CaCl2 Treatment Research Articles

Calcium chloride pollution mitigates the negative effects of an invasive clam

Invasive bivalves can drastically alter freshwater ecosystems and affect ecosystem services, but they can be influenced by external factors including calcium concentrations. When a common road salt, calcium chloride (CaCl2), enters freshwater ecosystems, it may be toxic to organisms or facilitate bivalves by serving as a calcium source. Therefore, CaCl2 could benefit invasive mollusks tolerant to chloride that require calcium to grow. We used mesocosms to investigate the impacts of CaCl2 (35–187 mg Ca2+ L−1) and invasive bivalves (Asian clams, Corbicula fluminea; zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha) on a native lake food web. We hypothesized that invasive bivalves facilitate benthic algae because they reduce phytoplankton and excrete waste. These changes in primary producers would subsequently impact consumers. We also hypothesized that low to moderate CaCl2 concentrations promote the survival, growth, and reproduction of native and invasive mollusks, while causing few toxic effects. If so, we hypothesized that invaded communities exposed to CaCl2 experience stronger impacts from the invasive bivalves. We found that invasive bivalves decreased phytoplankton, which led to decreases in periphyton, zooplankton, and native clams. They caused increases in filamentous algae and isopods. While zebra mussels survived poorly in all treatments, moderate concentrations of CaCl2 substantially reduced Asian clams, which reduced their community effects. Our highest CaCl2 treatments also reduced zooplankton densities. Thus, while freshwater salinization from road salts poses a concern, we observed no indication that CaCl2 road salt will benefit Asian clams and zebra mussels. However, the community-wide consequences from Asian clams at low CaCl2 emphasize the extensive effects that invasive bivalves can have on freshwater communities and the immense concern surrounding their invasions.

Low-temperature supercritical dehydroxylation for achieving an ultra-low subthreshold swing of thin-film transistors.

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been widely used in the increasingly advanced field of displays. However, it remains a challenge for TFTs to overcome the poor subthreshold swing in the fast switching and high-speed applications. Here, we provide a solution to the above-mentioned challenge via supercritical dehydroxylation, which combines a low temperature, environmentally friendly supercritical fluid technology with a CaCl2 treatment. An embedded structure of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) TFTs with double-layer high-k dielectric containing Ta2O5 and SiO2 layers was first manufactured. The subthreshold swing of the fabricated TFTs treated with supercritical dehydroxylation was optimized to an ultra-low value of 72.7 mV dec-1. Moreover, other key figures of merits including threshold voltage, on/off ratio and field effect mobility all improved after the supercritical dehydroxylation. The bandgap of the gate dielectric material increased due to the supercritical dehydroxylation verified by the current conduction mechanism. Besides, numerous material analyses further confirmed that owing to the supercritical dehydroxylation the dominant dehydration reactions can effectively repair the defects introduced in the device manufacture. The ultra-low subthreshold swing with optimized electrical performances can be achieved via the low-temperature supercritical dehydroxylation treatment, enabling its promising potential in realizing ultra-fast and low power electronics.

