Increasing Storage Time Research Articles

Effects of rice bran rancidity on the release of phenolics and antioxidative properties of rice bran dietary fiber in vitro gastrointestinal digestion products

Rice bran (RB) as the raw material for rice bran dietary fiber (RBDF) extraction, is rapidly rancidified prior to stabilization. To enhance the RBDF utilization in food industry, effects of RB rancidity (RB was stored for 0, 1, 5, 7, and 10 d) on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of RBDF-bound phenolics were investigated. With the increase in RB storage time, the RB rancidity degree significantly increased (the acid value of rice bran oil from 5.08 mg KOH/g to 60.59 mg KOH/g), and the endogenous phenolics content in RBDF also increased. Simultaneously, RB rancidity reduced the antioxidant activity of RBDF digestion products during the gastric digestion phase, while RB rancidity increased the antioxidant activity of RBDF digestion products during the intestinal digestion phase. In addition, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion stimulated the release of RBDF-bound phenolics. The released monomeric phenolics (especially ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid) were the major contributors to the increased antioxidant properties of RBDF digestion products. RBDF digestion products could inhibit H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of HUVECs. In conclusion, the study found that RB rancidity could improve the antioxidant capacity of RBDF in the small intestine by promoting RB endogenous phenolics bound to RBDF release.

Effect of postharvest storage time on quality characteristics of explosion puffing dried whole shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) crisps.

Non-fried shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) crisps fabricated by explosion puffing drying (EPD) are receiving worldwide attention due to its crispness, convenience, nutrition and health functions. The quality of mushroom crisps varies with storage time of fresh L. edodes. Therefore, the effect of postharvest storage time (ranging 0 - 14 d) of fresh L. edodes on quality characteristics of EPD processed mushroom crisps were evaluated. The weight loss and total color difference of fresh L. edodes were increased to 2.95% and 24.66, but moisture content, firmness and lightness reduced by 6.14%, 40.70% and 43.57%, respectively, after 14-d storage. The puffing degree of mushroom crisps was initially increased to a highest value (55.95%) at 4th day storage and thereafter decreased. The highest rehydration ratio (2.36) and crispness (63.67), and lowest hardness (102.95 N) of mushroom crisps were fabricated with L. edodes at 4th day storage. The free water was predominant in fresh L. edodes, which was decreased for fresh L. edodes, whereas increased firstly to the maximum value and decreased thereafter for osmotic dehydrated and heat pump pre-dried L. edodes with increasing storage time. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed fresh L. edodes stored at different time had a remarkable effect on quality characteristics of mushroom crisps. Fresh L. edodes stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 4 d were recommended for fabrication mushroom crisps with superior quality. This study provides a theoretical basis for selection of suitable storage time of fresh L. edodes before EPD of crisps. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Design and Validation of Lifetime Prediction Model for Lithium-Thiocarbonyl Chloride Batteries Based on Accelerated Aging Experiments

The purpose of this study is to establish a life prediction model of lithium-thiocarbonyl chloride batteries by semi-empirical method. In the experiment, accelerated life tests on several groups of batteries at different temperatures were conducted. After a period of operation in the range from 25 °C to 74 °C, it was found that the higher the temperature, the less the remaining capacity of the batteries. According to the study of the battery aging mechanism, the characteristic parameter impedance of an aging battery would change exponentially with the increase of storage time and environmental temperature. The established life prediction model showed that the change in battery impedance spectrum had a good law, which made it possible to predict the state of charge (SOC) of the battery according to the local change characteristics of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectrum. The experimental data were compared with the fitted prediction curve, and the maximum deviation of the prediction was only 4.1036%, which indicated that the constructed model had high accuracy.

Physical Characterization of a Novel Carrot Juice Whey-Enriched Beverage Fermented with Milk or Water Kefir Starter Cultures.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the selected physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties of a new whey-enriched carrot juice beverage (carrot juice: whey ratios of 100:0; 95:5; 85:15; 75:25; 65:35) fermented with milk or water kefir starter cultures over a storage period of 21 days (at 4 ± 1 °C). In general, for all tested samples, the values of total soluble solids, pH, and density decreased with increasing storage time. In contrast, the values of ethanol, degree of fermentation, and total dissolved solids increased with the prolongation of the storage time. Furthermore, it was found that all the model samples exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. Based on the sensory analysis performed, samples containing 25% (w/w) whey were evaluated as the most acceptable. Last but not least, the present study can serve as a basis for optimizing the manufacturing technology of a novel fermented vegetable beverage enriched with whey.

