Low pH Levels Research Articles

Metanol zehirlenmesi olan hastalarda mortalite ile ilişkili risk faktörleri: retrospektif bir çalışma

Aim: Methanol poisoning (MP) is an significant medical problem worldwide, and despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rate in these cases remains high. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory factors to determine in-hospital mortality in patients with MP.Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted with 65 adult MP cases visiting the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary training and research hospital, between January 01, 2017 and February 01, 2022. Data was statistically compared between survivors and non-survivors.Results: The in-hospital mortality rate was 41.5%. The rate of cases with respiratory distress, low Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (≤8), and delayed arrival to the hospital (>24 hours) was higher in the group of non-survivors compared to the group of survivors. Non-survivors had a higher anion gap (30.5 mEq/L vs. 25.5mEq/L), base excess (-25.0 mmol/L vs. -18.6 mmol/L), lactate (10.2 mmol/L vs. 2.2 mmol/L) levels, and lower pH (6.76 vs. 7.14) and bicarbonate (6.3 mmol/L vs. 10.3 mmol/L) levels than survivors (p<0.001). In ROC analysis, pH (AUC= 0.916) and base excess (AUC=0.915) were blood gas parameters with the highest AUC values in predicting mortality in MP cases. Folate use in the treatment had a statistically significant effect on mortality (P=0.015).Conclusion: In MP cases, delay in a hospital visit, severe metabolic acidosis, high lactate levels, low GCS on arrival to the ED and no folate therapy, were associated with increased in-hospital mortality rates. Our data will contribute to the clinical management of MP patients and the development of treatment protocols.

Assessment of Chemical Properties of Soils Derived from Basement Complex Rocks of the Jos Plateau

Information on the chemical characteristics of soils is required in the sustainable the management of soil fertility and productivity. The objective of this study was to determine chemical characteristics of basement complex derived soils of the Jos Plateau. Soil study followed the approach in the Soil Survey manual and began by identification of three geologic units: granite gneiss, biotite granite and migmatite. Furthermore, eighteen soil profile pits were dug in each geologic units and eighty-four samples were taken from genetic horizons. Standard laboratory procedures were used to analyze soil samples for pH, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus. Results showed that organic matter contents in the soils were generally low and seemed to influence the distribution of nitrogen in the soils. Consequently, contents of total nitrogen were low. Mean contents of pH in the A horizon were 5.15, 4.64 and 5.58 respectively for soils derived from granite gneiss, biotite granite and migmatite. Low pH levels are linked to the basic cations draining out of the profile and the acidic character of the basement complex rocks from which the soils were formed. Soil reaction in most cases indicated that soils had a net negative charge. Available P contents in the magmatic soils was significantly higher than those of other geologic units. Effects of granite gneiss, biotite granite and migmatite parent materials on variation in soil chemical properties were more noticeable for soil reaction and available P contents.

Prognostic factors in acute poisoning with central nervous system xenobiotics: development of a nomogram predicting risk of intensive care unit admission.

Acute intoxication with central nervous system (CNS) xenobiotics is an increasing global problem. Predicting the prognosis of acute toxic exposure among patients can significantly alter the morbidity and mortality. The present study outlined the early risk predictors among patients diagnosed with acute exposure to CNS xenobiotics and endorsed bedside nomograms for identifying patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission and those at risk of poor prognosis or death. This study is a 6-year retrospective cohort study conducted among patients presented with acute exposure to CNS xenobiotics. A total of 143 patients' records were included, where (36.4%) were admitted to the ICU, and a significant proportion of which was due to exposure to alcohols, sedative hypnotics, psychotropic, and antidepressants (P=0.021). ICU admission was associated with significantly lower blood pressure, pH, and HCO3 levels and higher random blood glucose (RBG), serum urea, and creatinine levels (P<0.05). The study findings indicate that the decision of ICU admission could be determined using a nomogram combining the initial HCO3 level, blood pH, modified PSS, and GCS. HCO3 level<17.1mEq/L, pH<7.2, moderate-to-severe PSS, and GCS<11 significantly predicted ICU admission. Moreover, high PSS and low HCO3 levels significantly predicted poor prognosis and mortality. Hyperglycemia was another significant predictor of mortality. Combining initial GCS, RBG level, and HCO3 is substantially helpful in predicting the need for ICU admission in acute alcohol intoxication. The proposed nomograms yielded significant straightforward and reliable prognostic outcomes predictors in acute exposure to CNS xenobiotics.

