The sensory evaluation and antimicrobial efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus supernatant on Salmonella enteritidis in milk.

Postbiotics are metabolites derived from living probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus strains, during the fermentation process and/or produced in pure form on laboratory scales. These compounds, depending on the type of probiotic from which they are prepared, have specific antibacterial agents such as: organic acids, bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids, and peptides. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus supernatant (LAS) on the growth pattern of Salmonella enteritidis at fluctuating temperatures and the sensory evaluation of milk that contains this probiotic. Baranyi and Roberts's model determined the best-fit curve for the microbial growth. According to mathematical equations, the highest and lowest specific growth (µ max) rates of S. enteritidis were obtained at 0.055 h-1 and 0.0059 h-1 and also highest and lowest maximum generation time (MGT) values were obtained at 20.06 h and 8.85 h, respectively. Sensory evaluation by the Triangel test reveals that LAS could not establish a significant (p > .05) adverse effect on milk perceptible. Regarding the results obtained in the present study, LAS, without causing adverse sensory change, could act as a safe food additive for the control of bacterial pathogens and reducing food waste, particularly in milk and milk-containing food products.

Measurement of polychlorinated biphenyls in different high consumption canned foods, using the QuEChERS/GC-MS method.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic pollutants containing chlorine, which can be carcinogenic to humans. The current research focused on the heart risk and determination of PCBs levels in canned foods using the modified QuEChERS (fast, easy, cheap, effective, resistant and safe) method and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC-MS) technique. In this study, LOD (limit of detection), LOQ (limit of quantification), and recovery ranged from 0.06 to 0.32, 0.18 to 1.07 ng/g, and 97.05 to 102.5 %, respectively. In canned foods, the highest median of PCBs was PCB 52 (0.27 ± 0.20 ng/g fat) and the lowest median were PCB 28 and 138 (not detected in samples). Also, the maximum median of PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180 were detected in eggplant samples (0.06 ng/g), haricot samples (0.49 ng/g), eggplant samples (0.36 ng/g), eggplant samples (0.19 ng/g), eggplant samples (0.11 ng/g) and lentiform samples (0.66 ng/g), respectively. The median PCBs levels of oral exposure were estimated to be in the range of 9.80E-07to 4.30E-05 ng/g.d for all population groups, which were meaningfully lesser than the Tolerable daily intake value. The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) outcomes indicated that the rank order of PCBs in adults based on incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was Lentiform (7.05E-8) > canned fish (5.73E-8) > Eggplant (5.38E-8) > Haricot (4.33E-8) > pasta source (2.06E-8); and in children was Lentiform (3.40E-7) > canned fish (2.72E-7) > Eggplant (2.44E-7) > Haricot (2.06E-7) > pasta source (9.83E-8). The median values of the ILCR induced oral exposure for all groups were within safe limits (lower than 10-6). The heat map and multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) showed significantly different contributions of PCBs profile in samples as the PCA axis scores were correlated with the type of cans. Based on the obtained outcomes, it can be concluded that the PCBs of canned food do not potential health risks to Iranian consumers.

Genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter species isolated from raw milk samples in Qazvin, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Campylobacter species are major causes of foodborne illnesses, with unpasteurized milk being a significant carrier of these bacteria, posing a public health risk. One of the challenges in managing Campylobacter infections is the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. We conducted a study in Qazvin, Iran, testing 84 raw cow's milk samples to determine the frequency of C. jejuni and C. coli using culture-based and multiplex PCR methods. Additionally, the disk diffusion and RAPD-PCR approaches were utilized to evaluate the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profile and genetic diversity of Campylobacter strains. RESULTS: The findings indicated that Campylobacter spp. was present in 19.05% of the samples, with C. coli being the predominant isolate. We tested eight antibiotic agents, and the resistance levels of the isolates were as follows: erythromycin 100%, tetracycline 75%, doxycycline 56.25%, ceftriaxone 43.75%, chloramphenicol 37.5%, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 25%, nalidixic acid 12.5%, and azithromycin 6.25%. Genetic diversity analysis categorized Campylobacter isolates into 39 clusters, indicating a wide diversity among strains. However, no significant correlation was observed between antibiotic resistance and cluster patterns. These findings underscore the role of raw milk as a reservoir for Campylobacter spp. and highlight the substantial antibiotic resistance and genetic diversity within the species population.

