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This study was carried out to investigate alternative instead of corn gluten meal in diets and the effects of this substitution on blood biochemical and hematological parameters of common carp juvenile. Juvenile's carp with an average 11.5 ± 0.5g, 9 ± 1cm weight and length respectively, were fed with experimental diets for 8 weeks. Diets with 31% crude protein and 3100 kcal kg-1 raw energy alternative levels of 150, 270 and 490 (gr kg-1) and a control diet without corn gluten was made. At the end of the experiment, blood biochemical parameters, including glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) in juveniles fed the experimental diets compared with the control group showed a significant difference (P0.05). Also with replacement value of corn gluten in experimental diets, it was concluded that growth and nutritional factors treatments compared with control group significantly decreased (P

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Mnemiopsis leidyi population activities first were recorded during the coastal observations in 2001 in which its population considerably increased afterward and now sustained the southern Caspian Sea. Maximum summer-autumn M. leidyi abundance was recorded in euphotic layer in 2002 (851±85 ind.m^-3) and maximum biomass was in 2001 with 48.1±14.4 g.m^-3) while minimum were in aphotic layer. In years 2003 to 2011, M. leidyi abundance and biomass sharply declined to 1-843 ind.m^-3 and 0.07-37.7 g.m^-3, respectively. The length-frequency distribution of Mnemiopsis showed larval, juveniles and transitional stages that made up 98.6% of the total population. In the southern Caspian Sea, Acartia tonsa was the highest number of mesozooplankton species (36 species) which decreased tenfold after Mnemiopsis invasion during 2001-2010. Fecundity experiments of Mnemiopsis showed the average of 8 eggs. day^-1, with a maximum of 35 eggs.day^-1which increased with increasing body length. The main food was larger amounts of zooplankton prey such as copepodites and adult of A. tonsa. It seems the sharp decreased of Mnemiopsis abundance could be related the decreasing of ova reproduction; and food ability is the main reasons of M. leidyi sustained in the southern Caspian Sea. The objective of present study was to provide information about parameters influencingthe M. leidyi decreased after initial bloom invasion in the southern Caspian Sea.

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The effect of host diet on developmental time, fecundity and life-table parameters of Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) against the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) was studied in the laboratory condition at 26 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 16L:8D h. The diets used were rice, barley, corn and wheat flours. The developmental time (egg to adult) of the first and second generations ranged from 9.00 to 14.00 days on barley flour and wheat flour, respectively. The survival of immature generations 1 and 2 ranged from 27 to 63%. The sex ratio of wasp progeny (females/total) ranged from 36.72 to 57.83% on wheat flour and rice flour, respectively. In the first and second generations, the fecundity of B. hebetor reared on barley and rice flours was greatest. Life table parameters varied significantly with host diets. In generation 2, B. hebetor-parasitized larvae reared on rice flour showed the highest net reproduction rate (R₀ = 106.13) and the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r_m = 0.269) of parasitoids. Based on the life-table analyses, rice flour was found to be the best diet for rearing the parasitoid. The results of this study can be used to improve mass-rearing programs of B. hebetor.    

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Chrysoperla carnea is a voracious predator. It is currently mass-reared and released for biological control programs. This study was aimed at finding out the effect of different diets on biological characteristics of adult predator, and to introduce a better and cheaper artificial diet for its mass-rearing. In order to obtain a pure and physiologically homogenous population, the predator was reared for seven successive generations in laboratory conditions. The effect of six different diets [a mixture of 30% concentrations of glucose, fructose and sucrose (1: 1: 1);, glucose, fructose, sucrose plus extract of Sitotroga cerealella eggs (1: 1); glucose, fructose, sucrose plus extract of Anagasta kuehniella eggs (1: 1);, a mixture of honey, yeast and distilled water (1: 1: 1);, honey, yeast plus extract of S. cerealella eggs (1: 1: 1) and honey, yeast plus extract of A. kuehniella eggs (1: 1: 1)] was studied on biological parameters (Pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period,longevity of males and females, fecundity, egg hatchability and eggs remained in the ovary of females after death) of the seventh generation. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2ºC, 60 ± 10% RH and 16L: 8Dh) with four replications and five observations. Results revealed that the mixture of honey, yeast and extract of A. kuehniella eggs (1: 1: 1), influenced the biological traits of the predator more effectively and favorably than all other diets, considering the average longevity, oviposition period and fecundity of female (37.73 ± 0.59, 28.57 ± 1.09 days, 795.0 ± 23.05 eggs, respectively), and egg hatchability (84.98 ± 0.71 %) compared to those of other diet treatments. Minimum pre-oviposition period (6.66 ± 0.49 days) was also found in adults fed by this diet.

