Preservation Methods Research Articles

Understudied targets of the ischemia-reperfusion injury pathogenesis in liver transplantation

Background. Liver transplantation is currently the most effective method to treat diseases with end-stage liver failure. Complications are most often associated with the initially severe patient condition, imperfect organ preservation methods, the surgical management per se, and immune system incompetence. The most common complications of transplantation include ischemic reperfusion injury, which occurs to some or another extent in each transplanted organ and worsens the course of the postoperative period. The process is based on complex pathophysiological mechanisms of cell damage due to ischemia and inflammation caused by reperfusion.Objective. To summarize current data on the mechanisms of the ischemic reperfusion injury development in liver transplantation and to find the ways to reduce adverse effects.Material and methods. The analysis of data from foreign and homeland experimental and clinical studies on the pathogenesis of ischemic reperfusion injury in liver transplantation has been performed. The search for literature data was carried out in international databases (PubMed/MedLine, ResearchGate, as well as in the scientific electronic library of Russia (eLibrary.RU) for the period from 2020-2024.Conclusion. The analyzed publications have provided various algorithms for the preservation of donor organs, including those using machine perfusion.

Stability, enrichment, and quantification of total and HPV16-specific IgG present in first-void urine

First-void urine (FVU) samples, containing human papillomavirus (HPV)-specific IgG from female genital tract secretions, provide a non-invasive option for disease monitoring and vaccine impact assessment. This study explores the utility of FVU for IgG quantification, exploring stability and compatibility with DNA preservation methods, alongside various IgG enrichment methods. Healthy female volunteers provided FVU and serum samples. FVU was collected with or without urine conservation medium (UCM) and stored under different conditions before freezing at −80 °C. Four IgG enrichment methods were tested on FVU samples. All samples were analyzed using three total human IgG quantification assays and an in-house HPV16-specific IgG assay. Samples stored with UCM buffer had higher total and HPV16-specific IgG concentrations (p ≤ 0.01) and IgG remained stable for at least 14 days at room temperature. Among IgG enrichment methods, Amicon filtration (AM) and AM combined with Melon Gel purification (AM-MG) provided similar HPV16-IgG concentrations, correlating strongly with serum levels. Protein G magnetic beads methods were incompatible with time-resolved fluorescence-based assays. This study highlights FVU as a reliable and convenient sample for IgG quantification, demonstrating stability for at least 14 days at room temperature and compatibility with UCM DNA preservation. It emphasizes the need to select appropriate IgG enrichment methods and confirms the suitability of both AM and AM-MG methods, with a slightly better performance for AM-MG.

Specific settlement strategies for two exploited limpet species (Patella aspera and P. ordinaria) using coralline algae and conditioned seawater

Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are strong settlement inducers for two exploited limpets, Patella aspera and Patella ordinaria (Patellogastropoda: Patellidae). This study evaluates CCA-conditioned seawater (CSW) as a settlement inducer for the same species through nine assays aimed at its concentration, preservation, production, and as a settlement enhancer for sub-optimal substrates. Two additional assays tested the affinity of limpet larvae to settle on CCA surfaces. Each limpet species showed specific requirements. Settlement of P. aspera was higher in CCA than in CSW, whereas the settlement of P. ordinaria was similar between CCA and CSW. Inductive properties of CSW were nullified by filtration (2.7 μm) and weakened by dilution, but little affected by different preservation methods up to 48 h (room temperature, refrigerated, and autoclave). CSW can be produced serially from different CCA assemblages and preserved frozen during several days. Each limpet species responded differently to CCA and CSW when combined with diatom biofilms. Specific strategies for post larval production are recommended. P. aspera could use CCA-coated structures as collectors designed for limpet settlers in animal production and recruits in the wild; while P. ordinaria may employ movable plates for settlement induction based on CSW. Settlers would require transport to nursery grounds for grow-out.

