A sensitive and fast micro-solid-phase extraction (μ-SPE) coupled with dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) was reported before micelle enhanced spectrofluorimetric detection for determination of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in human plasma samples. The DLLME was performed using methanol as disperser and 1-octanol as extracting solvent. Oleic acid-modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (as hydrophobic adsorbents) were applied in μ-SPE step to extract the analyte from DLLME procedure. The method uses the advantageous of high surface area and strong superparamagnetism of these nanoparticles to many avoid labourhood column/cartridge-passing processes of traditional SPE. The major parameters affecting signal enhancement and analyte recovery were evaluated and optimised. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration curve (with calibration equation of I f = 2.5826 C + 10.273) was linear in the range 0.5-600 μg L −1 (R 2 = 0.997) with low limit of detection of 0.21 µg L −1 and limit of quantification of 0.63 µg L −1. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (as relative standard deviation) were in the range of 1.01-1.67% and high recoveries in the range of 93.5-102.4% were obtained. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is easy, low cost, and accurate. In addition, it confirms that choosing extraction solvent was not restricted to the high-density solvents which can extent the versatility of DLLME.

The aim of this study was to replace chicken breast by mycoprotein in nuggets and optimizing the sensory and technological properties. In the first step of the study, 14 formulations were prepared by mixture design to evaluate the impact of three binding agents (as independent variables): soy protein isolate, phosphate, and carrageenan on sensory properties. Then, the optimized formulation of mycoprotein nugget (with higher acceptability) was characterized and compared to chicken nugget (control) from texture, color, and physicochemical aspects. The texture attributes including hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of the optimized sample (1.37 kg, 0.70 mm, 0.56, and 0.53 kg.mm) had no significant difference (p > .05) compared to control. Based on the results, optimized sample had a lower lightness and yellowness (a*, b*, and L* were 3.06, 18.62, and 59.23, respectively) rather than the similar value of the control (2.20, 21.27, and 79.10, respectively), which indicated carrageenan did not lead to any significant impact (p > .05) on the color. Also, mycoprotein nugget showed 33% lower cooking loss in comparison to control. Moisture, protein, lipid, and ash in optimized sample were 57.9 ± 1.9, 24.1 ± 1.0, 13.2 ± 1.2, and 2.1 ± 0.5, respectively. Investigation on physicochemical properties shows an acceptable characterization in optimized sample in comparison to control. The results of this study present an opportunity to produce nonmeat nuggets with similar texture and acceptable sensory and technological characteristics by using mycoprotein as meat alternative. The production of mycoprotein is eco‐friendly, not dependent on climate (flood and drought) and landscape limitation, which is an important aspect in meat alternatives in the near future.

Background: In the past, it was taught that UVA wavelengths (320-400nm) only plays a major role in skin aging but recently the scientific researches also show that UVA cause cancerous keratinocyte cells in deep layer of the epidermis. Therefore, the protective ability of the product against UVA is important in addition to protection against UVB rays. The UVA protective factor (UVA-PF) is used to evaluate the effectiveness of sunscreen products against UVA rays. This study aims to review and compare all outstanding protocols in the field of UVA-PF measurement and finally the introduction of the best method of measuring UVA-PF based on the further benefits. Materials and Methods: Four standards including ISO 24443 (AS/NZS 2604: 2012 recommended approach), CEN 2006, FDA 2007 and FDA 2011 are selected. Results: In order to measure UVA-PF with in vivo method, two standards of CEN 2006 and FDA 2007 recommended persistent pigment darkening (PPD) method. Although the general principle of both is similar, there are some differences in detail. For in vitro measurement of UVA-PF, CEN and FDA 2011 standards use critical wavelengths. FDA 2007 introduces the modified Diffey fraction, and ISO 24443 standard meets the UVA-PF measurement in a manner that is consistent with PPD. Conclusion: Finally, this review discussed the comparison of all in vitro and in vivo UVA-PF measurement standards and provided information in the form of texts and tables to move towards the creation of an integrated standard. Since in vitro methods of UVA-PF measurement are not reproducible due to differences in test conditions, it may be concluded that the in vivo PPD method is a more suitable option.

Background: The proposed criteria for a healthy daily diet play a drastic role in the prevention of non-communicable disease. Several cases of acute and chronic diseases occurred due to the presence of toxic and unsafe agents in the body. Trans and some saturated fatty acids as an example of these unfavorable components, could pose some dangerous effects on human health such as cardiovascular disease. Objective: In the current study, health criteria were undertaken to evaluate the safety of collected edible oils samples from Iranian market, and then some of the approaches for elimination and control of arisen health concerns were discussed. Methods: Totally 18 edible oil samples including cooking oil (n=5), frying oil (n=9) and table margarine (n=4) were collected from Tehran local market and were analyzed in 2016. The fatty acid profile was determined by using gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. Furthermore, the stability of frying oil was also measured by the Rancimat method. Results: All samples contained the trans and saturated fats in concentrations lower than the maximum recommended values (1%, 2% and 4% of trans for cooking oils, frying oils and table margarines, and 30% and 48% of saturation in frying oils and table margarines, respectively). The frying oils demonstrated the desired stability against high temperatures. Optimization of stability was done mainly by the addition of palm oil to the formula in the past. However, based on the fact of the high saturation of palm oil and its carcinogenicity under uncontrolled consumption, a risk assessment conducted in Iran led to the limited import of palm oil. This approach resulted in the production of healthier alternatives in the country. Conclusion: The usage of applicable approaches such as inter-esterification, fractionation and blending by more stable oils fractions is suggested to achieve healthier products.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and consists of the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L. It is used as food coloring and flavoring in food industry and traditional cooking and also in folk medicine as antispasmodic, carminative, stomachic, expectorant, aphrodisiac and cardiotonic. The present study has evaluated the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of dried saffron (stigma of Crocussativus) in rat. Aqueous extracts of saffron were administered to experimental rats orally as doses of 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg body weight (BW) and compared with hydrochlorothiazide (10 mg/kg B.W., intraperitoneally), a potent diuretic as positive control and normal saline solution as placebo for control group. The measured parameters for diuretic activity were total urine volume, urine electrolytes concentration such as sodium and potassium, creatinine and urea concentration. The treated rats with aqueous extract of saffron as doses of 120 and 240 mg/kg BW showed higher urine output when compared to the control group. Also, it has shown a significant dose-dependent increase in the excretion of electrolytes when compared to the control group. Our findings proved the diuretic activity of saffron which is used in traditional medicine, it can be an effective and safe strategy for related dysfunction. Also further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms of action, probably other effects and interactions with other medicines.