Fresh Heads Research Articles

Evaluation of ubiquitination and sumoylation of acrosin inhibitor during in vitro capacitation of porcine sperm

The main objective of this study was to investigate the expression of acrosin inhibitor (AI), ubiquitin (Ub), and small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) proteins during in vitro capacitation of pig sperm. Duroc pig sperm was divided into fresh sperm and capacitation treatment groups. Protein expression was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The results showed that the expression of AI (30 kDa) incapacitated sperm was significantly lower than that in fresh sperm (P < 0.05), and that the levels of ubiquitinated and SUMO1-ylated proteins in capacitated sperm were significantly higher than those in fresh sperm (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results showed that AI, Ub, and SUMO1 were located in the acrosome region of the fresh and capacitated sperm heads. After capacitation, the fluorescence intensity of AI and SUMO1 decreased, while that of Ub increased. The protein band at 30 kDa represented the AI-Ub-SUMO1 complex, indicating that this complex was involved in sperm capacitation. Furthermore, SUMO1 increased the stability of AI at 30 kDa, preventing its complete decomposition, while at 46 kDa, in the absence of SUMO1, AI is bound to ubiquitin, and was completely degraded.

Fresh Cadaver Simulation Model with Continuous Extracorporeal Circulation as a Training Platform for Intracranial High-Flow Bypass: Technical Note and Rheologic Feasibility Evaluation.

Introduction As endovascular techniques evolve toward replacing open surgery, several clinical scenarios still require surgical revascularization. Characterizing this era are decreasing surgical volumes and lack of realistic training models. In an effort to develop lifelike simulation models, we developed a platform for surgical training on high-flow bypass in a fresh cadaver model. Our technique incorporated an extracorporeal circulating system that resembled clinical conditions and confirmed anastomosis efficacy by clinical parameters. Methods On three fresh cadaveric heads, the subtemporal approach exposed the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) (C2) as the donor vessel for an interposition radial artery graft. Using a continuous extracorporeal circulation system, the bypass model was tested in three fresh heads and verified using clinical technologies. Results Successful C2 ICA to M2 anastomosis was completed in all three fresh heads, confirmed with qualitative and quantitative Doppler, and indocyanine green angiography. Antegrade distribution through graft and revascularized territory was documented on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan with radiopaque silicone injected through the ipsilateral carotid. Conclusion This study confirmed the feasibility of a totally intracranial high-flow bypass in a fresh cadaver model that achieved hemodynamic features aligned with those of normal middle cerebral artery flow in the clinical setting.

First Record of the Sinus Worm Skrjabingylus petrowi (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) in a Pine Marten Martes martes from Poland.

Skrjabingylus spp. are nematodes that parasitize in the frontal and nasal sinuses of small mustelids. In Europe, the two species S. nasicola and S. petrowi are known, although records of S. petrowi are extremely rare, except in the former part of the USSR. The aim of the present study was to screen pine martens (Martes martes) from Poland for the first time for the presence of S. petrowi. Three road-killed pine martens were collected in 2018 and 2020 in the province Lower Silesian in southwestern Poland. A complete necropsy was performed on the fresh pine marten heads and especially the frontal sinuses and paranasal sinuses were examined for the presence of Skrjabingylus spp. The species identity of the recovered nematodes was determined by morphological measurements and genetic barcoding. One of three pine martens examined showed infection with 12 Skrjabingylus spp. in the right frontal sinus. Measurements of the spicule length of the males revealed a range of 480-521 µm which is characteristic of S. petrowi. There was a close match between the COI sequence reported here and of S. petrowi sequences reported from Germany. This is the first report of infection of a pine marten with the sinus worm S. petrowi in Poland.

Applicability of cone beam computed tomography gray values for estimation of primary stability of dental implants