The Effect of Long Time of Storage on Physical Quality, Nutrient Content, and In Vitro Digestibility of Cattle Complete Feed

This research aimed to determine the effect of a long time of storage on physical quality, nutrient content, and in vitro digestibility of cattle complete feed. The research was carried out in Sidomulyo Village, Gunem District, Rembang Regency from March to October 2019. 15 drums of cattle complete feed (@ 25 kg) were used as materials. It was made from rice bran 4.10%; Penisitum purpureum (Odot grass) 60.60%; rice straw 12.70%; gliricidia 8.30%; corn stover 10.80%; molasses 1.60%; minerals 1.60%; table salt 0.20%; and starter 0.30%. This research used one treatment factor, namely the length of time of storage of cattle complete feed. These consisted of five treatments, namely: long time of storage of 0.0; 1.5; 3.0; 4.5; and 6.0 months. Each treatment was repeated three times. The cattle complete feed with all the long time of storage preferred by the cattle. The cattle complete feed could be stored in good quality for 3 months. The storage over 3 months caused the quality of the cattle’s complete feed to decrease. The crude protein content decreased with increasing storage time. The long time of storage did not affect the in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. the impact of feeding techniques was investigated. Applying the whole feed diet during the growing phase and up until the early fattening phase, and then concluding with concentrate and forage, did not significantly affect 1) SCF, 2) TMRGSCF

Effects of gelatin and oxytocin supplementation in a long-term semen extender on boar semen quality and fertility potential.

This study investigated the efficacy of different concentrations of gelatin supplementation in long-term semen extender on boar semen quality during storage for 10 days at 17°C. Additionally, oxytocin was added to stored semen to enhance fertility. In Experiment 1, boar semen was collected, diluted with gelatin at concentrations between 0% and 2.5% (w/v) and mixed with a semen extender. Then, it was kept in a refrigerator at 17°C and stored for 10 days. In Experiment 2, the sperm quality was examined after adding 0, 5, and 10 IU oxytocin per artificial insemination dose to the most effective semen extender from Experiment 1 and placing it in a refrigerator at 17°C for 10 days. In Experiment 3, the fertility potential in terms of non-return rate and litter size was determined using the most effective solid-stored semen supplemented with oxytocin. The results indicated that sperm quality decreased with increasing storage time (p<0.05). The sperm quality in terms of total motility, progressive motility, and viable sperm with intact acrosomes and high mitochondrial potential was the highest with 1.5% gelatin supplementation (p<0.001) on all days of storage. Treatment with oxytocin did not affect sperm quality (p>0.05). The non-return rate and litter size after insemination with semen supplemented with 1.5% gelatin and 10 IU of oxytocin after 8 to 10 days of storage were comparable to those of the control group (p>0.05). A semen extender as a solid medium supplemented with 1.5% gelatin successfully preserved boar semen for a long storage duration. Treatment with oxytocin did not affect sperm quality. In addition, the fertility capacity using 1.5% gelatin with 10 IU oxytocin and stored for 8 to 10 days was acceptable and comparable to that of short-term storage.

Detection of African Swine Fever Virus in Feed and Feed Mill Environment Following Extended Storage