Transglutaminase 2 moderates the expansion of mouse abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectivePreviously published work has indicated that transcripts encoding transglutaminase 2 (TG2) increase markedly in a rat model of abdominal aortic aneurysm. This study determines whether TG2 and the related TG, factor XIII-A (FXIII-A), protect against aortic aneurysm development in mice. MethodsC57BL/6J wild-type, Tgm2–/– knockout, F13a1–/– knockout, and Tgm2–/–/F13a1–/– double knockout mice were subjected to laparotomy and periaortic application of CaCl2. ResultsTgm2–/– mice showed slightly greater aortic dilatation at 6 weeks after treatment when compared with wild type. However, vessels from Tgm2–/– mice, but not wild-type mice, continued to dilate up to 6 months after injury and by 24 weeks, a greater number of Tgm2–/– mice had developed aneurysms (16/17 vs 10/19; P = .008). Laparotomy resulted in a high death rate in F13a1–/– knockout mice, more frequently from cardiac complications than from hemorrhage, but among F13a1–/– mice that survived for 6 weeks after CaCl2 treatment, abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was unaltered relative to wild-type mice. Laparotomy resulted in a higher death rate among Tgm2–/–/F13a1–/– double knockout mice, owing to an increased frequency of delayed bleeding. Surprisingly, Tgm2–/–/F13a1–/– double knockout mice showed a trend toward decreased dilatation of the aorta 6 weeks after injury, and this finding was replicated in Tgm2–/–/F13a1–/– mice subjected to carotid artery injury. Levels of transcripts encoding TG2 were not increased in the aortas of injured wild-type or F13a1–/– knockout mice relative to uninjured mice, although changes in the levels of other transcripts accorded with previous descriptions of the CaCl2 aneurysm model in mice. ConclusionsKnockout of Tgm2, but not F13a1 exacerbates aortic dilatation, suggesting that TG2 confers protection. However, levels of TG2 messenger RNA are not acutely elevated after injury. FXIII-A plays a role in preventing postoperative damage after laparotomy, confirming previous reports that it prevents distal organ damage after trauma. TG2 promotes wound healing after surgery and, in its absence, the bleeding diathesis associated with FXIII-A deficiency is further exposed.

Synergistic effect of calcium chloride and 1-Methylcyclopropene on storage of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai was a climacteric variety with a high respiration rate and ethylene accumulation. Therefore the fruit matures and softeness quickly during post-harvest period. Calcium chloride was popularly utilized as stabilizing agent. 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been known to be highly effective inhibitor of ethylene reaction. This research evaluated the synergistic effect of CaCl2 and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment to weight loss, firmness, total soluble solid, carotenoid, ascorbic acid and decay rate of watermelon during storage. Results showed that a combination of 2.5% CaCl2 and 0.6 ppm 1-MCP in 20 min of immersion could extend watermelon shelf life for 15 days. After 15 days of ambient storage, the weight loss (1.43±0.02 %), firmness (4.38±0.00 N), total soluble solid (13.60±0.01 oBrix), carotenoid (16.31±0.02 µg/100g), ascorbic acid (13.36±0.03 mg/100g), decay rate (0.47±0.02 %) were clearly presented. Meanwhile, the treatment of 2.5% CaCl2 alone showed the weight loss (2.11±0.02 %), firmness (3.03±0.02 N), total soluble solid (10.83±0.02 oBrix), carotenoid (12.97±0.03 µg/100g), ascorbic acid (9.57±0.02 mg/100g), decay rate (2.14±0.01 %). The incorporation of CaCl2 and 1-MCP created a synergistic effect on the improved quality of watermelon fruit during ambient storage.

High concentration of calcium represses osteoblast differentiation in C2C12 cells

Calcium is the most abundant stored mineral in the human body and is especially vital for bone health; thus, calcium deficiency can cause bone-related diseases, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. However, a high concentration of serum calcium, which is commonly known as hypercalcemia, can also lead to weakened bones and, in severe cases, osteosarcoma. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the concentration of calcium that is appropriate for bone biology. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of high concentration of calcium, approximately 2 folds the normal calcium level, on osteoblast differentiation. The CaCl2 treatment showed dose-dependent suppression of the alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation. Calcium showed cytotoxicity at an extremely high concentration, but a moderately high concentration of calcium that results in inhibitory effects to osteoblast differentiation showed no signs of cytotoxicity. We also confirmed that the CaCl2 treatment repressed the mRNA expression and protein abundance of various osteogenic genes and transcriptional factors. Considered together, these results indicate that a high concentration of calcium negatively regulates the osteoblast differentiation of C2C12 cells.