Gamma irradiation effect on the microbial load and physicochemical properties of honey from Ghana

Abstract. Larbi DA, Klutse CK, Adotey DK. 2022. Gamma irradiation effect on the microbial load and physicochemical properties of honey from Ghana. Cell Biol Dev 6: 94-107. The honey's high sugar concentration and low pH give it antimicrobial properties and make it difficult for microorganisms to grow. This study is to ascertain microorganisms' presence in Ghanaian honey, the sources of microbial contamination, the physico-chemical properties of honey, and the effect of gamma radiation on the microbial load. Furthermore, 90 honey samples were collected from Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, and Greater Accra, Ghana, with 30 from each region. Honey was sampled directly from the beehive with the comb before the farmer harvested, and honey was sampled from retailers who buy directly from the farmer. The effect of gamma radiation on the microbial load was studied using a 60Co source gamma irradiation facility at doses of 20 kGy, 30 kGy, and 40 kGy on the presence of microbes and the physicochemical properties (pH, reducing sugar, apparent sucrose, and ash content) of honey. The pH values obtained for the Honey Comb samples were in the range of 3.6-3.9, and the pH for the Retail samples was in the range of 4.9-5.6. Microorganisms were not detected in about 70% of the honey sampled directly from the honeycomb. The mean microbial count in the remaining 30% was within the range of 30-35%, whereas all the honey sampled from the retailers was contaminated with microbes. The mean microbial counts in the retailer samples were 148 CFU/g, 183 CFU/g, and 271 CFU/g for Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and Greater Accra Regions, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the required maximum relative to the MERCOSUR (Mercado Comun del SUR) standard (? 100 CFU/g). The low level of microbial detection in the Honey Comb samples (30-35 CFU/g) could be due to their relatively low pH levels (3.6-3.9) compared to the retailer samples with pH within 4.9-5.6. The ash content of all the honey sampled and analyzed was within the required standard, with an average of 0.16% in the honeycomb samples and an average of 0.62% for the retail samples. The apparent sucrose concentration (in percentage) in honey sampled from the retailers was within the range of 22-33%, which is beyond the required maximum as stipulated by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission (? 10%). The study showed that a 20 kGy gamma radiation dose was enough to denature the microbes and preserve the honey's essential qualities. Finally, to ensure good quality honey on the Ghanaian market, it is recommended that honey meant for human consumption should undergo gamma irradiation (cold pasteurization).

Chemical Elements, Flavor Chemicals, and Nicotine in Unused and Used Electronic Cigarettes Aged 5-10 Years and Effects of pH.

The concentrations of elements/metals, nicotine, flavor chemicals and acids were compared in the e-liquids of unused and used first-generation electronic cigarettes (ECs) that were stored for 5-10 years. Metal analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy; nicotine and flavor chemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Of the 22 elements analyzed, 10 (aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, selenium, silicon, tin, zinc) were often found in the e-liquids. Five elements had the highest average concentrations: copper (1161.6 mg/L), zinc (295.8 mg/L), tin (287.6 mg/L), nickel (71.1 mg/L), and lead (50.3 mg/L). Nicotine concentrations were always lower than label concentrations indicated. Of the 181 flavor chemicals analyzed, 11 were detected in at least one sample, with hydroxyacetone being present in all samples. In used products, some flavor chemicals appeared to be by-products of heating. E-liquids with the highest concentrations of acids and the lowest pH levels also had the highest concentrations of elements/metals. Metal concentrations in e-liquids increased after use in some products, and some metal concentrations, such as nickel, were high enough to be a health concern. Leachates from discarded ECs could contribute toxic metals/chemicals to the environment, supporting the need for better regulation of atomizer design, composition, and disposal.