One way to mitigate risk of feed-based pathogens for swine diets is to quarantine feed ingredients before inclusion in complete diets. Data have been generated evaluating the stability of swine viruses in ingredients, but the stability of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in feed or in a feed manufacturing environment has not been well characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the stability of ASFV DNA in swine feed and on mill surfaces over time. A pilot-scale feed mill was used to manufacture six sequential batches of feed consisting of a batch of ASFV-free feed, followed by a batch inoculated with ASFV (final concentration = 5.6 × 104 TCID50/g), and then four subsequent ASFV-free batches. After each batch, 10 feed samples were aseptically collected in a double “X” pattern. During feed manufacturing, 24 steel coupons were placed on the floor of the manufacturing area and allowed to collect dust during feed manufacturing. Once feed manufacturing was completed, feed samples and steel coupons were stored at room temperature. Three of each were randomly selected from storage on 3, 7, 14, 28, 60, 90, and 180 days after feed manufacturing and analyzed for ASFV DNA. For feed samples, there was evidence of a batch × day interaction ( P = 0.023 ) for the quantification of genomic copies/g of feed, indicating that the amount of ASFV DNA present was impacted by both the batch of feed and days held at room temperature. There were no differences of genomic copies/g in early batches, but quantity of detectable ASFV decreased with increasing storage time. In Batches 4–6, the greatest quantity of ASFV DNA was detected on the day of feed manufacturing. The lowest quantity was detected on Day 7 for Batch 4, Day 60 for Batch 5, and at 28 and 180 days for Batch 6. There was no evidence of ASFV degradation on environmental discs across holding times ( P = 0.433 ). In conclusion, the quarantining of feed may help reduce but not eliminate the presence of ASFV DNA in feed over time. Importantly, ASFV DNA was detectable on feed manufacturing surfaces for at least 180 days with no overt evidence of reduction, highlighting the importance of bioexclusion of ASFV within feed manufacturing facilities and the need for thorough/effective decontamination and other mitigation processes in affected areas.

DETERIORATION KINETICS OF NEUTRALIZED RED FRUIT (Pandanus conoideus L.) OIL DURING STORAGE

This study’s goal was to obtain a kinetics model of neutralized red fruit oil (NRFO) quality change during storage. The NRFO was stored in dark bottles at 60 °C, 75 °C and 90 °C for ± 15 days to evaluate the quality. The results showed that the quality of NRFO decreased along with the increase in temperature and storage time. This was indicated by increasing moisture content, Free Fatty Acid (FFA), peroxide number, as well as decreasing of the total carotenoids and total tocopherols. The FFA content and peroxide number of NRFO increase followed the kinetics zeroth order model, with activation energy (Ea) of 6372 cal/moloK and 9954 cal/moloK, respectively. Meanwhile, the decrease in carotenoid and tocopherol content followed the kinetics first order model, with Ea 9581 cal/moloK and 14242 cal/moloK, respectively. Estimation of shelf life of NRFO was based on peroxide number equation. The shelf life of NRFO is 398.5 days or 13.3 months if it is stored at 20 °; and the shelf life is 277.6 days or 9.3 months if it is stored 30 °C.

Effect of Fibres on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Bulk-Fill Resin Composites.

To measure the flexural strength (FS) of bulk-fill resin composites and assess their long-term water absorption and solubility properties with and without the inclusion of short glass fibres. One resin composite, everX Flow with fibres, and four commercially available bulk-fill composites without fibres, namely, PALFIQUE, Activa, SDR Plus, and Filtek Bulk Fill One, were tested. Six specimens (2 × 2 × 25 mm) were fabricated for each material and stored in water for 1 day and 30 days to measure the flexural strength using a three-point bending test. To evaluate water absorption and solubility, circular disks measuring 15 × 2 mm (n = 5) were immersed in water for 60 days, and their weights were recorded periodically. After 60 days, the specimens were dried for an additional 21 days to determine solubility. Flexural strength values ranged from 101.7 to 149.1 MPa. Significant distinctions were observed among the resin composites at the onset of the study (p < 0.05). The highest FS value was identified in everX Flow, while ACT exhibited the lowest (p < 0.05). However, the flexural strength values exhibited a significant decrease with increased storage time (p < 0.05), except for ACT, which demonstrated a noteworthy increase. Concerning water absorption and solubility, ACT displayed the highest absorption, while the range of solubility varied from -0.88 to 5.8 μg/mm3. ACT also had the highest solubility, whereas everX Flow exhibited negative solubility. The addition of short fibres, along with potential differences in matrix composition, enhanced the flexural strength of everX Flow. However, the substantial reduction in flexural strength observed in everX Flow and SDR following exposure to water corroborates the manufacturers' recommendation to apply a conventional resin composite cap on these materials.

Long-term storage modifies the microRNA expression profile of cryopreserved human semen.