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Pomegranate fruit moth (PFM), Apomyelois ceratoniae Zeller is a major pest of pomegranate in Iran. In this study, the effect of four diets including pistachio, pomegranate, semi-artificial and artificial diets were studied on biological parameters of PFM in a growth chamber under controlled conditions at 30 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L: D) h. The results demonstrated that the longest incubation period, larval developmental time and preimaginal development time was observed on artificial diet and the shortest was on the pomegranate. The highest and lowest body length of fifth instar larvae were observed on pistachio and artificial diet, respectively. The heaviest weight of third day pupae was recorded for the larvae that were reared on pistachio (0.0275 ± 0.0004 g) while the lightest was on artificial diet (0.0216 ± 0.0004 g). In the next experiment, the effect of four diets was considered to assess the efficiency of pheromone traps in a twenty year old pomegranate orchard cultivated with Malasse Yazdi cultivars. The effect of food on catch of traps showed a significant difference. The virgin PFM that were fed with pomegranate attracted more males. Also the traps caught the males mostly from 11:00 pm until 4:00 am, with the peak time between 23:00 and midnight. No significant difference was seen between diet and time of catch, indicating that starting or ending time and the maximum time of catch was not affected by the diets.  

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Aim: The objective of this paper is to design nutrient-adequate, varied and cost-efficient diets for diabetes patients.
Methods: A new multi-objective mixed integer linear programming model under uncertainty is developed to design diet plans for diabetes patients.
Findings: The analysis is conducted on the population of 30 years old men and women in 24.99 and 18.5 body mass index, 1.50, 1.65 and 1.80 (m) height categorized in 4 physical activity levels (sedentary, low, active and very active). The objectives of the model are the minimization of the total amount of saturated fat, sugar and cholesterol and the total cost of the diet plans. The constraints of the model are fulfilling the body's nutrient requirements and the diversity control of each patient’s diet. In order to get closer to the real world, fuzzy parameters are considered in the model. To solve the model, a new hybrid solution methodology (Jimenez and epsilon-constraint method) is used to offer the optimal Pareto of non-dominated solutions. Each optimal Pareto of the model consists of diet plans that each patient can choose the proper food based on the taste, availability and cost.
Conclusion: Mathematical modeling of diet planning and study of its optimal solutions can be considered as a decision support tool for the professionals to design the most proper diet plans.

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Aims: Hemodialysis patients experience numerous problems in the fields of self-care in adherence to dietary and fluids-intake restriction. For increasing their self-care, they require controlling these problems. This can be done with the education based on a behavior change theory, this study attempted to determine the effect of the educational intervention based on SET (Self-efficacy Theory) on adherence to diet and fluid-intake restriction in patients with hemodialysis.
Materials & Methods: The present study is a randomized clinical trial that was conducted on 70 hemodialysis patients of Qom City in 2016 (35 in the trial group, 35 in the control group). The data were collected by demographic questionnaire, self-efficacy (SUPPH) and researcher-made validated and relied questionnaire of adherence to dietary and fluids-intake restriction (8 and 6 questions, respectively) in two steps (before and three months after education). The educational program was performed for the trial group in two half-hour sessions. The data were analyzed by SPSS 16, using paired-test, Independent t-test, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney test.
Findings: Before the test, there was no significant difference in adherence to dietary (p=0.49) and fluids-intake restriction (p=1.00). After training, significant differences were observed between the two groups in adherence to dietary (p<0.001) and fluids-intake restriction (p<0.001). There was significant difference between pre-test and post-test in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The educational intervention based on Self-efficacy Theory has the effect on adherence to diet and fluid-intake restriction in patients with hemodialysis.