Genomic prediction of growth traits in autotetraploid Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) using whole-genome resequencing

Autotetraploid Crassostrea gigas plays an important role in C. gigas artificial breeding because of their ability to stably produce triploid C. gigas with a fast growth rate, delicious meat, and abundant nutrients. There is an urgent need for autotetraploid C. gigas germplasm preservation and genetic improvement methods to ensure the sustainable development of the autotetraploid population. Recently, genomic selection (GS) has been widely applied in autotetraploid plants, significantly shortening the breeding cycle and promoting genetic improvement, but it has not been applied to autotetraploid C. gigas. This study is the first to apply GS methods for genomic prediction of five growth traits (e.g., shell length, shell height, shell width, total weight, and soft tissue weight) in autotetraploid C. gigas real dataset using whole-genome resequencing. Compared to diploid C. gigas, the optimal genotyping of whole-genome resequencing and the SNP encoding model of autotetraploid C. gigas are more complex. Thus, we investigated the SNP calling abilities of two alignment methods (e.g., BWA and Bowtie 2) and two genotyping methods (e.g., GATK and Freebayes) for whole-genome resequencing. Then, we also evaluated the ability of four potential SNP encoding models (e.g., additive, diploidized additive, simplex dominant, and duplex dominant) to estimate the heritability and genomic prediction accuracy of the growth traits in autotetraploid C. gigas, finding that the additive model was the most reliable SNP encoding model. Lastly, four linear models (e.g., Bayes A, Bayes B, Bayes C, and GBLUP), as well as one nonlinear model (e.g., RKHS), were tested to estimate the accuracy of breeding values of growth traits in autotetraploid C. gigas. Overall, GBLUP outperformed all the other four methods on C. gigas growth traits. The impact of varied SNP densities on genomic prediction accuracy was investigated as well. Our results will provide evidence that supports germplasm protection and molecular breeding in autotetraploid C. gigas.

A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.

Mushrooms have garnered significant attention for their nutritional composition and potential health benefits, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and cholesterol-lowering properties. This review explores the nutritional composition of edible mushrooms, including their high protein content, essential amino acids, low fat, cholesterol levels, and bioactive compounds with medicinal value. Moreover, the study analyzes the microbiology of mushroom fermentation, focusing on the diverse microbial ecosystem involved in the transformation of raw mushrooms and the preservation methods employed to extend their shelf life. Special emphasis is placed on lactic acid fermentation as a cost-effective and efficient preservation technique. It involves controlling the growth of lactic acid bacteria to enhance the microbial stability and nutritional quality of mushrooms. Furthermore, the bioactivities of fermented mushrooms are elucidated, which are antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-glycemic, immune modulatory, and other biological activities. The mechanisms underlying these bioactivities are explored, emphasizing the role of fermented mushrooms in suppressing free radicals, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and modulating immune responses. Overall, this review provides comprehensive insights into the nutritional composition, microbiology, bioactivities, and underlying mechanisms of fermented mushrooms, highlighting their potential as functional foods with significant health-promoting properties.

The Storage of the Extracted Plant DNA

A high–quality DNA has crucial importance for enzymatic applications in plant molecular biology, including agricultural research. The researchers often need to store the extracted DNA, which has to be suitable for the downstream enzymatic applications, such as a real–time PCR, even after months and years. Storing the DNA as a precipitate in ethanol at –80°C is a commonly used method of preservation. The aim of this research was to determine whether the same was applicable to a temperature of –20°C. In this study, a high-quality DNA from soybean and maize seed was extracted by the widely used CTAB method. The DNA samples were stored at three regimes: water-diluted at +4°C, water-diluted at –20°C, and an undiluted DNA in ethanol at –20°C. The concentration and yield were measured using a spectrophotometer. The impurities and fragmentation were estimated on agarose gel by electrophoresis. Additionally, the DNA was assessed amplifying by the real–time PCR. The quantity and quality of the extracted DNA were assessed prior and subsequent to an annual storage. The results indicated that ethanol provided excellent protection for a short– term DNA storage at –20°C and probably for a long–term storage due to a reduced water content and slightly basic conditions. Thus, such a storage regime could be an appropriate solution when other options are not available.

Impact of protectants and the method of preservation on the stability of potentially probiotic bacteria

Probiotics offer health advantages when consumed in adequate quantities. As ongoing research identifies promising new strains, ensuring their viability and functionality through simple preservation methods is vital for success within the probiotic industry. This study employed a factorial design to investigate the combined effects of four cryoprotectants [C1: MRS broth + 14 % (w/v) glycerol, C2: Aqueous solution containing 4 % (w/v) trehalose, 6 % (w/v) skimmed milk, and 4 % (w/v) sodium glutamate, C3: Aqueous solution containing 10 % (w/v) skimmed milk and 4 % (w/v) sodium glutamate, C4: Aqueous solution containing 4 % (w/v) sucrose, 6 % (w/v) skimmed milk, and 4 % (w/v) sodium glutamate] and three methods of preservation (P1: −86 °C freezing, P2: −196 °C liquid nitrogen freezing, and P3: storing at 4 °C after lyophilization) on the cell viability of three potentially probiotic strains over 12 months. Pediococcus sp P15 and Weissella cibaria ml6 had the highest viability under treatments C3 and C2, after 12 months of storage, respectively. Meanwhile, Lactococcus lactis ml3 demonstrated the highest viability in both treatments C2 and C4 (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results freezing, either P1 or P2, is the most effective preservation method for P. sp P15 and W. cibaria ml6. Meanwhile, L. lactis ml3 showed the highest colony count under treatment (P1) after 12 months of storage (P ≤ 0.05). Among the tested conditions, P. sp P15 and L. lactis ml3 exhibited the highest viability and bile salt resistance when stored under P1C1. For W. cibaria ml6, the optimal storage condition was P2C2 (frozen in liquid nitrogen with cryoprotectant C2).