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between bone density measured by computed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) (Sirona’s Galileos scanner) with primary stability of dental implants. Material and methods: 20 fresh bovine femoral heads were prepared by removal of soft tissue, sectioning of the bone, and placement of markers for location and angulation of implants. Bone density of peri-implant areas was determined preoperatively by CT and CBCT scanning of the prepared bone samples represented by Hounsfield units (HUs) and gray values (GVs), respectively. Then, 60 implants in three sizes (diameter = 4 mm, length = 8, 10, and 12 mm) were inserted into the bones and maximum insertion torque (IT) was recorded. Osstell device was also used for determining the implant stability quotient (ISQ) for each implant. Statistical analysis was performed on the data (alpha = 0.05). Results: Mean ± SD values of GV, HU, and ISQ were 1592.75 ± 231.82, 675.26 ± 115.38 and 61.90 ± 10.14, respectively. Moreover, the most frequent IT limit was 30-35 Ncm (41.4%). Significant relationships were observed between HU and IT, GV and IT, HU and ISQ, GV and ISQ, and IT and ISQ in all implant sizes. Moreover, GV and HU also significantly correlated to each other. Conclusion: Bone density values in CBCT and CT scans are positively associated to primary stability of dental implants. Therefore, GVs obtained from Galileos CBCT scanner can be used for preoperative selection of edentulous sites which allow for better implant stability or locations which require further procedures for enhancing the success rate of dental implants. KEYWORDSComputed tomography; Cone beam computed tomography; Dental implant.

Key Anatomical Clarifications for the Marginal Mandibular Branch of the Facial Nerve: Clinical Significance for the Plastic Surgeon.

The marginal mandibular branch (MMBr) of the facial nerve is the least likely to recover from injury due to infrequent anastomosis with other branches. The MMBr has been described as coursing superior to the inferior border of the mandible. However, studies have reported variations in its location in embalmed and fresh specimens. It has been postulated that the embalming process may effect its anatomic position. The aim of this study was to re-evalulate the location of the MMBr relative to the inferior border of the mandible in both fresh and embalmed cadavers, and investigate variation in its position with sex, side of the face, and age. Superficial fascial planes were dissected to reveal the MMBr and its anatomic relations. Distance between the most inferior branch of the MMBr and the antegonial notch were measured bilaterally. The most inferior position of the MMBr between the antegonial notch and gonion was measured. Fresh heads were used as a comparison, with an additional measurement taken of the distance between the MMBr and the gonial angle. The MMBr was located inferior to the border of the mandible (90.3%) more often than above (9.6%). No significant differences were found between fresh and embalmed cadavers, sex, side of body, or age (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found between intact cadavers and fresh heads (P > 0.05). This study confirms and describes reliable landmarks for safety zones for the MMBr during plastic and reconstructive surgery of the lower face and upper neck. These data add reliability to studies that have investigated nerve locations in embalmed cadavers.

Enzymatic Extraction and Characterization of Lipid Fraction Highly Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Mackerel (&lt;i&gt;Scomber scombrus&lt;/i&gt;)

Fresh mackerel heads were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis using Alcalase 2.4L (60°C, 2h). The centrifugation of the slurry displayed three lipid fractions. Chemical characteristics of these fractions showed significant differences for protein, lipid and ash contents. The rate of oil released after enzymatic extraction accounted for 19.20% and 21% for 3% E/S and 5% E/S respectively with no significant difference (p< 0.05). Lipids released after enzymatic processes, lipids from emulsified fraction displayed similar lipid classes level amounted to 95-98% for triglycerides (TG) and 2-5% for phospholipids (PL). As for heavy fraction, there were 42% of TG and 58 % of PL. Lipids released by enzymatic hydrolysis and lipids of emulsified fraction displayed similar content of PUFA and were compared to lipids extracted by solvent. The main PUFA were EPA (6.99 to 7.56%) and DHA (from 11.26 to 15.86%). The lipid of the heavy fraction, which contained the most abundant amount of the DHA accounted for 26.11% and a high amount of EPA (7.73%).

Cephalic Conformation in Young Pyrenean Catalan Horses Shows no Differences between Sexes

‘Sexual dimorphism’ defines differences in dimensions and proportions between males and females and in case it appears, researches must be done to see if they are the result of ontogenetic scaling, heterochronic processes or allometric variations. In order to fill this gap in an Iberian local horse, breed, we studied nineteen fresh heads. They belonged to young purebred (registered) animals (11 males and eight females; average age 457 ± 37 days) of the Pyrenean Catalan Horse breed, nine linear parameters were obtained: (1) cranium width, (2) cephalic width, (3) face width, (4) cranium length, (5) frontal length, (6) head length, (7) ear length, (8) head height and (9) mandible length. Parameters (2) and (9) showed a non-N distribution. A Mann-Whitney test reflected no statistically significant sexual dimorphism. Having all studied horses under 36 months of age, it would be interesting to do more research with more and elder animals in order to have a better understanding of the growth dynamics for this breed.