Exogenous calcium chloride (CaCl2) promotes γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation in fresh-cut pears

Effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation pathways in fresh-cut pears was investigated. The metabolites, enzyme activity and gene expression associated with GABA shunt and polyamine degradation were measured. Results demonstrated that CaCl2 treatment promoted GABA accumulation and reduced the glutamate (Glu) content in fresh-cut pears. Ca2+ fluorescence in pear cell, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity and its gene expression increased significantly under CaCl2 treatment correspondingly. Meanwhile, the Ca2+ channel blockers lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) treatment not only significantly inhibited the activities of GAD, GABA transaminase (GABA-T), diamine oxidase (DAO), polyamine oxidase (PAO) and aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase (AMADH), but also down-regulated the transcripts of PbGAD, PbGABA-T, PbPAO1 and PbPAO2. Taken together, it can be concluded that CaCl2 seems to be more effective to GABA shunt, while LaCl3 treatment mightily stimulate GABA shunt and polyamine degradation pathway.

Effects of Saline Water Irrigation and Biochar Amendment on Okra Growth and Nutrient Leaching in Coastal Saline Soils

ABSTRACT Excess soluble salts in the soil and irrigation water creates difficulties for plant growth and lowers nutrient availability in the soil. Organic ameliorants such as biochar are believed to be one of the effective treatments for soil improvement and salt stress alleviating. To access the response of different types of salt in irrigation water and bamboo biochar amendment on okra growth and nutrient leaching in coastal saline soils, both column and pot experiments were carried out from 2018 to 2019 in Nanjing, China. The experimental results suggested that okra growth and yield were reduced notably under the saline condition in contrast with the control treatment. Anthocyanin accumulation, which is a sign of growth stress, was decreased after the application of different types of salt. Furthermore, the application of different types of salt effectively increases malondialdehyde (MDA) content in sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and sodium chloride (NaCl) treatments at both 2.0 and 4.0 dS/m. Meanwhile, MDA was reduced in CaCl2 and MgCl2 treatments at both 2.0 and 4.0 dS/m. Nevertheless, bamboo biochar remarkably ameliorated okra seed germination, growth process, and yield due to salt stress. Besides, the leaching of nitrate, total nitrogen and total phosphorus is significantly reduced in the case of biochar application. In conclusion, our study suggested that bamboo biochar is one of the alternatives of ameliorant to improve the productivity of plants in coastal saline soils.

Effect of Different Concentrations of the Gibberellic Acid and Calcium Chloride Dipping on Quality and Shelf-life of Kochoro Variety Tomato

Tomato is a highly perishable horticultural produce; post-harvest management is very crucial to maintain the quality and to extend shelf life. In view of this, the present research was carried out to determine the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) (0.075, 0.1, and 0.125%) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) (1, 1.5, and 2%) treatments on quality and shelf life of tomato (Kochoro variety) in two (green matured and pink) ripening stages. The experiment was carried out involving two factors (treatment and ripening stage) arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The treated fruits were stored at room temperature and the data on quality and shelf life was collected once in every 5 d. The data were analyzed using SAS version 9.8 for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation. The mean temperature and relative humidity throughout the storage period were reported as 24.67 °C and 55.48%, respectively. The results of the study showed that the least color changes (1.16) and (1.38) were observed for the fruits treated with 1.5% CaCl2 in green mature (20 d of storage) and pink (15 d of storage) stages. Treatments of 0.1% GA3 and 1.5% CaCl2 effectively maintained the firmness of tomato fruits in green matured (0.7 kg/cm2) and pink (0.5 kg/cm2) stages by 20 d of storage duration. Treatment of 1% and 1.5% of CaCl2 on green matured tomato samples reported only 20% of the decay by 20 d of storage; however, control samples reported 60% of decay. Finally, from this study, it was concluded that postharvest treatments are significant in maintaining the quality and shelf life of the tomatoes in the green stage up to 20 d. Treatment with 1.5% CaCl2 and 0.125% GA3 is effective to prolong the storage life and quality of pink tomato; in the case of the green mature stage, treatment with 0.125% GA3 showed maximum shelf life.