Effects of Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii Supernatant on Viability, Nano-Mechanical Properties of Cytoplasmic Membrane and Pro-Inflammatory Gene Expression in Human Gastric Cancer AGS Cells.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer has been recognized as the second most probable cause of death in humans from cancer diseases around the world. Postbiotics, supernatant, and metabolites from probiotic microorganisms have recently been used widely to prevent and treat cancer diseases in humans, without any undesirable side effects. This study explores the antiproliferative and antitumor activities of the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii supernatant (SBS) against AGS cancer cells, a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. METHODS: We evaluated cell growth inhibitory and mechanical properties of the cytoplasmic membrane and the downregulation of survivin and proinflammatory genes in AGS cells treated with SBS after 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: SBS significantly inhibits the AGS cell growth, and the concentrations with IC50 values after 24 and 48 h treatments are measured as 2266 and 1956 µg/mL, respectively. Regarding the AFM images and Young`s modulus analysis, SBS significantly induces morphological changes in the cytoplasmic membrane of the treated AGS cells. Expression of survivin, NFƙB, and IL-8 genes is significantly suppressed in AGS cells treated with SBS. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the antitumor activities of SBS on AGS cell line, it can be regarded as a prospective therapeutic and preventive strategy against human stomach cancer disease.

Anticancer Properties of Saccharomyces boulardii Metabolite Against Colon Cancer Cells.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii has been used as a probiotic yeast in the medical and food industries. Colon cancers have been known as the third most common cancer type worldwide. Nowadays, cell-free extract and metabolites of probiotics have been employed for the treatment or prevention of different cancer diseases. This study investigates the anticancer properties of S. boulardii metabolites against human colon carcinoma. We evaluated cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and suppression of survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB gene expression effects of SBM against caco-2 cells after 24 and 48 h. IC50 concentrations of SBM were measured at 815 and 1411 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h treatments, respectively. The total proportion of apoptotic caco-2 cells treated with SBM after 24 and 48 h were calculated at 62.23 and 88.7%, respectively. Also, relative expression of survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB genes were significantly suppressed in caco-2 cells treated with SBM after 24 and 48 h. In conclusion, we found that SBM induced apoptosis, inhibited the growth rate, and suppressed the expression of the survivin, IL-8, and NFƙB genes in human colorectal cancer cells and it can be considered as a perspective supplement or drug for the treatment or prevention of colon cancer in humans.

Prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic viral pathogens in raw cow milk samples.

Foodborne and zoonotic viral pathogens are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. These viruses can be transmitted through foods such as dairy products to humans and cause several acute and chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and profile of different foodborne and zoonotic viruses in raw cow milk samples. We collected 492 raw cow milk samples from local dairy markets in Qazvin, Iran. Then we evaluated the presence of hepatitis A virus, noroviruses, rotavirus, astrovirus, bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in samples using conventional and nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction methods. We found that 34.95, 7.72, 25.81, 14.63, 66.86, 12.80 and 21.34% of raw milk samples were contaminated with norovirus GI, norovirus GII, hepatitis A virus, rotavirus, astrovirus, BLV and TBEV viruses, respectively. Interestingly, the samples collected from the city's south area revealed a higher prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic viruses. Astrovirus and its combination with norovirus GI were the most prevalent virus profiles. Also, the highest correlations were observed among the presence of rotavirus and hepatitis A viruses (0.36) and TBEV and norovirus GII (0.31). Considering the prevalence rate and virus profiles of different foodborne and zoonotic viruses in raw milk samples, hygiene practices and the pasteurization process are strongly suggested to be conducted throughout the cow milk production chain and in dairy industries to prevent infections with these pathogens.

Antibiotic Resistance and Molecular Characterization of Cronobacter sakazakii Strains Isolated from Powdered Infant Formula Milk.