Delivering irrigation to the anterior ethmoid region: evaluation of a lacrimal diversion device in a cadaver model.

Topical solutions to the sinus cavity are primarily administered via a transnasal route with inherent limitations of distribution. Here we describe an alternate method of sinus access via lacrimal sinus diversion using a novel lacrimal diversion device (LDD). A cadaveric study was performed using 12 disarticulated fresh heads. The LDD was implanted in 23 sides meeting insertion criteria. Time to placement was recorded and patency was assessed via nasal endoscopy. Methylene blue was administered via the LDD and 16 sides underwent surgical ethmoidectomy to assess distribution of mucosal staining. Four cadavers underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging to demonstrate stent position. Mean time of placement was 3.66 ± 2.37 minutes (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Patency rate was 100%. Six sides (37.5%) had anterior ethmoid staining, 6 sides (37.5%) had posterior ethmoid staining, and the remaining 4 sides (25%) had mixed anterior and posterior ethmoid staining. Stents placed optimally resulted in anterior ethmoid staining without complication. Malpositioned stents resulted in posterior ethmoid staining and some inadvertent ethmoid vertical lamella trauma in 2 instances. Sinus irrigation can be delivered to the ethmoid sinuses directly via a lacrimal diversion stent. Technique modification or image guidance may be helpful in ensuring optimal placement.

Specific branches of hypoglossal nerve to genioglossus muscle as a potential target of selective neurostimulation in obstructive sleep apnea: anatomical and morphometric study

PurposeTo determine the ideal implantation site for selective tongue neurostimulation in obstructive sleep apnea, anatomy of the distal branching of the hypoglossal nerve (HGN) was revisited.MethodsThe HGN distal course and intramuscular distribution to the tongue muscles were studied in 17 embalmed and 5 fresh heads (age 60–98, BMI 20–35). Medial branches supplying selectively the genioglossus (GG) muscle were identified. Then, the distinct bundles entering the oblique (GGo) and horizontal (GGh) parts of the GG were located. Morphometric data were compared to similar measurements made on MRI sections from 12 patients (age 43–71, BMI 18–47).ResultsThe key facts relevant to optimize stimulation and electrode design are the following: the mean width of both GG muscles in embalmed and fresh cadavers was 20.7 ± 2.9 and 21.4 ± 5 mm, respectively; it is significantly (p < 0.05) superior to the MRI value of 18.26 ± 2.0 mm. Selective nervous branches for GGh and GGo were located at 52 ± 8% of hyoid bone-mandibular symphysis distance and at 5.8 ± 1.1 mm from the inferior border of the GG muscle. The surface of stimulation is a 4.4 ± 1.1 × 6.9 ± 3.8 mm ellipse.ConclusionsAccording to our observations, the optimal selective or supra-selective stimulation of the tongue protractor muscles can be performed on the lateral surface of the GG at roughly equal distance between the mandibular symphysis and the hyoid bone, at a depth of about 0.6 cm above the GG lower border.

Anatomic Analysis of the Maxillary Sinus: Preliminary Morphologic Comparison of Animal Models (Pig, Lamb, and Human).

Anatomic Analysis of the Maxillary Sinus: Preliminary Morphologic Comparison of Animal Models (Pig, Lamb, and Human).

Effect of packaging film and antibrowning solution on quality maintenance of minimally processed globe artichoke heads

Abstract The effects of three different packaging materials (macroperforated, microperforated and non-perforated films) in combination with an antibrowning solution (containing 1.0% ascorbic acid and 0.2% citric acid) on the qualitative traits of minimally processed globe artichoke heads (cvs. ‘Violet de Provence’ and ‘Tema 2000’) were studied during refrigerated storage for 16 days. Results highlighted that the heads treated with the antibrowning solution and packaged in the microperforated and non-perforated films maintained better qualitative attributes ( i.e. , lower microbial growth, moderate respiration rate and browning degree, higher total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity) than those not treated with the antibrowning solution and packaged in the macroperforated film. ‘Tema 2000’ displayed better performances in terms of browning degree and antioxidant activity, as well as lower bacterial count values, than ‘Violet de Provence’. However, the choice of a proper packaging film is crucial for extending the shelf life of minimally processed globe artichoke heads. Industrial relevance The fresh heads of globe artichoke are a well-known source of healthy compounds (mainly polyphenols), but the tedious culinary preparation limits their fresh consumption to the original area of cultivation ( i.e. , Mediterranean basin). Minimal processing could, therefore, ease its consumption on a wider scale, but may also result in a more perishable product. Hence, with the aim to improve the current knowledge on the qualitative maintenance of minimally processed globe artichoke heads, we examined the effects of three packaging films in combination with an antibrowning solution on physical, physiological, chemical and microbiological traits of two cultivars during refrigerated storage. Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of the micro-perforated and non-perforated films to reduce microbial growth and enhance the total polyphenol content, especially for the heads treated with the antibrowning solution. It was also shown that the cultivar choice should be considered as crucial in order to preserve the overall quality of the product. Finally, from an industrial standpoint, this study provides relevant data for extending product shelf life through a proper packaging procedure and, hence, promoting the exportation of minimally processed globe artichoke heads on a wider scale.