Pre-Harvest Treatments On Canino Apricot Trees to Improve Yield, Fruit Quality at Harvest and During Storage

The present study was conducted on eighteen years old Canino apricot trees grown in a private orchard at Motobus, Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt in 2019 and 2020 seasons to evaluate the effects of preharvest foliar treatments of potassium sulphate at 1.5% and calcium chloride at 2% individually or in combination in addition to Control (tap water) on yield, fruit quality at picking date and during cold storage at 0±1°C with 90 – 95 % RH. Canino apricot trees were sprayed three times starting after full bloom, fruit setting and finally ten days before harvest with one of the abomination treatments. The results showed that all treatments increased yield and improved fruit weight, size, height and width compared to control. Application of 1.5% K2SO4 produced the highest vitamin C content and SSC% after 7, 14 and 21 days of cold storage in both seasons. While, Application of 2% CaCl2 showed the lowest fruit decay % and SSC %, and maintained fruit firmness until 28 days of cold storage in both seasons. The combination between 1.5 % K2SO4 and 2% CaCl2 treatment produced the highest vitamin C content and acidity% and maintained fruit weight loss% and SSC/acid ratio in lowest values until 21 and 28 days of cold storage in both seasons. Finally, it could be recommend to spray K2SO4 at 1.5% and CaCl2 at 2% on Canino apricot trees three times to increase yield and improve physical and chemical fruit quality and maintains characteristics of fruit under cold storage.

SDPR/Cavin-2 loss inhibits monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells in abdominal aortic aneurysm via suppressing the expression of adhesion molecules

Abstract Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common and life-threatening vascular disease. The initial phase of AAA progression is vascular inflammation. Inflammation sites present adhesion molecules, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). These molecules play a crucial role in recruiting inflammatory cells to endothelial cells through NF-κB signaling. Endothelial cells express serum deprivation response (SDPR)/Cavin-2 localized in caveolae on the cell membrane. Although Cavin-2 is involved in such as cell proliferation, migration, and signal transduction, the role of Cavin-2 in vascular inflammation in the development of AAA is still unclear. Purpose To assess the influence of Cavin-2 deficiency in AAA development and clarify the role of Cavin-2 in the regulation of inflammatory cell adhesion in endothelial cells. Methods CaCl2-induced AAAs were induced by the periaortic application of 0.5 M CaCl2 in male SDPR-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice at 8–10 weeks of age. Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AAAs were created by 4-week-subcutaneous drug infusion in male ApoE-KO and ApoE/Cavin-2-double KO (DKO) mice at 24 weeks of age. Inflammatory response and cell adhesion were evaluated using human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and human monocytes (THP-1 cells). Results Six weeks after CaCl2 treatment, Cavin-2 deficiency significantly attenuated the development of AAAs. Elastin degradation was markedly suppressed and F4/80-positive macrophages infiltration in aortic walls were decreased in Cavin-2-KO mice. Although Ang II infusion for 4 weeks formed AAAs in ApoE KO mice and ApoE/Cavin-2-DKO mice, ApoE/Cavin-2-DKO mice exhibited the suppression of AAA formation independently of blood pressure. Immunohistochemical staining showed VCAM-1 expression on endothelial cells was suppressed in ApoE/Cavin-2-DKO mice. Further, in vitro co-culture experiment, the number of THP-1 cells adhered to TNF-treated SDPR-knockdown HAECs was decreased compared with that to control HAECs. Moreover, mRNA expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was decreased in TNFα-treated SDPR-knockdown HAECSs. Protein expression of VCAM-1 was also suppressed in TNFα-treated SDPR-knockdown HAECSs. The activity of NF-κB p65, an upstream regulator of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1,tended to be suppressed in TNFα-treated SDPR-knockdown HAECs. Conclusion In this study, we revealed that SDPR/Cavin-2 loss attenuated AAA development with the suppression of elastin degradation and macrophage infiltration. Our findings suggest that SDPR/Cavin-2 in the endothelial cells regulates the expression of adhesion molecules via NF-κB signaling and promotes the adhesion and infiltration of inflammatory cells to the aortic wall. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Calcium ion improves cold resistance of green peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) by regulating the activity of protective enzymes and membrane lipid composition

