: A total of 89 HBsAg-positive serum samples were collected from the same number of patients. All sera were then investigated to determine HBV DNA and serological markers. For all the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive samples, biochemical, histopathological assays and genotyping were also performed. RESULTS: Genotype D was the only type of HBV foundin different clinical forms of acute and chronic infections. There was a high prevalence of HBeAg-negative HBV- infected patients with chronic hepatitis (52.7%). Out of 55 patients with chronic hepatitis, seven (12.7%) were diagnosed with cirrhosis. A significant association between the presence of anti-HBe antibody and an increase in ALT level, among either HBeAg-negative (P = 0.01) or HBeAg-positive (P = 0.026) patients, was demonstrated. No significant differences were observed between the clinical outcomes of HBeAg-positive and -negative individuals (P = 0.24). CONCLUSION: Genotype D has been recognized as the only type of HBV found in different clinical forms of HBV infections, including cirrhosis, among the residents of southwest Iran. Anti-HBe possibly plays a role in disease progression in some patients with chronic hepatitis, at least for a period of disease.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.30870039)the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program,No.2010CB630903)
文摘Acidithiobacillus caldus is one of the dominant sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in bioleaching reactors. It plays the essential role in maintaining the high acidity and oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur compounds during bioleaching process. In this report, the complete genome sequence of A. caldus SM-1 is presented. The genome is composed of one chromosome （2,932,225 bp） and four plasmids （pLAtcl, pLAtc2, pLAtc3, pLAtcm） and it is rich in repetitive sequences （accounting for 11% of the total genome）, which are often associated with transposable genetic elements. In particular, twelve copies of ISAtfe and thirty-seven copies of ISAtcl have been identified, suggesting that they are active transposons in the genome. A. caldus SM-1 encodes all enzymes for the central metabolism and the assimilation of carbon compounds, among which 29 proteins/enzymes were identifiable with proteomic tools. The SM-1 fixes CO2 via the classical Calvin-Bassham--Benson （CBB） cycle, and can operate complete Embden-Meyerhof pathway （EMP）, pentose phosphate pathway （PPP）, and gluconeogenesis. It has an incomplete tricarboxylic acid cycle （TCA）. Four putative transporters involved in carbohydrate uptake were identified. Taken together, the results suggested that SM-1 was able to assimilate carbohydrates and this was subsequently confirmed experimentally because addition of 1% glucose or sucrose in basic salt medium significantly increased the growth of SM-1. It was concluded that the complete genome of SM-1 provided fundamental data for further investigation of its physiology and genetics, in addition to the carbon metabolism revealed in this study.
文摘Objective:To study virulence and regulatory genes(hlyA,ctxB,tcpI) in clinical strains of Vibrio ckolerae(V.cholerae),simultaneously.Methods:Three important genes,tepI,hlyA and ctxB were used for detection of toxigenic and pathogenic V.cholera by chain reaction assay method. Results:According to the results of the PCR,the incidence of hlyA,tcpI,and ctxB genes in clinical isolates was obtained as 94.7%(72 sample),90.8%(69 sample),and 92.1%(70 sample), respectively.Five strains possessed all genes except ctxB,six strains possessed all genes except tcpI,four strains possessed all genes except hlyA,one strain possessed only hlyA and 60 strains contained a combination of three genes.Including hlyA,ctxB and tcpI,Conclusions:Result show that this method could be reliable to detect toxigenic-pathogenic strains of V.cholerae in Iran.
文摘In this study, large-scale production of microalgal lipid containing high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by fermentation of Aurantiochytrium sp. KRS101 was performed. The microalgal strain yielded productivity of docosahex-aenoic acid (DHA) productivity of 1.08 and 1.6 g/L/d by fermentation at 300-L and 5000-L scale stirrer-type bioreactor. The productivity was significantly enhanced upto 5.6 g/L/d by fermentation at 6000-L scale airlift-type bioreactor, probably due to the reduced shearing force. The microalgal lipid could be efficiently recovered by safe extraction methods such as ethanol extraction, hot water extraction or supercritical fluid extraction, promising commercial potential of the microalgal DHA-rich lipid in the food and feed industry.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0500301)the National Major Project for Control and Prevention of Infectious Disease in China(2018ZX10101002 and 2017YFC1200503)+1 种基金the Bureau of Science and Information Technology of Guangzhou Municipality,China(201604020011,201704020219)National Key R&D Program of China(2018ZX10732401).