BACKGROUND: Cronobacter sakazakii is a new emerging foodborne bacterial pathogen associated with severe lethal diseases such as meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and septicemia in infants and neonates. Powdered infant formula milk (PIFM) has been recognized as one of the main transmission vehicles and contaminated sources of this pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate, genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance profile, and clonal relatedness of C. sakazakii strains isolated from 364 PIFM samples collected from Tehran city, Iran. METHODS: Culture-based methods, Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion antibiotic resistance testing, conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) assays were used in this study to detect and characterize the C. sakazakii isolates. RESULTS: We isolated 25 C. sakazakii strains from PIFM samples (6.86%). The isolates were highly resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefoxitin, cefepime, erythromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol and susceptible to gentamicin, tetracycline, norfloxacin, and azithromycin antibiotics. The blaCTX-M-1 gene was detected in 96% of the isolates. The isolates were categorized into eight distinct clonal types using the ERIC-PCR method, showing a high genetic diversity among the isolates. However, there was a significant correlation between the genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance properties of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Novel microbial surveillance systems for detecting multi-drug-resistant C. sakazakii are required to control the contamination of this foodborne pathogen in infant foods.

Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance, Toxin-Typing and Genotyping of Clostridium perfringens in Raw Beef Meats Obtained from Qazvin City, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium perfringens is one of the highest prevailing spore-forming foodborne pathogens, which is widely distributed and causes severe disease and outbreaks in humans and animals. Raw meat and poultry are the main vehicles of this pathogen. In this study, we investigated the prevalence, antibiotic resistance pattern, toxin-encoding genes and genetic diversity of C. perfringens isolates from raw whole and minced meat samples purchased from local markets in Qazvin city, Iran (the source of beef cattle production was also located in Qazvin city, Iran). METHODS: We used conventional culture-based and Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and conventional and arbitrary primer PCR methods. RESULTS: A total of 18 C. perfringens strains were isolated from 133 raw meat samples (13.53%). Up to 44.4 and 55.5% of these isolates were detected in raw minced and whole meat samples, respectively. We found that 72.2, 66.6, 61.1, 37.8 and 33.3% of the C. perfringens isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol antibiotics, respectively. Multidrug resistance was found in 38% of the isolates. Among the four main toxin genes evaluated, the Cpa gene was detected in all isolates, and 61.1% of the isolates were mostly recognized as type A C. perfringens. High levels of genetic diversity were observed among the isolates, and they were classified into five distinct groups. CONCLUSIONS: The isolates from whole meat samples were more resistant to antibiotics. However, toxin genes were more detected in the isolates from minced meat samples. Our findings suggest that contamination of raw meat products with multidrug resistant C. perfringens could be regarded as one of the concerning pathogens in these products. Comprehensive monitoring of C. perfringens isolates is strongly recommended.

Essential Oils from Indigenous Iranian Plants: A Natural Weapon vs. Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli.

Aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of herbal plant essential oils (EOs) from selected Iranian plant species such as Ferulago angulata, Zataria multiflora, Cuminum cyminum, and Mentha longifolia against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. For this purpose, the Escherichia coli strains, isolated from raw cow's milk and local dairy products (yogurt, cream, whey, cheese, and confectionery products) collected from different areas of Hamedan province, Iran, were investigated for their resistance to antibiotics (i.e., streptomycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and cefixime). Thus, the E. coli strains were tested for their susceptibility to the above-mentioned essential oils. Regarding antibiotics, the E. coli strains were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin. In relation to essential oils, the most effective antibacterial activity was observed with Zataria multiflora; also, the bacteria were semi-sensitive to Cuminum cyminum and Mentha longifolia essential oils. All strains were resistant to Ferulago angulata essential oil. According to the results, the essential oil of Zataria multiflora can be considered as a practical and alternative antibacterial strategy to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli of dairy origin.