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Aims: Health literacy becomes increasingly important in understanding the prenatal perception of risk by pregnant women. Maternal understanding of and perception of risk may have an impact on mothers’ willingness to follow antenatal recommendations. This study aimed at investigating correlation between maternal health literacy and dietary self-efficacy in pregnant mothers.
Instruments & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 120 pregnant mothers were selected from health centers in Mashhad city, Iran in 2016. The subjects were selected through multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using Maternal Health Literacy and Pregnancy outcomes Questionnaire and Perceived Dietary Self-efficacy Questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 15 software and using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and frequency) and analytical statistical tests (independent t-test, ANOVA, Turkey’s Post hoc test and Pearson correlation test).
Findings: There was a positive and significant correlation between maternal health literacy and dietary self-efficacy (r=0.29; p=0.001). Significant relationships were found between maternal health literacy and educational level, incomes, and living place (p<0.05). But dietary self-efficacy had only a significant relationship with incomes (p<0.05). 
Conclusion: There are the significant correlation between maternal health literacy and self-efficacy in pregnant mothers.

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In this study, the diet contains ascorbic acid at a concentration of 100, 400, 1600 mg kg astaxanthin concentrations of 40, 60 and 100 mg per kilogram of meat lasting quality rainbow trout were studied. The study on 210 rainbow trout with an average weight of about 100 g was performed in seven groups. To study of the process in change and compare the quality of the samples with chemical indicators such as Peroxide (PV), Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and hydrolysis of lipids (FFA) and PH as well as sensory indicators in five separate time periods of four days (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16) were sampled at ambient temperature in the refrigerator. The results showed that the antioxidant effect and time-consuming amounts of FFA, PH, PV and TBA was significant. Given the significance of the interaction between antioxidants and time can be concluded that the results of the main effects of treatments and time data to all levels of the antioxidant is applied. A total of 1600 samples also contain astaxanthin 100 and ascorbic acid provides the best storage conditions and sensory properties (parameters smell, taste, texture and color) had no significant difference. The results can be used also Organoleptic of the highest astaxanthin and ascorbic acid for use in the diet of fish offered.

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Aims: Being important both economically and in terms of protection, Luciobarbus capito is at risk of extinction. There are very few studies about the fish of Shahid Rajaee dam and the Tajan River. A significant number of Luciobarbus capitos is present in the dam and upstream. The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the growth characteristics and nutritional strategies of Luciobarbus capito in reservoir behind the Shahid Rajaee dam, Sari.
Materials & Methods: The present experimental study was carried out on 180 Luciobarbus capitos in Shahid Rajaee dam, Sari during 4 seasons of 2014 to 2015. The samples were fixed in formalin 10% and the biological and nutritional factors related to growth were investigated. The data were analyzed with SYSTAT 9 and Excel 2003 software.
Findings: The sex ratio of males to females was 1.14/1. The growth pattern of this allometric species was negative (w=0.015×L2.888; b=2.888). In males, allometric was positive and in females, allometric was negative. The mean length and weight of male and female had a significant difference (p<0.05), and the relationship between length and weight in fish was progressive. This species approaches the maximum predicted length with a growth rate of 0.1; the maximum estimated length for fish was 138.6 cm. Nutritional behavior index for under 4 years group showed a herbal diet (RLG=2.4±0.1) and, after puberty, it was inclining to a whole foods diet (RLG=1.2±0.6).
Conclusion: The allometric growth pattern is a negative for Luciobarbus capito, and in all seasons, it has a whole foods diet. 
 

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The effects of natural zeolite as a bed medium in increasing lettuce and red tilapia growth as well as improvement of water quality parameters in an aquaponic system were investigated. An experiment with a completely randomized design was run with two treatments in triplicates, 1) an aquaponic system without use of zeolite as a control group and 2) use of a small cotton bag, containing 10 g zeolite as a bed medium for planting a lettuce seedling. In each experimental unit, 42 seedlings of lettuce were introduced. The individual weight of fish and lettuce yield in treatment 2 was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than treatment 1 at the end of experiment. The initial mean individual weight of red tila-pia juveniles was 6.23 ± 0.06 g and increased to 32.50 ± 2.00 and 37.50 ± 2.20 in treat-ments 1 and 2, respectively by the end of experiment. The yield of lettuce was higher in treatment 2 (1507 ± 445.00 g/unit) compared to the control (275 ± 83 g/unit). The concen-tration of total ammonia-N in the water was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in treatment 2 compared to treatment 1 at the end of experiment. The concentration of phosphorous and potassium in the fish rearing tanks was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in treatment 2. These results indicated that the use of zeolite, as a bed medium to plant lettuce seedlings in a re-circulating aquaponic system could increase the growth of lettuce seedlings as well as im-proving water quality parameters.