The global practice of cryopreservation of human semen is commonplace in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) labs and sperm banks. However, information on the effects of long-term cryopreservation on semen is limited to clinical data summaries and descriptions. For this study, we prepared 4 semen specimens of fresh semen, 4 specimens cryostored for at least 1 year, 3 specimens cryostored for at least 5 years, 4 specimens cryostored for at least 10 years, and 3 specimens cryostored for at least 15 years. Total RNA was extracted from each sample, amplified, labeled, and mapped to the known primary microRNA (miRNA) in the miRBase database, enabling the prediction of novel miRNAs. We found that cryopreservation can lead to changes in miRNA expression, and with the increase in storage time, these changes became more pronounced. Meanwhile, the expression of let-7d-3p, let-7c-5p and let-7i-3p miRNAs changed dynamically over cryostorage time in frozen-thawed human sperm. Furthermore, we analyzed the time-dependent dynamics of cryostorage-expressed miRNAs and their target mRNAs and found that half of the target genes were expressed in oocytes. These intersection genes were mainly enriched in cancer and cytoskeletal signaling pathways. Our findings showed that the miRNA expression profile of cryopreserved human semen is modified by long-term storage. Furthermore, as the storage time increases, the impact on human sperm becomes more pronounced in terms of miRNAs, which may have an effect on subsequent fertilization and embryonic development.

Evaluation of total volatile bases and trimethylamine in hake (Merluccius capensis) fish preserved at low temperature in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

Fish is one of the most highly perishable food product and its quality aspects are of significance to retailers and consumers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in quality of hake (Merluccius capensis) fish preserved at -14°C over a period of seven weeks in other to evaluate fish spoilage indicators. The fish quality parameters assessed were pH, trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) and total volatile bases nitrogen (TVB-N). The data revealed that there was an increase in pH from 7.4 to 7.7 during the storage period. The concentration of TVB-N in the hake samples increased from 7.21 to 23.35 (± 0.036) mg-N/100g while that of TMA-N increased from (range: mean ± std) 3.18 - 3.34: 3.25 ± 0.068 to 13.90 – 15.01: 14.29± 0.493 mg-N/100 g within the seven weeks of preservation, with percent increase of 69.13% (TVB-N) and 77.26% (TMA-N) of the initial amount. The overall data exhibited a steady and consistent increase in the amount of TVB-N, TMA-N and pH in the flesh of hake fish preserved at the temperature and duration of the study. This steady increase in these chemical parameters is a significant potent warning to consumers to resist lengthy storage of fresh fish and its products before consumption. One-way analysis of variance was adopted to assess the validity of the parallel increase of TVB-N, TMA-N, pH with storage duration at low temperature and the analysis revealed no significant differences between increase in the three chemical parameters and storage time. In other words increase in TVB-N, TMA-N, pH content is directly proportional to the increase in storage time. This study have provided useful data to benefit South African retailers on storage and maintenance of TVB-N and TMA-N limits of acceptance in the consumption quality of hake to be sold to consumers and also for consumers on storage duration of hake in their refrigerators before consumption.

Revealing the chemical differences and their application in the storage year prediction of Qingzhuan tea by SWATH-MS based metabolomics analysis

It’s generally believed that the longer the storage, the better the quality of dark tea, but the chemical differences of Qingzhuan tea (QZT) with different storage years is still unclear. Herein, in this work, an untargeted metabolomic approach based on SWATH-MS was established to investigate the differential compounds of QZT with 0–9 years’ storage time. These QZT samples were roughly divided into two categories by principal component analysis (PCA). After orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), 18 differential compounds were putatively identified as chemical markers for the storage year variation of QZT. Heatmap visualization showed that the contents of catechins, fatty acids, and some phenolic acids significantly reduced, flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoids, and 8-C N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavan-3-ols (EPSFs) increased with the increase of storage time. Furthermore, these chemical markers were verified by the peak areas corresponding to MS2 ions from SWATH-MS. Based on the extraction chromatographic peak areas of MS and MS2 ions, a duration time prediction model was built for QZT with correlation coefficient R2 of 0.9080 and 0.9701, and RMSEP value of 0.85 and 1.24, respectively. This study reveals the chemical differences of QZT with different storage years and provides a theoretical basis for the quality evaluation of stored dark tea.