The effect of pH on boron toxicity and nutrient uptake by wheat and rapeseed

Although boron (B) is essential micronutrient, higher soil B concentrations become toxic to the plants in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Very little is known about the pH related nutrient solubility, including transpiration-mediated B uptake by plants. The effects of high B (200 μM) and low to high pH (3.0–10.0) on B toxicity, transpiration and nutrient uptake by wheat and rapeseed were studied. Plants were grown for 5 weeks under greenhouse conditions and analyzed for elements concentrations. Regardless of high B or not, low pH favored in the higher B accumulation in roots and shoots of both plant species. However, both plant species exhibited a differential B uptake pattern in roots and shoots. Both low and high pH levels in combination with high B decreased the plant biomass, transpiration, N and Mg concentrations, whereas increased the K, Ca, S, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations. With the increase in pH 3.0–10.0, excess B decreased the Cl concentrations in wheat and rapeseed. In conclusion, low pH and high B supply enhanced the transpiration-assisted B uptake by plants although pH alone had little effects on B concentrations. Furthermore, nutritional disorder caused by high B in conjunction with low to high pH (3.0–10.0) inhibited the plant growth and transpiration.

Effects of a Specific Pre- and Probiotic Combination and Parent Stock Vaccination on Performance and Bacterial Communities in Broilers Challenged with a Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli.

Antibiotic resistance poses a risk for human and animal health, leading to a growing demand for effective alternatives. Combining nutritional tools and parent stock vaccination could be an approach to achieve sufficient protection against bacterial infections in poultry. In an Escherichia coli O1/O18 challenge trial, we investigated the protective effects of feeding diets containing Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) combined with specific parent stock vaccination in 225 ROSS 308 broilers. Data on performance parameters, intestinal microbial composition and metabolites, and antibiotic resistance genes (sul1-3, dhfr1a, SHV-12) were obtained. E. faecium and FOS combined with parent stock vaccination led to the highest body weights, which were significantly higher than those of controls throughout the experiment and decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the crop digesta compared to that in the positive control. However, cumulative feed conversation remained unaffected by the strategies. Birds receiving the pre-/probiotic combination showed lower cecal pH levels and higher crop L-lactate concentrations than the controls, whereas copy numbers of dhfr1a (trimethoprim resistance) and SHV-12 (extended-spectrum beta-lactamase) genes were only decreased in broilers from vaccinated hens compared to those in the challenged control. In conclusion, prophylactic administration of E. faecium and FOS in combination with parent stock vaccination can have complementary effects by improving broiler weight gain and stimulating intestinal bacterial metabolism, which may be beneficial for maintaining gut health in terms of Escherichia coli infection.

INFLUENCE OF SALTS OF HEAVY METALS Pb AND Cd ON THE VEGETATIVE INDICATORS OF TRITICUM AESTIVUM

The Ukrainian energy and fuel sector is highly dependent on mineral extraction. Hard coal accounts for 25-30% of mineral production in Ukraine. All processes, from coal mining to its use for energy, have a negative impact on the environment. One of these impacts is the accumulation of waste rock at an industrial facility, known as a coal dump. These dumps have a negative impact on all spheres of the environment. Coal dumps located in Western Donbas are characterized by a low pH level, a low level of specific electrical conductivity of the soil, a low level of nutrients and a high concentration of heavy metals. Among the main dangerous toxic elements are Pb and Cd, the concentration of which exceeds more than 2 times the maximum permissible concentration. According to the results of the study, it was established that Triticum aestivum has shown itself as a phytoremediator plant resistant to heavy metals such as Pb and Cd, which makes it available to further use for planting contaminated areas of coal dumps.

Effects of Acremonium cellulase and heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria on lignocellulose degradation, fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of hybrid elephant grass silage in humid and hot areas.

To better evaluate the effects of Acremonium cellulase (AC) and previously screened heat-resistant Lactobacillus plantarum 149 (LP149) on lignocellulose degradation, fermentation quality, and microbial community during ensiling in humid and hot areas, this study used a small-scale fermentation system to prepare hybrid elephant grass silage at 30 and 45°C, respectively. Compared to control and commercial inoculant Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), the addition of AC or strain LP149 decreased the contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose and increased the contents of glucose, fructose, and sucrose during fermentation. Furthermore, AC and LP149 treatments altered the microbial communities' structure during ensiling. AC treatment provided more substrate for microbial fermentation, resulting in an increase in bacterial alpha diversity. LP149 treatment increased the Lactobacillus abundance and optimized the bacterial community compositions. In addition, AC and LP149 treatments had higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid and acetic acid contents and lower (P < 0.05) pH, butyric acid, and NH3-N levels compared to the control. These results indicated that AC and strain LP149 are promising silage additives that can promote lignocellulose degradation and improve the fermentation quality of hybrid elephant grass in humid and hot areas.

