Optimizing the properties of Zodo gum and examining its potential for amino acid binding by periodate oxidation.

In this study, the Zodo gum exudated by Amygdalus scoparia spach underwent the periodate oxidation process for chemical modification and the formation of dialdehyde groups. Modification of the Zodo gum properties was done using the periodate oxidation method, response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD), with 4 factors of sodium periodate volume (6.4-19.2 mL), temperature (35-55 °C), pH (3-5) and time (2-4 h). Dialdehyde Zodo gum (DZG) was produced by controlling test variables and measuring some responses including dialdehyde content and efficacy, in addition to evaluating the rheological parameters. Quadratic, linear polynomial equations were then fitted with the insignificant Lack of fit and high R2 to address the relationship between the mentioned variables and responses. Optimal test conditions, including pH = 3.9, T = 43 °C and Time = 3.5 h, were also determined for the production of DZG10, DZG20 and DZG30 samples. The results of 1H-13C NMR, FTIR and determination of the aldehyde content indicated the formation of dialdehyde groups in equilibrium with the dominant hemiacetal form. The AFM study of the DZG30 sample also showed over-oxidation and depolymerization, which could be associated with increased hydrophobic properties and the reduced viscosity. Although the DZG30 sample had the highest amount of the dialdehyde factor group with the tendency to combine with the amino group of proteins, DZG10 and DZG20 samples could be recommended for industrial applications due to the nonoccurrence of overoxidation.

Prevalence of Geographic tongue and Related Predisposing Factors in 7-18 Year-Old Students in Kermanshah, Iran 2014.

Geographic tongue is a benign lesion at the dorsum and margins of the tongue that sometimes causes pain and burning sensation. This lesion is characterized by an erythematous area with white or yellow folded edges. The predisposing factors of this lesion include heredity, allergies, psoriasis, stress, fissured tongue and consumption of some foods. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of geographic tongue and its related factors among the 7-18 year-old students in Kermanshah, Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in three schools in Kermanshah using multi-stage random cluster sampling method. A total number of 3600 students were examined (1800 girls and 1800 boys). Demographic data and the results of examinations were recorded in a questionnaire. The factors affecting the incidence of geographic tongue were analyzed by the SPSS-20 software and the Chi-square test.The prevalence of geographic tongue was 7.86% (283 individuals). The incidence of this lesion was significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.01). There was no relationship between geographic tongue and psoriasis or fissured tongue.  Pain and discomfort during eating was more prevalent in those with geographic tounge compared to those without this condition (p<0.02). The prevalence of geographic tongue among the studied population was 7.86%, and the prevalence of geographic tongue in male students was higher than in female students.