Preparation of PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat for the preservation of chilled pork

SummaryThis study aimed to prolong the shelf life of chilled pork by simply preparing antimicrobial packaging. β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) cross‐linked polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with citric acid, and then embedded eugenol (EG) into β‐CD to make the antimicrobial mat. Release tests showed that the EG in the mat can be slowly released in a 50% ethanol solution. Continuous release of EG could significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. Compared to the control group, the pH, TBARS, TVB‐N and TVC decreased significantly in the treatment group with increasing storage time, especially from 5 to 7 days (P &lt; 0.05). The sensory evaluation results also showed that PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat increased overall acceptance of chilled pork. PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat prolonged the shelf life of chilled pork for 2–4 days. These results suggested that PET‐EG‐β‐CD mat effectively protected the quality of chilled pork, and had certain application value as an active packaging.

Poster 124: Elevated Lipid Metabolites in Stored Clinical OCA Media are Associated with Chondrocyte Death

Objectives: A major limitation of osteochondral allografts (OCA) is the deterioration of cartilage health associated with cell death during prolonged storage. It is well established that chondrocyte viability in OCA is a critical factor for repair and clinical outcomes, but little is known about the mechanisms that contribute to chondrocyte death during storage. Elevated bioactive lipid metabolites and free fatty acids (FFAs) have been associated with cell death and tissue damage for various pathologies through lipotoxicity. However, the levels and effect of FFA accumulation in OCA media during prolonged storage are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if bioactive lipid metabolites accumulate in the storage media of OCA and are associated with a loss of chondrocyte viability during prolonged storage. We hypothesized that FFAs will accumulate over time in the storage media of OCA and adversely impact cartilage health during storage. Methods: To elucidate potential mechanisms of cartilage health decline during storage, 21 fresh human hemi-condyle osteochondral allograft tissues and media provided by a US tissue bank were analyzed after 7, 28, and 68 days of prolonged cold storage. Targeted metabolomics analysis measured bioactive FFAs, and primary (lipid hydroperoxide, ROOH) and secondary (malondialdehyde, MDA) lipid oxidation products. Chondrocyte viability was measured using standard LIVE/DEAD assay and confocal microscopy. Results: All fatty acid metabolites in storage media significantly increased with increased storage time (Figure 1; p&lt;0.05). ROOH was significantly higher at Day 28 of storage. No difference in secondary lipid hydroperoxide products in storage media were observed. Chondrocyte viability significantly declined in both the en face and vertical cross-section analysis with increased storage time (Figure 2) and inversely correlated with fatty acid metabolites (Figure 3; p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: It is well established that elevated levels of certain free fatty acids and lipid oxidation products can alter cell function and cause cell death through lipotoxicity and other mechanisms. This work is the first to identify elevated levels of FFA metabolites and primary oxidation lipid product in the storage media from clinical OCA. The concentrations of FFA metabolites were measured at levels (&gt;100µM) known to induce cell death and were directly correlated with chondrocyte viability. These findings provide important targets for understanding why cartilage health declines during storage to better optimize media formulations and improve graft health.

P-413 Lessons learnt from a long-term fertility cryopreservation program regarding usage-rate of vitrified oocytes and embryos