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Bread is the most consumed food of human. Amongst different types of breads, white breads are   of great favorite, however these kinds of breads contain low amount of dietary fiber compared to dark breads. On the other hand, the positive effects of fibers on human health have been well documented. In order to increase the fiber content of the bread, it is possible to use different fiber sources other than the bran in order to keep the favorable appearance of the bread. In this research the effects of addition of two fiber sources: cross-linked wheat starch and short barns at three levels of zero, 5 and 10 % on the quality of dough and flat bread (Barbari) were studied. The results showed that addition of 5% of cross-linked wheat starch had the best effects on dough and bread quality. In many aspects both fibers used, had similar effects, while in the case of color, cross-linked wheat starch (opposite to bran) did not change the color of the bread. Therefore it is possible to use cross-linked wheat starch to increase the dietary fiber content of the bread without any undesirable effects on bread quality.

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The larval nutrition of the grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana, is determinant for its fitness; the amount and quality of the food ingested by larvae strongly influence the insect growth and reproduction. Utilizing appropriate artificial diets is a critical step in establishing a laboratory rearing colony. Generally, two types of diets are used in grapevine moth lab rearing, diets that stay moist and soft (agar-based diets) and those that dry out and harden with time (non-agar-based diets). Agar-based diets are satisfactory for producing small quantities of insects in small food containers, but with large containers, difficulties may occur. The relatively high cost of agar is another reason that stimulated the search for less expensive binders. To the contrary, non-agar based diets are generally used when large numbers of insects are required and where cost becomes a critical factor. In addition, many general-purpose diets (with or without agar) are used for rearing this insect. The selection of a particular diet, however, is a personal decision that should be based on the quality of the produced insects and the diet suitability for the rearing purpose. This paper discusses the artificial diets used by researchers for Lobesia botrana laboratory rearing.

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The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is a destructive pest feeding on a diverse array of host plants. We studied the demographic parameters of H. armigera on artificial diets prepared from seeds of 10 corn Zea mays L. hybrids (KSC301, KSC403, KSC540, KSC600, KSC604, KSC704, KSC711, Maxima, NS770, and ZP677) using the age-stage, two-sex life table procedure. The results revealed that except for the incubation period, the Z. mays hybrids-mediated artificial diets significantly affected the length of the other immature stages. They also influenced the adult longevity, adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP), and oviposition days of H. armigera. Furthermore, the total fecundity of H. armigera was affected by Z. mays hybrids. Accordingly, the females reared on KSC711 with 503.31 eggs had the highest total fecundity. The highest net reproductive rate (R₀) (88.41 eggs/individual), the intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.109 day^-1), and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.115 day^-1) were observed on KSC711. Our results provided valuable information regarding the life cycle of H. armigera on an artificial diet substrate prepared from different Z. mays hybrids. It was also revealed that although H. armigera had no significant differences in life table parameters on most hybrids, some of them, such as KSC711, were very susceptible to damage. One of the issues that emerged from these findings is the possibility of using some hybrids, e.g., KSC711, in the preparation of semi-artificial diets for this pest.

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Several epidemiological studies have shown that diets rich in olive oil, which is the major source of Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Phenol compounds, have a great role in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing platelet aggregation. It is also seems that such diets have inverse relation with risk factors of chronic disease such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.  This cross sectional study was conducted to assess the consumption of olive oil and its relation to metabolic syndrome in obese children of elementary first grade in Tehran in the frame of "Assessing the effect of lifestyle modification intervention in elementary school obese children ". Subjects were 156 obese children (BMI≥95^thin compare with CDC2000) who were referred to health assessment centers in districts 1, 2 and 3 of Tehran. For each subject, demographic and food frequency questionnaires were fulfilled and anthropometric (weight, height) and biochemical (Fasting blood sugar, Triglycerides, Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol) indices and their blood pressure were measured by experts using standard protocols. Metabolic syndrome was defined on the basis of modified ATPIII criteria for children and adolescents as meeting at least three indicators (abdominal obesity, hypertension, low HDL-c, elevated serum Tg, high FBS) in addition to obesity. Data were analyzed using Spss ver16. Among children, 52% were girls. Mean and standard deviation of age, weight, height and BMI were  80.07 ± 3.8 Mo, 37.5 ± 6.3 Kg, 127.19 ± 4.75 Cm and 23.08± 2.9Kg/m², respectively. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was %13.4, in girls and boys were %10.3 and %16.7, respectively and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Mean of daily consumption of olive oil was less in metabolic syndrome group (3.67 ± 1 V.s. 6.34 ± 1.3) and in contrast, they consumed more saturated fat (8.24 ± 3V.s. 5.7 ± 1.7) which the difference was nearly significant. According to increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome and its relation to fat consumption pattern, further considerations should be pay to amounts and kind of dietary fat, especially olive oil to prevent metabolic syndrome. Key words: Olive oil, Obese child,  diet