Association between the reactivity of local cerebral oxygen saturation after hypo-to-hypercapnic tests and delirium after abdominal surgery in older adults: A prospective study.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery. This prospective study enrolled older adults scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from August 2021 to January 2022. The change in rSO2 from baseline was determined using the hypo-to-hypercapnic test. The main study outcome was the occurrence of postoperative delirium. A total of 101 participants were included for analysis, of whom 16 (15.8%) developed postoperative delirium. Compared with non-delirium participants, the mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not significantly different in the postoperative delirium group at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T6 (all Pinteraction > 0.05), but the delirium group had lower pH, lower PaO2, and higher lactate levels at T4, T5, and T6 (all Pinteraction < 0.05). rSO2 at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T6 was 69.0 (63.2-75.2), 70.7 ± 7.3, 68.2 ± 7.5, 72.1 ± 8.0, 69.9 ± 7.8, 67.4 ± 7.2, and 71.7 ± 8.1, respectively. The postoperative change in rSO2 during the hypercapnia test (TΔrSO2%) was 6.62 (5.31-9.36). Multivariable analysis showed that the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (odd ratio, OR = 1.89, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.10-3.25, P = 0.021), preoperative albumin levels (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48-0.94, P = 0.022), rSO2 at T4 (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41-0.89, P = 0.010), and postoperative TΔrSO2% (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.98, P = 0.028) were independently associated with postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing elective abdominal surgery. The rSO2 measured at T4 and postoperative TΔrSO2% were independently associated with postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

Physicochemical quality indicators of honey: An evaluation in a Ukrainian socioecological gradient

Physical and chemical quality indicators of 65 polyfloral honey samples from three administrative districts of Chernivtsi region in South Western Ukraine were studied. The chosen administrative districts were Putyla (representing the ‘Traditional villages’ stratum), Storozhynets (the ‘Intermediate’ stratum) and Khotyn (the ‘Intensive agriculture’ stratum), which reflect a steep gradient of social and ecological conditions such as land cover and land use, level of economic development, culture and demography. The quality of honey was determined in accordance with the requirements of the Ukrainian national standard and the EU Directive relating to honey (or Codex Alimentarius Honey Standard) by using the following indicators: reducing sugars and moisture content, diastase activity, free acidity, pH, electrical conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and proline content. The profile of carbohydrates was analyzed, in particular glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, trehalose, melezitose, raffinose. The ratio of fructose to glucose (F/G) was determined. All tested samples complied with the international standards for the mass fraction of reducing sugars, diastase activity and hydroxymethylfurfural content. For physical and chemical parameters, the studied honey samples were of high quality. The content of the reducing sugars in the honey samples varied within the range of 66.0–97.6%. The fructose content ranged from 342 to 549 mg/g, and the glucose content variation ranged within 283–517 mg/g. The average fructose/glucose ratio was 1.2 for honey samples from the three studied districts. Besides fructose and glucose, some oligosaccharides, such as maltose, trehalose and melezitose, were found in the examined honey. Melezitose was detected in the honey samples from ‘Traditional village’ (21 samples) and ‘Intermediate’ (5 samples) districts. The total variability of HMF content in the studied 65 honey samples from apiaries in the three districts of Chernivtsi region ranged from 0.19 to 30.8 mg/kg. The minimum moisture content was found to be 16.2% (in the ‘Traditional village’ and ‘Intermediate’ strata), and 22.2% was the maximum (in the ‘Intermediate’ stratum). Our studies have shown that free acidity of the samples varied within the range 13.5 to 58.0 meq/kg. Proline content variability for the three studied geographical areas ranged from 82.3 to 1201.2 mg/kg. The studied samples of honey had a low pH level (~ 3.7), high content of proline (~ 513 mg/kg) and reducing sugars (~ 80%), which indicates its nutritional value and naturalness. Deviations from the honey standards in moisture content, acidity and electrical conductivity was revealed in 8% to 10% of all samples.

Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Coal Mine Drainage Water Quality in China

Coal mine drainage (CMD) reuse is an important method for optimizing water resource supply in arid/semi-arid regions. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of water quality, management, and utilization strategies for CMD in China. In northwest, northeast, and north China, CMD was characterized by high levels of suspended solids, high salinity, neutral/weakly alkaline pH, and low levels of Fe/Mn. Based on existing water treatment processes, mine water reuse is safe and can support local water supply in these areas. In southern China, especially the southwestern regions, the CMD was characterized by low pH, high salinity, and high levels of Fe/Mn. These areas face high costs associated with mine water reuse and ecological and environmental risks. Therefore, the prevention and control of water pollution should be the focus of mine water management in these areas. To maximize the utilization of CMD, improving the norms and standards for mine water utilization is necessary, policy support for CMD reuse should be fortified, and a complete chain of coal mine water utilization should be developed. This study provides a reference for implementing water environmental protection strategies and mine water reuse policies.

(Digital Presentation) Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Studies of Bismuth(III) Compounds with L-Cysteine and L-Glutathione

Introduction Previous research from this laboratory has involved the investigation of bismuth(III) compounds with L-cysteine1. It was found that bismuth(III) nitrate interacts extensively with L-cysteine in aqueous solutions, primarily through the strong bond between the bismuth(III) and the L-cysteine thiol group. The extent of this interaction was assessed by monitoring changes in cyclic voltammetric peak potentials, as well as UV-VIS absorption characteristics, as L-cysteine was added to the solutions. Considerable work has now been carried out on pharmaceutical medications2 such as bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and bismuth citrate (BC) at pH 1.00 and 3.00 to simulate conditions in the human stomach, as well at pH 7.40 MOPS [(3-N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid] to simulate general physiological conditions. In addition, studies of the cysteine-containing tripeptide glutathione have also been conducted.Results and Discussion By comparing results at pH 1.00 and 3.00 to those at pH 7.40 for all bismuth compounds investigated, it has been found that the extent of interaction of these compounds with added L-cysteine is much less at the lower pH levels. This conclusion was reached by noting that the absorbance of the characteristic band at 340 nm, due to the bismuth-sulfur interaction, was much lower at pH 1.00 and pH 3.00 than at pH 7.40 at corresponding levels of L-cysteine addition. Such results can be explained by the higher L-cysteine protonation state at the lower pH values compared to that at pH 7.40. This higher protonation state lessens the bismuth-sulfur interaction at the lower pH values. Interesting changes were also found in the cyclic voltammograms as L-cysteine was added in these situations. For bismuth(III) citrate (BC) at pH 7.40, a well-formed absorbance band at 320 nm was formed upon L-cysteine addition, reaching a limiting absorbance value at a 2:1 L-cysteine:BC ratio. For bismuth(III) salicylate, however, the absorbance at 300 nm to 340 nm was much lower than for BC, showing that the salicylate ligand strength is somewhat less than that for the citrate ligand under these conditions. It is also planned to present the results of similar work involving glutathione as a ligand.References T. Cheek and D. Peña, J. Electrochem. Soc., 167, 155522 (2020)Li, R. Wang, and H. Sun, Acc. Chem. Res., 52, 216 (2019).

A new Desmodesmus sp. from the Tibetan Yamdrok Lake.

Revegetation of exposed sub-soil, while a desirable recovery strategy, often fails due to extreme soil chemical properties, such as low organic matter and pH levels. Microalgae play a key role in maintaining water quality in the lakes and rivers on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Plateau microalgae have extensive application prospects in environmental purification, biotechnology, medicine and cosmetics, food industry, and renewable energy. To identify the high biomass of microalgae present in nature, microalgae with the greatest biomass were screened from natural water samples through filtration, pre-culture, and plate scribing separation. Following identification via 18S rRNA sequencing as for the Desmodesmus sp., we constructed a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree. The novel Desmodesmus sp. from the Tibetan Yamdrok Lake were identified through polyphasic taxonomy. Simultaneously, the sequence of the experimental samples and the target species were shown different following the identification and analysis of SNP and InDel loci. The light-absorbing properties of plateau Desmodesmus sp. have been investigated previously. The characteristic absorption peak of Desmodesmus sp. on the plateau was measured at 689 nm in the visible spectrum using full wavelength scanning with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. For Desmodesmus sp. which is prone to settling in the process of amplification culture. By monitoring the change trend of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH and electrical conductivity in algae solution system, we determined that the logarithmic growth phase and the best transfer window of Desmodesmus sp. were at 15-20 days. This study can provide basic research methods for the study of microalgae in high altitude areas, and lay a foundation for the later study and application of microalgae.