To study the effect of calcium ion (Ca2+) on chilling injury (CI) in green peppers (Capsicum annuum L.), green peppers were treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) at 4 °C storage temperature. The results showed that two calcium ions exhibited opposite functions. The CaCl2 treatment effectively regulated the activity of antioxidative enzymes to promote the AsA-GSH cycle, reduced the accumulation of O2− and H2O2 generated from the metabolic cycle, inhibited the accumulation of MDA and proline, and the degradation of membrane lipid components, as well as the increase in relative conductivity to maintain the integrity of cell membrane. The reason that CaCl2 can improve the cold resistance of green bell pepper fruit may be attributed by the decreased expression and activity of PLC gene and DGK gene, which delayed the degradation of membrane lipid, thereby maintaining cell membrane stability and reducing the occurrence of CI.

Effect of hydrothermal-calcium chloride treatment on pectin characteristics and related quality in green peppers during storage.

Effects of hydrothermal (HT)-calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatment on pectin characteristics and related quality in green peppers during storage were assessed. The results showed that the changes of physicochemical quality in all green peppers were similar during storage. Weight loss percentage increased, firmness, the content of free water and bound water decreased during storage. Water-soluble pectin (WSP) notably increased, but sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP) and chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) decreased. Galacturonic acid (GalUA), rhamnose (Rha), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara) were the crucial compositions in the backbone and branched chains of pectin in green peppers. Rha and Gal increased, but Ara decreased in pectin after storage. The changes in the ratio of Rha/GalUA, Ara/Gal, and (Gal + Ara)/Rha represented that the backbone and branched chains of pectin in green peppers depolymerized to some extent after storage. Comparing with other green peppers, HT-CaCl2 treated green peppers posed lower weight loss percentage and WSP content, higher firmness, the content of free water, bound water, SSP, and CSP during storage. Otherwise, most pectin compositions in HT-CaCl2 treated green peppers showed high molar ratio after storage. Hence, HT-CaCl2 treatment was an effective way to retain pectin characteristics and related quality of green peppers, and further inhibited the softening of green peppers during storage.

Postharvest Changes in Weight and Sugar Content of Cactus Pear [Opuntia Ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] Fruit under Integrated Handling Practices

ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of integrated postharvest chemical, packaging and storage treatments on weight loss and sugar content of cactus pear fruits. The treatments were factorial combinations of chemical (Control, 0.022 mM Salicylic Acid, and 27 mM CaCl2), two packaging (unpackaged and packaged with polyethylene sheet) and two storage condition (ambient and evaporative cooler (EC)) in completely randomized design with three replications. Temperature and relative humidity of storage environments, weight and decay loss, and reducing and total sugar content of cactus pear fruits were recorded during 21 days of storage. EC significantly maintained parameters of cactus pear fruits tested by reducing mean temperature 2.81°C and increasing relative humidity by 11%. Packaging also reduced weight and decay loss and maintained sugar contents. Similarly, CaCl2 treatment enabled better retention of weight and sugar content of cactus pear fruits followed by Salicylic acid. Hence, integrated use of CaCl2, packaging and EC are recommended to maintain lower weight and decay loss and higher reducing and total sugar contents and to extending shelf life of cactus pear fruits.

Transcriptional and metabolite analysis reveal a shift in fruit quality in response to calcium chloride treatment on "Kyoho" grapevine.

'Kyoho' grapevine (Vitis vinifera) treated by calcium ions solution has been proved as an effective treatment to extend grape quality during storage to reduce disease, but its molecular mechanism was not clear yet. In the current work, grape berries were treated with different concentration of Calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution, and their effects on antioxidant enzyme activity and transcriptome and metabolome in fruit were investigated. CaCl2 treatments reduced weight loss and inhibited the decrement of flesh firmness. 80mM CaCl2 significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes POD, SOD and CAT, which was the optimum experimental concentration. The study showed that the expression level of heat shock transcription factor and UBX which involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress and degradation pathway increased significantly. Moreover, the corresponding metabolites, such as heat shock protein and organic acid, also increased significantly. The misfolded proteins are transported to the cytosol for degradation, so that the preservation ability of grape is improved.