Abstract Study question Does woman's age during cryopreservation affect usage-rate of the vitrified oocytes and embryos from fertility preservation cycles? Summary answer The usage-rate of vitrified oocytes and embryos from cryopreservation cycles is low. Sub-analysis shows a higher usage-rate with advanced age and increased storage time. What is known already previous studies show a 3-9% usage-rate in social oocyte freezing fertility preservation cycles. Studies show that social preservation of oocytes before the age of 39 is not cost effective. To the best of our knowledge, data is scarce regarding the vitrified oocyte and embryo usage-rate according to the woman's age during both social and medical fertility preservation cycles. Study design, size, duration A retrospective case series study including all fertility preservation cycles at our IVF unit between Dec 2010 and Jan 2023. During a period of 12 years, 558 cycles in 358 women without a known fertility problem were performed. Vitrification was performed in 535 cycles. A total of 3605 oocytes and 382 embryos were cryopreserved for social and medical reasons (272 and 286 cycles respectively). Participants/materials, setting, methods The treatment cycles were divided into 3 groups according to the time-period of cryopreservation, reflecting the length of storage. Group 1: 2010-2016 (54 cycles), Group 2: 2017-2020 (132 cycles), and Group 3: 2021-2023 (349 cycles). We analyzed usage-rate in each time group according to their age at freezing, 17-35 (334 cycles) or 36-44 (201 cycles) Main results and the role of chance Average age was 34±5 years (17-44). Overall, 30 women (30/358=8%) thawed their oocytes or embryos cryopreserved in 37 cycles (37/535=7%) of them 16 for social and 21 for medical reasons. In all three time-period groups there was a clear trend of increased usage among older women at cryopreservation (36-44y) compared to younger women (17-35y) : Group 1 [43%(9/21) vs 24%(8/33)], Group 2 [9%(6/64) vs 3%(2/68)] and Group 3 [8%(9/120) vs 1%(3/229)]; respectively. As shown, usage-rates also increased in accordance to length of storage. For thawed embryos positive β-hCG rate was higher for the 17-35 age group compared with 36-44 age groups [53% (10/19) vs 19% (3/16)] and Clinical pregnancy were [37% (7/19) vs 19% (3/16); respectively. For oocyte thawing usage-rates were extremely low; only one woman thawed her oocytes in the young age group and was pregnant and 6 women in the older age group thawed their oocytes and 2 were pregnant. Seven women transferred their frozen oocytes to another fertility center and the outcome is unknown. Overall usage-rate of vitrified oocytes and embryos from fertility preservation cycles is low. Sub analysis shows a higher usage-rate in correlation with women's age at time of cryopreservation and length of storage. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a single center retrospective study. Wider implications of the findings Cost effectiveness and success rates should be discussed with women undergoing fertility preservation cycles. Cost benefit should take into account the low usage rate, length of storage and the clinical pregnancy rates reported from oocyte and embryo thawing according to women's age. Trial registration number 0029-23-CMC

Статика и кинетика операции экстракции целевых компонентов из сухого эктокарпуса водно-спиртовой композицией

Polysaccharides are the most widely used biopolymers in the food industry, for example sodium alginate (food additive E401) taken as an anionic substance. Sodium alginate can act as a thickening agent in jelly-like materials, fillings and gravy products, and as a moisture-retaining ingredient in baked goods and other products. The unique industrial source of sodium alginate in modern conditions is sea brown algae (kelp and fucus). In the Caspian basin Ectocarpus algae can be attributed to the brown algae species rich in alginates. Dry Ectocarpus served as the object of scientific analysis. At present, the emergence of new information on the pharmacological parameters of a number of algae biocomponents has led to an increased interest in the study of technological approaches to the production of functional food substances and their biologically active substances. At the same time, algae can act as a raw material base for producing both independent materials and their derivatives in the form of food premixes leading to an increase in the quality indicators of basic materials while maintaining taste sensations or improving the structural organization, external state and increasing storage time. The purpose of this study was to identify the static patterns of the ratio of the extractant masses and the object of study and the kinetics of extraction of the target components from the dry Ectocarpus with a aqueous-alcohol composition to determine the efficiency and rational time of this operation. The type of kinetic dependences of extraction does not contradict the approved and published data in this field with certain specifics for the product under study and the conditions for this operation. This determines the rationality of the original approaches to improve the efficiency of algal raw materials extraction in the above-mentioned extractant environment.

Evaluation of plasma-activated water: Efficacy, stability, physicochemical properties, and mechanism of inactivation against Escherichia coli

In this study, plasma-activated water (PAW) was prepared by discharge below the surface of sterile distilled water. In addition to physicochemical properties, the bactericidal effect and mechanism of action of PAW were studied using Escherichia coli as the target microorganism. The plasma treatment would cause an increase in the redox potential (ORP), electrical conductivity (EC), NO3− and NO2− content, and a decrease in the pH of the water. At the same time, the sterilization effect of PAW on E. coli was progressively stronger with both discharge and immersion time, up to a maximum of 4.25 log CFU/mL. In addition, the EC, NO3− and NO2− content, as well as the bactericidal efficacy of PAW decreased with increasing storage time. The properties and bactericidal effects did not change significantly after PAW thawing (p > 0.05). Finally, proteomics techniques were used to identify and classify the differential proteins before and after PAW treatment. PAW treatment induced a stress response in E. coli. Differential expression proteins of biological processes including the metabolism of phosphorus-containing compounds and the cellular response to stimuli, as well as various binding-related and membrane structure-related, were induced.