Translational value of sheep as animal model to study sinus augmentation.

Sinus augmentation is a routine surgical procedure in dentistry. At present, various animal models are available for the research purpose on this topic. In particular, for the first time, we have performed a morphological study on sheep sinus, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), to precisely define the anatomy of the ovine sinus. Then, we compared the sheep and human sinus morphological parameters, in order to uniform the research approach to the sinus augmentation procedures and to standardize this experimental model. Six fresh heads of adult female sheep were studied with CBCT and histologic examination to determine the dimensions and the organization of the ovine maxillary sinus. The comparison of the dimensional values between man and sheep shows evident differences between the two species; CBCT offers detailed information for studying normal maxillary sinus. Human and sheep maxillary sinus show anatomical differences that must be taken into account in experimental procedures.

Influence of an O3-atmosphere storage on microbial growth and antioxidant contents of globe artichoke as affected by genotype and harvest time

Abstract We investigated the effects of storage at 4 °C under ozone-enriched atmospheres on microbiological quality and antioxidant content of three globe artichoke cultivars (‘Violet de Provence’, ‘Tema 2000’ and ‘Apollo’), harvested at different times (winter, early spring, late spring), immediately treated under real industrial operation conditions and analyzed after 0, 3 and 7 days of storage. Response of cultivars to postharvest treatments strictly depended upon harvest time. The reduction of both mesophilic bacteria and yeasts and moulds was significant in heads stored under ozone-enriched atmosphere for 3 or 7 days with major reductions for ‘Tema 2000’ and ‘Apollo’ harvested in winter and early spring, respectively. Ozone-treated heads of ‘Violet de Provence’ and ‘Apollo’ reported a major ascorbic acid retention and a higher total polyphenol content in winter and early spring harvests, respectively. Finally, regardless of the harvest time, the exposure of globe artichoke heads to an ozone-enriched atmosphere should not exceed 3 days in order to preserve the antioxidant content and maintain the microbiological standards. Industrial relevance The fresh heads of globe artichokes, endowed with high nutritional value and therapeutic properties, are characterized by a limited shelf life due to the high respiratory rate, weight loss, microbial spoilage, biochemical and/or physiological damages. So far, few studies have been focused on postharvest treatments for delaying ripening and preserving head quality of globe artichoke heads destined to the fresh market and, among them, ozone has emerged as one of the most antimicrobial promising technologies from the health and environmental points of view for its spontaneous decomposition to non-toxic product. With the aim to improve the current knowledge on the efficacy of this innovative postharvest technology in relation to cultivar and harvest time, we studied, under industrial conditions, the effectiveness of storage in an ozone-enriched atmosphere for 3 or 7 days on head weight loss, microbiological quality and antioxidants content of three different globe artichoke cultivars harvested at different times. The extension of quality retention could be important for globe artichoke heads destined to both fresh market and food industry.