A comprehensive method of soaking sheepskins with sulfurization

Soaking is the first and one of the most important preparatory operations in fur dressing. Soaking determines the successful completion of subsequent technological processes. The purpose of soaking is to bring the skin into a state close to paired state in terms of the amount and uniformity of moisture distribution in the leather tissue and hair. This makes it important to find the optimal soaking recipe. The classic soaking method leads to damage to the structure of the dermis, due to which the structure of the soaked dermis differs from the structure of the dermis in the paired state. To solve this problem, it is necessary to find an innovative soaking method that both meets soaking standards and preserves the structure of the dermis close to the paired state. This article discusses a comprehensive method for soaking sheepskins with sulfurization. An experiment was conducted with 4 batches preserved using different preservation methods. These batches were soaked using our suggested recipe, using sodium sulfate and sulfuric acid. As a result of the interaction of sodium sulfate with sulfuric acid, sulfur is formed, which interacts with the functional groups of collagen. This interaction is one of the ways to sulfurize the semi-finished product. In addition, the resulting sulfur affects not only the soaking process, but also subsequent processes, causing synergy in the technological process chain. Analysis of the process results allows us to conclude that this soaking method complies with established standards. Since the watering of the raw material in each of the preservation methods is above 65%, as well as the indicators of the structure of the dermis, soaked with sulfur, are close to the indicators of the structure of the dermis in the paired state.

Preservation of Plastic Cultural Heritage. A Review

This article deals with the broad topic of the conservation of plastics, which, as objects of historical or artistic value an essential part of collections all around the world. This review focuses on the risks associated with plastic art, its degradation pathways, methods of identification and characterization, and currently used methods of preservation. Besides the literature review, an online survey of European museums and galleries was conducted, which allowed us to gain an overview of the current state of plastic conservation. Twelve institutions participated in the survey and there is a marked difference in the level of information regarding plastics in their collections. The results underline the relevance and urgency of this issue if we want to prevent the irreversible losses of cultural heritage, as many institutions do not have the means to ensure the effective protection of plastic artifacts. The study of available resources shows us that great progress has been made in recent years, but further research and improvement are still needed.

A generalized energy and QUadratic Invariant Preserving (GEQUIP) method for Hamiltonian systems with multiple invariants

It is well-known that the symplecticity and energy-conservation are the most characteristic properties of a Hamiltonian system. Meanwhile, many Hamiltonian problems allow the presence of multiple physical invariants, besides energy. This paper deals with a generalization of the EQUIP methods defined in Brugnano et al. [1], aimed at introducing additional parameters to attain further multiple invariants conservation properties, together with the symplecticity of the map. The solvability of the nonlinear system arising from the conservation requirements on multiple invariants is proved and the order of convergence on the method is discussed. Some numerical tests are reported in order to confirm the efficiency of the methods, which shows the good multiple invariants preserving property of the proposed method compared to Gauss collocation methods and EQUIP methods.

Micropropagation and Shoot Tip Cryopreservation of 'Sunny Gold' Freesia.

Cryopreservation is a promising method for the long-term preservation of plant germplasm, especially for vegetatively propagated species like freesias. In this study, we investigate streamlining the cryopreservation process for 'Sunny Gold' Freesia, starting from effective in vitro initiation and proliferation using various plant growth regulator combinations. We also assess the impact of subculture on regrowth rates after cryopreservation. The shoot tips were successfully initiated in vitro after sterilization. The shoots were multiplied an average of three times in media containing N6-benzyladenine and kinetin. The regrowth rates of non-cryopreserved shoot tips excised from different subculture cycles did not differ significantly, with rates of 44% observed for plants from more than five subcultures and 47% for those from three subcultures. However, only the shoot tips excised from cultures subjected to three subculture cycles were able to recover after cryopreservation, with a regrowth rate of 31%. Our findings lay the groundwork for the development of an efficient cryopreservation protocol for freesias in the future.