Effects of calcium application on activities of membrane transporters in Panax notoginseng under cadmium stress

Pot experiments were conducted to study combined effects of Ca and Cd on contents of Cd and Ca, and membrane transporters activities (CC (calcium channel protein), ATPase and CAXs (cationic/H+ antiporter) of two-year old Panax notoginseng with application of different concentrations of Ca2+ (0, 180 and 360 mgkg−1, prepared by Ca(OH)2 and CaCl2, respectively) under Cd2+ (0, 0.6, 6.0, and 12.0 mgkg−1, prepared by CdCl2•2.5H2O) treatments. The results showed that soil available Cd contents decreased with Ca(OH)2 and CaCl2 application. Soil pH value increased with Ca(OH)2 application. The contents of Cd in all parts of P. notoginseng increased with the increase in Cd treatment concentrations. The Cd content of P. notoginseng decreased with Ca(OH)2 and CaCl2 treatments. The activities of CC and ATPase in the main root of P. notoginseng decreased with the increase in Cd treatment concentrations and application of CaCl2. The activities of CC and ATPase increased with Ca(OH)2application. The activity of CAXs in the main root of P. notoginseng increased with the increase of Cd treatment concentration. The results indicate that Ca and Cd should be both related to membrane transporters activities and activities of CC, ATPase and CAXs are promoted by cooperation of Ca2+and OH+, which suggest the Ca(OH)2 application should be better than application of CaCl2 for Cd detoxification.

Effects of calcium chloride treatment on softening in red raspberry fruit during low-temperature storage.

Fruit softening is an inevitable event during ripening of red raspberry fruit even when stored at low temperature. In this research, the effects of CaCl2 treatment on softening of red raspberry during storage at 4°C were studied. The results indicated that CaCl2 treatment effectively delayed the decrease of firmness and reduced the respiration rate of red raspberry fruit during storage. The CaCl2-treated fruit maintained higher protopectin content and lower soluble pectin content compared with controls. The cellulose and starch contents in the fruit treated with CaCl2 kept higher than in the control during storage. Moreover, CaCl2 treatment decreased activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylesterase (PME), and cellulase (Cx) mainly at the early stage of softening. Application of CaCl2 lead to the decreased activities of amylase (AM) and β-galactosidase (β-gal) compared with controls during the entire storage periods. These results indicated that CaCl2 treatment might delay postharvest softening of red raspberry fruit stored at low-temperature by retarding cell wall degradation and starch hydrolysis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Red raspberry fruit is very popular with consumers because of its high-nutritional value and anticancer effects. However, it has a very short postharvest life and softens easily even when stored at low temperature, which limits its distribution to distant market. Our data indicated that CaCl2 treatment delayed postharvest softening of red raspberry fruit stored at low temperature. The results could provide preliminary yet essential information to research community to further study the molecular mechanisms of softening in red raspberry fruit, and also provide reference data for maintaining quality of postharvest red raspberry fruit.

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN ORGANOLPETIK PEMPEK LENJER KECIL KERING DENGAN PERLAKUAN KONSENTRASI CaCl2

As an authentic food of Palembang people in South Sumatera Province, pempek is famous local food caused of unique color (yellowish-white color), flavor (fishy flavor), and chewy texture. Pempek as semi-wet food that can be dried to decrease water content and increase the shelf life. Dried pempek has a lighter and smaller volume material and making it easier to distribute and expand marketing. Pempek can be prepared from ground fish (cork fish), tapioca flour, salt, and water. These ingredients are mixed to form a dough. Pempek dough can be formed into a small pempek, such as lenjer, pastel, otak-otak, adaan, keriting, and kapal selam. Pempek is generally has a wet form. Wet pempek has a high water content of 50-60%, so it had shelf life about 3-4 days. Therefore, wet pempek must be dried to make it long shelf life. The aim of the research was to know about small dried pempek lenjer characteristic based on various addition of CaCl2. The treatment of various CaCl2 concentrations has a very significant effect on water content and protein content (chemical value) and significantly influence the organoleptic properties (aroma, color, and taste) of the dried pempek lenjer. The 1.5% concentration of CaCl2 (C3) treatment has the highest average level of likeness on aroma 3.75, color 3.90, and taste 3.95 with preferred criteria on a dried pempek lenjer.
 Keywords: chemical, organoleptic, small dried pempek lenjer

Roasted Rye as a Coffee Substitute: Methods for Reducing Acrylamide.