Detection of Intraocular Foreign Body with Ultrasound

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of emergency ultrasound in the diagnosis of varying location, size, and composition (metal, plastic, wooden) of intraocular foreign body in a sheep model. Methods This was an experimental study using freshly harvested adult articulated sheep eyes. A total of 8 fresh sheep heads were used. Two of the eyes were randomised to include more than one foreign body, the first one with three different sizes of metallic fragments of 0.46×0.81×0.46 mm, 0.46×0.93×0.46 mm, 0.46×0.82×0.46 mm and the second eye containing plastic fragments with a size of 0.97×0.67×0.67 mm and 1.00×0.67×0.67 mm. The wooden fragment was 0.52×0.76 mm and the metallic fragment was 0.45×0.46×0.46 mm. Half of the eyes were chosen as the control group and the sclera of the control group was also punctured. A total of 5 residents, from different postgraduate years, and 2 attending physicians participated in the study. Results Regardless of the nature and number of foreign bodies, correct identification of the intraocular foreign body was achieved in 44 of the 56 assessments. The overall sensitivity was 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%-87%), and the overall specificity was 30% (95% CI, 19%-44%). Positive and negative predictive values were 53% and 58% respectively. Conclusion The dynamic nature of the ultrasound examination may be helpful in localising and determining the size and composition of the foreign body, but if the intraocular foreign body is a concern and the ultrasound and physical examination are negative, another imaging modality, such as a computed tomography scan of the globe, should be obtained. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2014;21:88-91)

Anatomic study of malar fat pad and aging analysis

To discuss the midface aging mechanism through anatomic study of malar fat pad. 10 fresh adult cadaveric heads (20 sides) fixed by vascular perfusion of formalin were used for anatomic study with microsurgery technique under microscope. The midfacial ligament and connective tissue between skin and subcutaneous fat were observed carefully in different parts of midface. The location, shape and extent of malar fat pad was also recorded and photographed. The malar fat pad has a triangle shape. The bottom is a curve along the orbicularis retaining ligament at the lower eyelid. The fat pad is extended internally to the nasolabial fold and labiomandibular fold, externally from the major zygomatic muscle end point at the malar surface to the angulus oris and submandibular edge. (2) The malar fat pad is composed of meshed fibrous tissue, with big fat particles in it. It becomes tight when being stretched in horizontal direction along nasolabial fold and loosen when being stretched in vertical direction. (3) There is tight connection between skin and fat pad, which is divided into four areas as I, II, III, IV. The areas I, II, III are strip-shaped parelled to the nasolabial fold. The area IV is a irregular quadrilateral. (4) There are six fixation ligaments between malar fat pad and deep tissue: orbicularis retaining ligament upper layer of lower eyelid, orbicularis retaining ligament substratum of lower eyelid, zygomaticus ligament, zygomatic cutaneous ligament, zygomatic cutaneous ligament substratum, platysma There are four closely connected areas cutaneous forward ligament, cheek maxilla ligament. between the facial skin and malar fat pad which makes malar fat pad and skin keep relatively consistent. The malar fat pad moving down mainly resulted from slack of ligaments support which is one of the reasons for aging face.

Forces Charging the Orbital Floor After Fractures

The objective of this study was first to establish a method to measure forces and displacement of the orbital content in defects of the orbital floor in truncated fresh and unfixed heads and second to characterize reconstruction materials with regard to punctuation strength and compression.Orbital floor defects (10 × 20 mm and 15 × 20 mm; 3 mm behind the orbital rim) were prepared after Le Fort I osteotomy. The values of force and displacement were recorded in 6 freshly frozen human heads. In addition, the punctuation strength of 2 reconstruction materials (polydioxanone [PDS] foil and collagen membrane) was evaluated using a Zwick Z010 TN1 universal testing machine. The forces of the orbital content (28.41 [SD, 1.6] g) applied to the defects of 10 × 20 mm and 15 × 20 mm with an intact periorbita were 0.04 (SD, 0.003) N (0.0002 MPa) and 0.07 (SD, 0.02) N (0.0002 MPa), respectively, and with a split periorbita were 0.06 (SD, 0.03) N (0.0003 MPa) and 0.08 (SD, 0.06) N (0.00026 MPa), respectively. The displacement values without reconstruction materials of the 10 × 20-mm and 15 × 20-mm defects were 0.94 (SD, 0.7) mm and 1.2 (SD, 0.5) mm, respectively. The PDS foil could withstand forces of 118.9 (SD, 14.1) N (0.375 MPa), and the collagen membrane could withstand forces of 44.5 (SD, 5.3) N (0.14 MPa). This is the first study to report forces charging the orbital floor. The presented results support the use of PDS foils and collagen membranes as reconstruction materials for orbital floor defects, at least in smaller and medium-sized fractures.