The prevalence of human trichuriasis in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Trichuriasis is one of the most common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, affecting populations globally. The condition is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas with low levels of sanitation and poor living conditions. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in Asia at the country and region level. Multiple databases/academic search engines (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on T. trichiura prevalence in Asia published through January 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 13,836 articles, 226 studies (5,439,500 individuals) from 26 countries met the inclusion criteria. Of the 226 studies, 151 were community-based studies that included individuals across the age spectrum, while 75 studies focused on school children (typically in the 5-16 years age range). The overall T. trichiura pooled prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI: 12.4-19.1%), with a pooled prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 10.0-17.1%) for the community studies and 20.9% (95% CI: 14.7-27.9%) for the studies only including school children. For studies including all age groups, individuals in the 1-15 years age group had the highest pooled prevalence at 23.4% (95% CI: 1.7-49.4%). There was a significant difference found in overall pooled prevalence by sex (p < 0.001) and community type (rural versus urban) (p < 0.001). Although prevalence appears to be decreasing, study findings suggest that T. trichiura infection continues to be a public health problem in Asia. Therefore, control programs focused on at-risk individuals in endemic areas are needed.

Global prevalence and epidemiology of Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is not well understood with data available on prevalence primarily focused on humans. To increase knowledge on prevalence, this review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate the global status of S. stercoralis infections in dogs. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, online literature published prior to November 2020 was obtained from multiple databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country income and climate, and in stray/animal shelter dogs versus owned dogs. Statistical analyses were conducted using R-software (version 3.6.1). RESULTS: From 9428 articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was 6% (95% CI 3-9%). Infection was found to be the most prevalent in low-income countries with pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 10-36%). The highest pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was related to regions with average temperature of 10-20 °C (6%; 95% CI 3-11%), an annual rainfall of 1001-1500 mm (9%; 95% CI 4-15%) and humidity of 40-75% (8%; 95% CI 4-13%). Prevalence was higher in stray and shelter dogs (11%; 95% CI 1-26%) than in owned dogs (3%; 95% CI 1-7%). CONCLUSIONS: As with S. stercoralis in humans, higher prevalence in dogs is found in subtropical and tropical regions and lower-income countries, locations which also can have high dog populations. While this study presents the first estimated global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs, it is potentially an underestimation with 15 of 61 studies relying on diagnostic methods of lower sensitivity and a paucity of data from most locations. Standardized protocols (e.g. quantity of feces and number of samples for a Baermann) in future studies could improve reliability of results. More prevalence studies and raising veterinary awareness of S. stercoralis are needed for a One Health approach to protect humans and dogs from the impact of the infection.

Parasites in surgically removed appendices as a neglected public health concern: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The role of various parasitic infections in the occurrence of appendicitis is illustrated through cases recorded all over the world. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the global prevalence of parasite infestation (other than E. vermicularis) in appendectomy specimens.In the setting of the PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were explored in articles published until 28 September 2020. Totally, 62 studies (106 datasets) with 77, 619 participants were included in the analysis.The pooled prevalence of parasites in appendectomy samples was as follows; 0.012% (95% CI; 0.004-0.025) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.004% (95% CI; 0.001-0.009) for Trichuris trichiura, 0.025% (95% CI; 0.007-0.052) for Schistosoma mansoni, 0.002% (95% CI; 0.001-0.005) for Taenia spp., 0.061% (95% CI; 0.020-0.122) for Entamoeba histolytica and 0.034% (95% CI; 0.018-0.056) for Giardia lamblia.Our results demonstrated that the risk of appendicitis may increase in the presence of helminth and protozoan infections. As such, the most cases of parasites in appendectomy specimens were reported in developing countries. Regular screening plans for diagnosis, treatment and prevention are needed for prevention of parasitic infection as well as parasitic associated appendicitis, especially in endemic regions of the world.

Genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance of Shigella spp. isolates from food products.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Shigella is a significant threat to global public health. Limited studies have investigated the incidence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and genetic diversity of Shigella isolated from food products. Conventional culture-based, serologic, molecular, disk diffusion, PCR, and RAPD-PCR methods were used to determine the prevalence rate, phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profile, and genetic diversity of the Shigella isolates from food samples including vegetable salad, ground meat, and raw cow's milk (405 samples). The prevalence rate of Shigella in food samples was 4.44%. The incidence of S. sonnei (3.7%) was higher than that of S. flexneri (0.74%). S. dysenteriae and S. boydii were not detected in food samples examined. Also, no Shigella were recovered from raw cow's milk. This study showed that the Shigella isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (83.3%), amoxicillin (66.6%), streptomycin (66.6%), tetracycline (61.1%), ampicillin (50%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (50%), azithromycin (50%), and chloramphenicol (50%) and completely sensitive to cefoxitin, cefepime, amikacin, and gentamicin. All Shigella isolates were multidrug-resistant. We detected bla SHV resistance gene in all isolates; however, no isolate harbored bla TEM gene. RAPD-PCR categorized the Shigella isolates into five main clusters. The highest antibiotic resistance was observed in the isolates of cluster R4. The finding of this study also indicated an association between antimicrobial resistance profiles and genotyping properties of the isolates. Novel food monitoring systems, including surveillance of multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens, especially in developing countries, are required to control the foodborne diseases.

Prevalence, Phylogroups and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Escherichia coli Isolates from Food Products.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant E. coli is an important matter of increasing considerable concern to global public health. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, antibiotic resistance pattern and phylogroups of E. coli isolates obtained from raw milk, vegetable salad and ground meat samples collected from Qazvin Province (Iran). Culture-based techniques, Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility testing and PCR assays were used to determine the incidence rate, antimicrobial resistance pattern and phylogenetic groups of the E. coli isolates. The E. coli isolates were highly resistant to amoxicillin (79.1%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (70.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (62.5%), tetracycline (54.1%), chloramphenicol (54.1%), nitrofurantoin (54.1%), ampicillin (45.8%), streptomycin (45.8%), and kanamycin (33.3%); and completely susceptible to norfloxacin and azithromycin and 70.8% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. Most E. coli isolates (46%) belonged to phylogroup A. Novel, practical, efficient food safety control and surveillance systems of multi-drug resistant foodborne pathogens are required to control the foodborne pathogen contamination.

Antibiotic susceptibility and genetic relatedness of Shigella species isolated from food and human stool samples in Qazvin, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic relatedness and antimicrobial resistance among Shigella species isolated from food and stool samples. Using cross sectional study method, Shigella spp. were isolated from food and clinical samples using culture-based, biochemical and serological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility and genetic relatedness among the isolates were evaluated using disk diffusion and RAPD-PCR methods respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of Shigella spp. were 4.84 and 7.7% in food and stool samples respectively. All food isolates were Sh. sonnei. 91.42% of the Shigella stool isolates were Sh. sonnei. 62.5% of food isolates were resistant to tetracycline. 46.8, 50 and 65.8% of clinical isolates were resistant to imipenem, amikacin and azithromycin respectively. 50 and 85.7% of the food and clinical isolates respectively were MDR. Dendrogram generated by RAPD-PCR showed that the isolates from food and stool samples were categorized in a same group. Close genetic relatedness between MDR Shigella isolates from food and clinical samples indicate that foods can be considered as one of the main vehicles for transmission of MDR Shigella to human causing acute diseases. Survey of MDR Shigella among food and clinical samples is strongly suggested to be implemented.

Genotypic and antimicrobial resistance characterizations of Cronobacter sakazakii isolated from powdered milk infant formula: A comparison between domestic and imported products.

Cronobacter sakazakii, an opportunistic foodborne pathogen and a main cause of meningitis in neonates, is usually isolated from powdered milk infant formula (PMIF). At the present study, C. sakazakii were isolated from imported and domestically produced PMIF samples and identified by detection of ompA gene using real-time PCR SYBR green melting curve following the evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility and genotyping of the isolates employing BOX-PCR and RAPD methods. We detected totally 5% contamination rate and a significantly higher prevalence of C. sakazakii in bulky imported domestically packaged PMIF samples. Also, our isolates were recognized as multidrug-resistant pathogen completely resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin; and intermediately resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline antimicrobials. Genotype clustering patterns of bulky imported and imported product isolates were identical by both genotyping methods. Far genetic relatedness of domestic isolate to other isolates and the reference strain indicated higher genetic diversity of the domestic isolate genome. Multidrug resistance and diverse population genetic make complicated situation for determination of strategies for infectious disease prevention.