Physico Chemical Parameters of Muskmelon Juice Enriched with Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria

The spoilage of muskmelons was rapid due to early maturity of the fruits after immediate harvest before consumption. To minimise the postharvest losses, especially in horticultural crops, food processing and value addition to the produce plays lot of role and the losses can be minimised. Keeping in view, the experiment was planned to prepare muskmelon fruit juice fortified with four different species of lactic acid bacteria viz., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum MTCC 9511, Lactobacillus acidophilus MTCC 10307, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus casei MTCC 1423. The survivability of lactobacilli and physicochemical parameters were studied during fermentation of the fruit juice. Drop in pH levels from initial pH was recorded in all muskmelon fruit juice samples incubated at two different temperatures (30°C and 37°C) more than 72 hours. But titratable acidity was increased in all muskmelon fruit juice samples incubated at two different temperatures (30°C and 37°C). The fruit juice containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum MTCC 9511 (T4) recorded lower pH levels and maximum titratable acidity, total phenolic content and more viable cells compared to other species of lactobacilli. Sensory evaluation was conducted randomly for all the samples and no significant difference was observed.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a national study on the association between survival and biomarkers of hypoperfusion, inflammation, and organ failure

Abstract Background In refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with prolonged whole-body ischemia, global tissue injury proceeds even after establishment of circulation with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Purpose We aimed to investigate the role of biomarkers reflecting hypoperfusion, inflammation, and organ injury in prognostication of patients with refractory OHCA managed with ECPR. Methods This nationwide retrospective study included 226 adults with refractory OHCA managed with ECPR in Denmark (2011–2020). Biomarkers at admission and consecutively two days after ECPR initiation were retrieved. Odds ratio (OR) of 90-day survival were assessed by logistic regression analyses. Cut-off values were calculated from area under the curve (AUC) via the Youden index. Results Fifty-six patients (25%) survived to hospital discharge, all were still alive after 90-days and 91% had a favorable neurological status at discharge. Factors independently associated with 90-day survival were: male sex, shockable presenting rhythm, low flow time, platelets, pH, lactate, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) level. Comparing the ability of standard predictive variables (age, sex, shockable presenting rhythm, witnessed arrest, and low flow time) and selected biomarkers (from multivariate analyses) in predicting 90-day survival, biomarkers day 2 after OHCA were significantly better than standard variables (AUC 0.79 vs. 0.56, p=0.01). Conclusion Biomarkers of hypoperfusion (low lactate and high pH), inflammation (high platelets and CRP), and organ failure (low LDH, ALP, and CK-MB) were independently associated with 90-day survival. Biomarkers on day 2 after OHCA (d-dimer, ALP, and CK-MB) were more predictive of 90-day survival than standard predictive variables. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Odense University Hospital's and Rigshospitalet's Common Research Foundation

Determination of physicochemical properties of model beverages and baked products incorporated with avocado seed powder

Consumption of Avocado (Persea americana mill) has increased worldwide in the recent years. The pulp is used but the peel and seed are discarded as waste. Studies have shown that the seeds are rich in phytochemicals that can be utilized in food systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Hass avocado seed as a source of polyphenols in the processing of model beverages and baked products with functional properties. The proximate analysis of the avocado seed powder was carried out. The shelf life of phenols in avocado seed powder (ASP) stored in darkness, amber and transparent bottles was studied for six months. The seed extract was incorporated into model beverages of different pHs and the shelflife was monitored for 140 days. The seed powder was incorporated into baked products followed by total phenols and sensory properties analysis. Proximate composition of the seed powder for moisture, ash, protein, fiber, fat and total carbohydrates were 14.19, 1.82, 7.05, 4.00, 13.64, and 59.30 percent, respectively. During storage of the seed powder, there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the phenol content under the different storage light conditions for six months. In the model beverages, the rate of phenol degradation was higher in lower pH levels (2.8, 3.8, and 4.8), and those stored at ambient temperatures lost more phenols than those refrigerated in 140 days. The concentration of phenols in the baked products reduced due to the loss of thermolabile phenolics during the baking process. The sensory evaluation of the cakes in terms of color for all the formulations was liked very much. The aroma of 0% and 15% ASP was liked very much, while the other formulations were liked moderately. The overall acceptability decreased with the increase in avocado seed powder in the queen cakes. Avocado seed can be utilized to produce acceptable queen cakes and extracts incorporated into beverages to make them functional with health-promoting properties.