Aquatic adaptations in the nose of carnivorans: evidence from the turbinates

Inside the mammalian nose lies a labyrinth of bony plates covered in epithelium collectively known as turbinates. Respiratory turbinates lie anteriorly and aid in heat and water conservation, while more posterior olfactory turbinates function in olfaction. Previous observations on a few carnivorans revealed that aquatic species have relatively large, complex respiratory turbinates and greatly reduced olfactory turbinates compared with terrestrial species. Body heat is lost more quickly in water than air and increased respiratory surface area likely evolved to minimize heat loss. At the same time, olfactory surface area probably diminished due to a decreased reliance on olfaction when foraging under water. To explore how widespread these adaptations are, we documented scaling of respiratory and olfactory turbinate surface area with body size in a variety of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine carnivorans, including pinnipeds, mustelids, ursids, and procyonids. Surface areas were estimated from high-resolution CT scans of dry skulls, a novel approach that enabled a greater sampling of taxa than is practical with fresh heads. Total turbinate, respiratory, and olfactory surface areas correlate well with body size (r(2) ≥0.7), and are relatively smaller in larger species. Relative to body mass or skull length, aquatic species have significantly less olfactory surface area than terrestrial species. Furthermore, the ratio of olfactory to respiratory surface area is associated with habitat. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we found strong support for convergence on 1:3 proportions in aquatic taxa and near the inverse in terrestrial taxa, indicating that aquatic mustelids and pinnipeds independently acquired similar proportions of olfactory to respiratory turbinates. Constraints on turbinate surface area in the nasal chamber may result in a trade-off between respiratory and olfactory function in aquatic mammals.

Fully Endoscopic Transnasal Approach to the Jugular Foramen

To describe a transnasal endoscopic route to the jugular foramen and the endoscopic anatomy of the infratemporal fossa. Endoscopic transnasal dissection of the infratemporal fossa was performed in 3 injected fresh heads (1 head only in arteries and 2 heads in arteries and veins). Two other double-injected specimens were dissected externally (2 of them side laterally and 1 anteriorly) to compare the different views and better understand the 3-dimensionality of the region.Detailed endoscopic anatomy of the infratemporal fossa was clearly observed. The realization of a septal and posterior maxillary window allows surgeons to gain space to the jugular foramen. The ability to manage the vessels, especially the veins, and identify the muscles is mandatory. The fundamental role of the vidian canal in targeting the anterior genu of the internal carotid artery is confirmed. The role of the maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve and the eustachian tube in this kind of approach is critical. A fully transnasal endoscopic route to the jugular foramen is feasible. The most important landmark for this kind of approach is the eustachian tube.

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON QUALITATIVE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN FRESH-CUT BROCCOLI RAAB DURING COLD STORAGE

Changes in atmosphere composition and colour, tissue browning, decay, microbial viable cell count and sensorial attributes of fresh cut broccoli raab were studied. Broccoli raab heads and young leaves were placed in polystyrene trays, covered with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) laminated films and then stored under self controlled atmosphere (SCA) at 4°C for 16 d. Viable cell counts of packaged fresh-cut vegetables were lower than the legal limit for safe consumption until the 12 th day of storage in both PA/PE and PVC covered trays. However, after 8 and 12 d of storage, microbial counts of broccoli raab stored in PVC were approx. 2 log cfu g -1 higher than those in PA/PE. Browning was only significant in samples packaged in PA/PE, probably due to high CO 2 concentration inside the package. The results showed that PVC packaging was the best solution for fresh broccoli raab heads and young leaves stored at 4°C in SCA, leading to a shelf life of 12 d compared to 7 d if vegetables were stored in PA/PE.

EFEITO DE DIFERENTES NÍVEIS DE NITRATO DE CÁLCIO EM ALFACE NO SISTEMA HIDROPÔNICO

The objective of this was of verifying the effect the concentration of nitrate of calcium in the solution to cultivate lettuce in system hydroponic the area of Uberaba. The methodology used consisted of a group of buckets linked to an aeration system that promotes the oxygenation of the solution, being the experiment mounted in homogeneous portion . The treatments were based on the initial concentration of nitrate of calcium of 750 g 1000 L-1 of water corresponding to 100%, the other treatments were of 75%, 50%, 25% and 0%. The treatments of 100% the 25% were the ones obtained the best production results in the weighing of the fresh heads of lettuce, the other treatment didn't have significant difference of those but visually they were very smaller. In the analyzes of matter dries the treatment 100% and 75% obtained better results differing of the witness. Matter dries of the heads of lettuce just had difference when the amount of nitrate of calcium placed was zero.