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Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a cosmopolitan polyphagous pest. Researchers need a simple mass rearing procedure to study the life history, behavior, and feeding habits of insects. In the present study, effects of container type (Petri dishes or transparent cubic-containers), the form of positioning the containers (overturned or upright), and diet type (artificial diet or natural diet, i.e., chickpea plants) on the development and survival of neonate of H. armigera were assessed. Additionally, effects of container type and ventilation (air circulation in rearing containers) on development and survival of second to sixth instars, percentage of pupation, and adult emergence were assessed. Container type had no significant effect on the development and survival of the neonates and subsequent instars. More neonates survived to the second instar when reared in the containers held overturned, compared to those held upright. The neonates reared on chickpea plants had a shorter larval development and a higher survival rate than those reared on an artificial diet. The percentage of pupation and adult emergence of second instars reared individually in ventilated containers was higher than that of those reared in unventilated containers. As a food source for neonates, chickpea plants could improve the mass rearing of H. armigera.

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Aeromonas hydrophila is an opportunist pathogen in fish and responsible for wide range of fish diseases. In this study, the effect of different levels of curcumin in the diet on growth and resistance to infection with Aeromonas hydrophila in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was investigated by peritoneal injection. For this purpose, six concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1% of different levels of curcumin were mixed with a special feed for carp. 360 common carp with an average weight of 50±4/7 g (divided into six groups), each group was divided into 60 fish and 20 fish per replication. Live Aeromonas hydrophila was exposed to concentrations containing Cfu/ml10 of Aeromonas hydrophila for 10 days and post-challenge mortality was compared between treatments.The results showed that administration of 0.8 and 1% curcumin caused a significant increase In the reduction of losses after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophilis in bacteria in treatments of 0.8 and 1% curcumin showed significant compared to the control treatment (p <0.05).In general, it can be said that the most appropriate concentration of curcumin in feed to increase resistance to infection Bacterial cells are 0.8 and 1%.

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Aims: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an intervention on fiber consumption, self-efficacy, perceived benefit, and barriers among the elderly using the Trans-theoretical Model (TTM).
Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study was developed among constipated elderly people aged ≥60 in Karaj, Iran, between 2019 and 2021. Constipated participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=66) or the control (n=64) groups. Before and after four educational sessions, demographic information, participants’ stages of change for diet, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and daily amount of fiber consumption were evaluated. An analysis was performed to assess any differences in the stages of change (posttest vs. baseline).
Findings: The perceived barriers and self-efficacy were statistically significant after intervention (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group (p>0.001). In both groups, perceived benefits changed statistically significantly (p<0.001). Pearson correlation also showed a significant correlation between stages of change and benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and fiber consumption. The analysis of variance adjusting for covariates also indicated significant differences between intervention and control groups.
Conclusion: The TTM is a useful model that can be applied to dietary behavior change, specifically fruit and vegetable consumption among elderly populations.
 

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Date fruit is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins and essential minerals. In present study, date sugar was used as an alternative for sucrose in sour cherry jam because of its nutritional properties. The physic-chemical and sensory characteristics of the product was assessed and compared with the control sample. At First, both dietary and the control samples were prepared under atmospheric pressure. The samples were assessed for the physic-chemical parameters including acidity, pH, Brix and insoluble solids content. Sensory evaluation was performed by presenting the questionnaires. The final values of viscosity and Brix values for the control were 8733 centi poase and 70, and for dietary jam were 7233 centi poase and 54, respectively. The pH range for both samples was found between 3-3.8. There were no significant deference between dietary jam and the control samples in view of acidity an insoluble material. Both products showed good acceptability among panelists. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between dietary jam and the control in view of overall acceptability. It could be concluded that the application of date sugar as an alternative for sucrose in manufacturing of dietary jam had no deleterious effect on the sensory characteristics of the product (i.e. taste) and could receive good acceptability among consumers.