Ultra-high-field MRI of postmortem human fetal wrist joints: initial experience

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of postmortem ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) to study fetal musculoskeletal anatomy and explore the contribution of variation in iodine and formaldehyde (paraformaldehyde, PFA) treatment of tissue.MethodsSeven upper extremities from human fetuses with gestational ages of 19 to 24 weeks were included in this experimental study, approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee. The specimens were treated with various storage (0.2–4% PFA) and staining (Lugol’s solution) protocols and the wrist joint was subsequently imaged with 7.0 T UHF-MRI. Soft-tissue contrast was quantified by determining regions of interest within a chondrified carpal bone (CCB) from the proximal row, the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC), and the pronator quadratus muscle (PQM) and calculating the contrast ratios (CRs) between mean signal intensities of CCB to TFC and CCB to PQM.ResultsUHF-MRI showed excellent soft-tissue contrast in different musculoskeletal tissues. Increasing storage time in 4% PFA, CRs decreased, resulting in a shift from relatively hyperintense to hypointense identification of the CCB. Storage in 0.2% PFA barely influenced the CRs over time. Lugol’s solution caused an increase in CRs and might have even contributed to the inversion of the CRs.ConclusionsUHF-MRI is a feasible technique to image musculoskeletal structures in fetal upper extremities and most successful after short storage in 4% PFA or prolonged storage in 0.2% PFA. The use of Lugol’s solution is not detrimental on soft-tissue MRI contrast and therefore enables effectively combining UHF-MRI with contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography using a single preparation of the specimen.Relevance statementUHF-MRI can be performed after CE-micro-CT to take advantage of both techniques.Key points• UHF-MRI is feasible to study human fetal cartilaginous and ligamentous anatomy.• Storage in low PFA concentrations (i.e., 0.2%) improves soft-tissue contrast in UHF-MRI.• Limited preservation time in high concentrations of PFA improves soft-tissue contrast in UHF-MRI.• Prior staining with Lugol’s solution does not reduce soft-tissue contrast in UHF-MRI.Graphical

Internal Quality Prediction Method of Damaged Korla Fragrant Pears during Storage

To increase the commercial value of damaged fragrant pears and improve marketing competitiveness, this study explored the degree of damage degree and effects of storage time on the internal quality of fragrant pears during storage and predicted the internal quality of fragrant pears using an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The internal quality prediction models of damaged fragrant pears during storage with eight membership functions were constructed, and the optimal model was chosen, allowing for accurate internal quality prediction of damaged fragrant pears. The research results demonstrated that the hardness and soluble solid content (SSC) of fragrant pears decrease as the storage time increases. Given the same storage time, the hardness and SSC of fragrant pears are negatively correlated to the degree of damage. The ANFIS modelling technique is feasible for predicting the internal quality of fragrant pears during storage. The best prediction performances for the hardness and SSC of fragrant pears, respectively, are displayed by the ANFIS using the input membership function of trimf (RMSE = 0.1362, R2 = 0.9752; RMSE = 0.0315, R2 = 0.9892). The findings of this study can be used to predict the storage quality of fruits.

Storage Time Affects the Viability, Longevity, and Germination of Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth Seeds

The effects of storage time on Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth seed longevity and germination were investigated. A number of physiological and biochemical indexes, such as germination indexes, seed viability, storage materials, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and α-amylase (AMS) activity, were determined to investigate the mechanisms behind E. villosa seed longevity. The longevity of E. villosa seeds under indoor dry storage conditions was more than eight years. The vitality of E. villosa seeds decreased dramatically with increasing storage time. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the seeds increased dramatically with an increase in the storage period. The SOD, POD, CAT, and AMS activities significantly decreased over time, while the soluble sugar content first increased and then decreased. Storage duration significantly affected the soluble protein content of E. villosa seeds. The germination index of the seeds correlated with their physiological and biochemical indices and showed a significant positive correlation with the soluble sugar content, SOD, POD, and AMS activity, and a significant negative correlation with the MDA concentration. This study is of great importance for understanding the characteristics of the field seed bank of E. villosa and for implementing integrated weed control measures to contribute to sustainable agricultural development.