Dehydrated Food Waste for Composting: An Overview

Food waste disposal has recently received much attention worldwide due to its major impact on environmental pollution and economic costs. Using high moisture content of food waste has the highest negative environmental impact due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, odor, and leachate. Drying technologies play an important role in reducing the moisture content of food waste, which is necessary for environmental sustainability and safety. The first part of this review highlights that sun-drying is the most cost-effective drying method. However, it has not been widely recommended for food waste management due to several limitations, including the inability to control sunray temperature and the inability to control end-product quality. Thermal drying eliminates moisture from food waste quickly, preventing hydrolysis and biodegradation. Thermal dryers, such as the GAIA GC-300 dryer, and cabinet dryer fitted with a standard tray, are the best alternative to sun drying. The second part of this review highlights that dehydrated food waste products are slightly acidic (4.7–5.1), have a high electrical conductivity (EC) value (4.83–7.64 mS cm-1), with high nutrient content, due to low pH levels, dehydrated food waste is not suitable for direct use as a fertilizer for the plants. So, the dried food waste should be composted before application to the plants because the composting process will dominate the limitation of phytotoxins, anoxia, salinity, and water repellence. Trench compost can be a good choice for decomposing dried organic waste because trench compost relies solely on soil decomposing microorganisms and insects.

Influence of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the Processing and Microbial Communities of Spanish-Style and Directly Brined Green Table Olive Fermentations

This work evaluates the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest and fermentation of Manzanilla cultivar, processed as Spanish-style or directly brined table olives. During postharvest handling, 1-MCP (2.85 µL/L) reduced the number of colour-turning olives by 18.42% over the untreated fruits. In Spanish-style and directly brined fermentation, the 1-MCP treatment led to lower pH levels, higher titratable acidities, improved firmness and colour olives than untreated fruits. A panel of expert testers also gave higher scores, and overall acceptability to the 1-MCP treated fruits, especially in the case of Spanish-style fermented olives. Metagenomic analysis of olive biofilms at the end of the fermentation process (176 days) revealed that Lactiplantibacillus was the most abundant bacterial genus in both Spanish-style and directly brined olives (&gt;72%). However, fungal biodiversity was higher than bacterial in all treatments. Saccharomyces was the predominant yeast genus associated with directly brined olives (&gt;97%), whilst Wickerhamomyces (&gt;37%) and Zygoascus (&gt;18%) were with Spanish-style fermentations. The 1-MCP treatment doubled the presence of Wickerhamomyces in Spanish-style fruits (74%) whilst reducing the presence of Zygoascus and allowing the growth of Enterobacter (15%) in directly brined olives. Thus, the postharvesting treatment of table olives with 1-MCP could help reduce the maturation progress of olives and improve the organoleptic and quality characteristics of the products without affecting the microbiological evolution of the fermentations.

Nitrate adsorption characteristics of synthesized allophanes with various chemical compositions

AbstractAllophane-related aluminium silicates with various chemical compositions were synthesized using a hydrothermal reaction with inorganic reagents as starting solutions. The X-ray diffraction traces of the synthesized allophanes showed broad reflections centred at 0.34 and 0.23 nm, which were attributed to the imogolite-like structure of the allophanes. Energy-dispersive X-ray measurements confirmed that the Al-rich materials were synthesized as targeted. The specific surface area of the synthesized allophanes was 313–500 m2 g–1, which is greater than that of a natural allophane (248 m2 g–1). The amount of nitrate adsorbed on the synthesized allophanes tended to increase as the Al content increased. The maximum amount of nitrate adsorbed was 2.07 mmol g–1 at pH ~2, which was comparable to that of a common anion-exchange material. A possible adsorption mechanism for nitrate at lower pH levels is the weak NO3– interaction of the positively charged surface of Al-OH2+ sites.