文摘Zika virus(ZIKV) causes rash, moderate fever, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia, and has serious connection with neurological complications;therefore, it is a major threat to public health. A rapid and supersensitive method for detecting anti-ZIKV antibodies in humans and animals is thus urgently required. Here, we report an NS1-based luciferase immunosorbent assay(LISA), developed to detect ZIKV-specific IgG. Fusion proteins including a reporter Nano-luciferase(NLuc) and various fragments of ZIKV NS1 protein were expressed in 293 T cells. LISA was performed using the above cell lysates containing the expressed fusion proteins. Sample panels of humans and animals infected with ZIKV were examined for sensitivity of LISA, relative to those of ZIKV RT-PCR, commercial NS1-based ELISA, and micro-neutralization(MN) assays.Specificity and potential cross-reactivity were also evaluated using various convalescent serum samples derived from patients infected with dengue virus(DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV), and hepatitis C virus(HCV). Results indicated the optimal antigenic domain for anti-ZIKV IgG detection was located within 172–352 amino acids(aa) of ZIKV NS1 protein. NS1-based LISA performs better than commercial ELISA in anti-ZIKV Ig G detection. LISA was shown to be at least fourfold more sensitive than commercial ELISA, and could detect anti-ZIKV Ig G in various animal hosts without the need of species-specific labeled antibody. This novel assay is potentially useful for the rapid and sensitive detection of anti-ZIKV IgG in human and animal samples.
基金supported by Tehran University of Medical Sciences
文摘Dear Editor,Acute flaccid paralysis(AFP)is a complex syndrome often caused by polioviruses.While most countries have eradicated wild polioviruses by vaccination,AFP still remains a health problem in these countries.Most studies have highlighted non-polio enteroviruses(NPEVs)
基金This is part of Ms.Fatemeh Najafi dissertation approved by the deputy of research of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences,and it was conducted under their grant No IR.MUK.REC.94.338.
文摘Objective:To explore the spatial accumulation of diseases andtheir aggravating factors are essential in all public health.This study attempts to use geographic information system(GIS)to provide more information about the incidence and future of anthrax.Methods:Patients were diagnosed with anthrax in Kurdistan Province from 2009 to 2016.Data was then exported into ArcGIS software version 9 and the required layers for years and areas were added.Final map for each year was drawn up,pointing out the hot spots and predicting its future pattern.Results:Most cases were reported in females(57 cases,54.80%),and the lower body limbs were most affected(63 cases,60.57%).The highest numbers of incidences were related to the cities of Marivan,Saqez and Divandareh,with more concentration in the central parts of the province,rather than borderline areas.The highest percentage of the probable incidence of the disease was in Sanandaj(57.74%)with a potential susceptible area of 1729.12 km2 and then in Saqez(54.36%)with a potential area of 2422.4 km2.Conclusions:A vast area of Kurdistan Province is high risk for new cases of anthrax.Therefore,it is important to scale up the surveillance system in the province.
文摘AIM: To study immunogenicity of outer membrane protein F(Opr F) fused with B subunit of LT(LTB), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The Opr F, a major surface exposed outer membrane protein that is antigenically conserved in various strains of P. aeruginosa, is a promising immunogen against P. aeruginosa. In the present study recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB fusion gene was cloned, expressed and purified. BALB/c mice and rabbits were immunized using recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB and challenged at the burn site with P. aeruginosa lethal dose of 104 CFU. The protective efficacy of rabbit anti Opr F Ig G against P. aeruginosa burn infection was investigated by passive immunization. RESULTS: It has been well established that the LTB is a powerful immunomodulator with strong adjuvant activity. LTB as a bacterial adjuvant enhanced immunogenicity of Opr F and anti Opr F Ig G titer in serum was increased. Experimental findings showed significantly higher average survival rate in burned mice immunized with Opr F-LTB than immunized with Opr F or the control group. Rabbits anti Opr F Ig G brought about 75% survival of mice following challenge with P. aeruginosa. Post challenge hepatic and splenic tissues of mice group immunized with Opr F-LTB had significantly lower bacterial load than those immunized with Opr F or the control groups. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that LTBfused Opr F might be a potential candidate protein for a prophylactic measure against P. aeruginosa in burn infection.
文摘This study aims to develop infant flours fortified with iron and vitamin A, taken from local products such as powder from dried Moringa oleifera leaves and pulps of Parkia biglobosa to improve the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 24 months. Chemical analyses show that, for 100 g of local flours destined for children, there are adequate protein levels (between 7.00 ± 0.44 and 12.69 ± 0.44 g) and fat content (between 7.52 ± 0.35 and 16.26 ± 0.84 g), but that there are low levels of b-carotene and certain micronutrients Zn (0.67 ± 0.01 to 2.51 ± 0.19 mg), Fe (7.11 ± 0.90 to 12.70 ± 0.56 mg), Ca (0.67 ± 0.01 to 2.51 ± 0.19 mg), Mg (6.79 ± 0.19 to 24.99 ± 1.75 mg). Analyses of minerals and vitamins showed that Moringa oleifera leaf-powder (per 100 g) is rich in calcium (1443.90 ± 11.03 mg), magnesium (176.72 ± 0.73 mg), iron (53.75 ± 5.07 mg), zinc (17.58 ± 0.89 mg) and b-carotene (624.40 ± 0.41 μg ER). 100 g of Parkia biglobosa’s pulps is rich in magnesium (73.00 ± 1.14 mg), iron (14.82 ± 2.49 mg), zinc (7.79 ± 0.44 mg) and vitamin C (75.29 ± 0.00 mg). In conclusion, we believe that these two ingredients can be effectively used to fortify local infant flours in vitamin A and iron and contribute to eradicating malnutrition due to micronutrients deficiencies.