Effects of chitosan edible coating containing grape seed extract on the shelf-life of refrigerated rainbow trout fillet.

In recent years, use of edible coatings as carriers of food additives and antimicrobial compounds has been considered in fishery products. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of 2.00% chitosan coating singly and combined with 0.10% grape seed extract (GSE) on microbial (mesophils and psychrophils counts), chemical (thiobarbituric acid; TBA), pH and peroxide value (PV) and sensorial properties of rainbow trout fillet stored at 4 °C over a period of 15 days. The coating had a significant effect in reducing aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria counts. The TBA, PV and pH of samples of chitosan coating alone and with GSE were lower than control ones indicating a significant influence of coating on fillet shelf-life. Moreover, chitosan coating represented an equal sensorial quality with controls. It can be concluded that chitosan coating containing GSE can help to maintain the sensorial quality and increase the shelf-life of rainbow trout fillets at refrigerated conditions.

Lead concentration in the muscles of slaughtered buffalos in northwest regions of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The topic of food safety has become a major public health issue worldwide. Over recent decades, the growing concern for food safety has brought about greater research regarding the risks associated with the consumption of produce that has been contaminated by pesticides, heavy metals and/or toxins. OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the concentration of Pb in the muscle of buffalos slaughtered in the northwest regions of Iran (Ardabil, Urmia and Tabriz cities). METHODS: The present was a descriptive cross-sectional study in the northwest regions of Iran during 2013 to 2014. A total of 30 muscle samples from individual buffalos were analyzed for Pb concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0. All results were computed as mean standard deviation and subjected to one-way analysis of variance to establish whether the differences in Pb concentrations in meat samples from different cities were significant or not. The Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean concentration of Pb in muscle samples were measured 0.043±0.035 ppm. The highest Pb concentration (0.11 ppm) was detected in the buffalo muscle samples from Urmia city. In total, 25 muscle samples (80.33%) were contaminated with Pb and concentration of Pb in 3.33% of contaminated samples exceeded the permissible limits advised by the European Commission (EC) (0.1 ppm). CONCLUSION: We recommend identifying Pb sources in order to eliminate or control Pb contamination of food, and monitor environmental exposures and hazards to prevent lead poisoning.

Antinociceptive effects, acute toxicity and chemical composition of Vitex agnus-castus essential oil.

OBJECTIVE: Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) and its essential oil have been traditionally used to treat many conditions and symptoms such as premenstrual problems, mastalgia, inflammation, sexual dysfunction, and pain. In this study, the effects of essential oil extracted from Vitex agnus-castus (EOVAC) leaves were investigated in three behavioral models of nociception in adult male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical composition of EOVAC was analyzed using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and also its possible toxicity was determined in mice. Analgesic effect of EOVAC was determined using tail immersion test, formalin test, and acetic acid-induced visceral pain in rats. RESULTS: EOVAC (s.c.) and morphine (i.p.) significantly (p<0.05) reduced pain responses in both formalin and tail immersion tests. In the study of evolved mechanisms, pretreatment with naloxone or atropine significantly (p <0.05) reversed the essential oil-induced analgesia in both formalin and tail immersion tests. Moreover, EOVAC and Piroxicam produced significant (p<0.05) inhibition in the acetic acid-induced writhing response. EOVAC did not show any mortality even at high dose (5 g/kg, p.o.) of administration in toxicity test. Moreover, according to GC-MS results, major components of the EOVAC were α-pinene (14.83%), limonene (10.29%), ß-caryophyllene (6.9%), sabinene (5.27%), and ß-farnesene (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that endogenous opioidergic system as well as muscarinergic receptors of cholinergic system may be involve in the antinociceptive activity of Vitex agnus-castus essential oil in these models of pain in rats.