Acrylamide is assumed to be a potential carcinogen, and reference values have therefore been implemented in EU legislation. Thus, the food industry needs to reduce the acrylamide content in consumer products to the lowest possible value. In this study, roasted rye was evaluated for its suitability as a coffee substitution product with respect to its acrylamide content. The influence of process modifiers, free asparagine content, storage, and rye type on the final content of acrylamide was investigated. Changes in carbohydrate composition and brightness caused by the roasting process were described. Sample analysis was conducted via GC-MS and HPLC-CAD. Existing methods were adapted to roasted rye as the sample matrix. CaCl2 and asparaginase treatment as well as pH adjustments prior to roasting did not prove to reduce the acrylamide content. A significantly (* p < 0.027) lower free asparagine content in the raw material resulted in a lower formation of acrylamide in the final product. The acrylamide content significantly decreased (**** p < 0.0001) after 3 (1100 ± 18 µg kg−1) and 6 (490 ± 7 µg kg−1) months of long-term storage. Only samples stored for 6 months (490 ± 7 µg kg−1) met the EU acrylamide content requirements (<500 µg kg−1) for grain-based coffee substitution products.

Calcium affects glucoraphanin metabolism in broccoli sprouts under ZnSO4 stress

CaCl2, Ca2+ chelator (EGTA) and Ca2+ channel blocker (verapamil) were used to investigate mechanism of glucoraphanin metabolism in broccoli sprouts under ZnSO4 stress. CaCl2 treatment promoted sprout growth, reduced MDA (malonaldehyde) content and electrolyte leakage in sprouts under ZnSO4 stress. The highest MDA content and electrolyte leakage were obtained in ZnSO4 plus verapamil-treated sprouts. In addition, ZnSO4 plus CaCl2 treatment significantly enhanced glucoraphanin content and sulforaphane formation, while an opposite result was observed after ZnSO4 plus EGTA treatment; which were further supported by expression of glucoraphanin biosynthetic and hydrolytic genes as well as myrosinase (MYR) and epithiospecifier protein (ESP) activities. These results indicated that exogenous and endogenous calcium promoted glucoraphanin biosynthesis and the conversion rate of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. Verapamil treatment also stimulated glucoraphanin biosynthesis, but exerted an adverse influence on sulforaphane formation from the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin because of much higher ESP expression and ESP activity than ZnSO4 treatment.

Effects of 1-MCP and calcium chloride treatments on quality maintenance of full-ripe cherry tomatoes

This study aims to elucidate the effects of separate or combined 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatment on the post-harvest quality of full-ripe cherry tomatoes (TY high Q cultivar). Full-ripe cherry tomatoes were exposed to 500 ppb 1-MCP (14 h), 2% CaCl2 (2 min), or a combination of both. After treatment, the fruit were evaluated based on the changes in their physicochemical factors, antioxidant activities, lycopene contents, and insoluble pectin contents during storage at 10°C over 17 days. All chemical treatments prevented weight loss and reductions in the insoluble pectin contents over the 17 days period, and also over an additional distribution period of 4 days, when compared to the control fruit. Interestingly, the full-ripe cherry tomatoes treated 1-MCP with CaCl2 exhibited a delay in discoloration until 13 days after treatment compared to the control. In addition, the synergetic effect of 1-MCP and CaCl2 was revealed by following their lycopene levels and antioxidant activities during storage. Furthermore, the insoluble pectin contents of the cherry tomatoes subjected to the combined treatment were higher than those recorded for the separate treatments. These results suggest that treatment with a combination of 1-MCP and CaCl2 can be useful as a post-harvest technique to improve both the post-harvest quality and the beneficial properties of cherry tomatoes even when the fruit is approaching the full-ripe stage.