A 12-year overview of fertility preservation practice in Nordic pediatric oncology centers.

Fertility preservation is the only option to safeguard fertility following gonadotoxic treatments. This study aimed to provide an updated status on fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients in the Nordic countries. A questionnaire consisting of 14 questions was sent to directors of 18 main pediatric oncology centers in the Nordic countries in 2010 and 2022. We received information regarding indications, guidelines, counseling, and available fertility preservation options. The response rates were 89% in 2010 and 72% in 2022. The results reveal an increase in clinical practice guidelines on fertility preservation for cancer patients, from 25% in 2010 to 70% in 2022. Counseling on fertility preservation options in 2022 was more specific and offered to most patients who fulfilled indications for fertility preservation (from 19 to 77%). Sperm cryopreservation continues to be the predominant fertility preservation method for pubertal boys in the Nordic countries. However, there has been a notable increase in the availability of testicular tissue preservation for prepubertal boys (0 to 62%). A similar increase in the offer of ovarian tissue preservation for prepubertal girls (0 to 92%) was observed among pediatric cancer patients. The past decade has shown commendable advancements in fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients in the Nordic countries. As fertility care evolves globally, continuous assessment of regional practices and challenges is imperative to enhance the quality of care and life for pediatric cancer survivors in the Nordic regions.

Exploring Preservation Modalities in a Split Human Pancreas Model to Investigate the Effect on the Islet Isolation Outcomes.

In islet transplantation, the use of dynamic hypothermic preservation techniques is a current challenge. This study compares the efficacy of 3 pancreas preservation methods: static cold storage, hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP), and oxygenated HMP. A standardized human pancreas split model was employed using discarded organs from both donation after brain death (n = 15) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) (n = 9) donors. The pancreas head was preserved using static cold storage (control group), whereas the tail was preserved using the 3 different methods (study group). Data on donor characteristics, pancreas histology, isolation outcomes, and functional tests of isolated islets were collected. Insulin secretory function evaluated by calculating stimulation indices and total amount of secreted insulin during high glucose stimulation (area under the curve) through dynamic perifusion experiments was similar across all paired groups from both DCD and donation after brain death donors. In our hands, islet yield (IEQ/g) from the pancreas tails used as study groups was higher than that of the pancreas heads as expected although this difference did not always reach statistical significance because of great variability probably due to suboptimal quality of organs released for research purposes. Moreover, islets from DCD organs had greater purity than controls (P ≤ 0.01) in the HMP study group. Furthermore, our investigation revealed no significant differences in pancreas histology, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis indicators. For the first time, a comparative analysis was conducted, using a split model, to assess the effects of various preservation methods on islets derived from pancreas donors. Nevertheless, no discernible variances were observed in terms of islet functionality, histological attributes, or isolation efficacy. Further investigations are needed to validate these findings for clinical application.

Navigating Fertility Preservation Options in Gynecological Cancers: A Comprehensive Review.

(1) Background: Currently, an increasing number of women postpone pregnancy beyond the age of 35. Gynecological cancers affect a significant proportion of women of reproductive age, necessitating the development of fertility preservation methods to fulfill family planning. Consequently, providing treatment options that preserve fertility in women diagnosed with gynecological cancers has become a crucial component of care for survivors. (2) Methods: We conducted an extensive search of relevant scientific publications in PubMed and Embase databases and performed a narrative review, including high-quality peer-reviewed research on fertility after being treated for gynecologic cancers, reporting pregnancy rates, birth rates, and pregnancy outcomes in cancer survivors as well as therapeutic options which partially preserve fertility and methods for obtaining a pregnancy in survivors. (3) Discussion: The medicine practiced today is focused on both treating the neoplasm and preserving the quality of life of the patients, with fertility preservation being an important element of this quality. This leads to an improved quality of life, allowing these women to become mothers even in the seemingly adverse circumstances posed by such a pathology. However, although there are guidelines on female fertility preservation in the context of neoplasms, an analysis shows that physicians do not routinely consider it and do not discuss these options with their patients. (4) Conclusions: Advancements in medicine have led to a better understanding and management of gynecological neoplasms, resulting in increased survival rates. Once the battle against these neoplasms is won, the issue of preserving the quality of life for these women arises, with fertility preservation being an important aspect for women who have not yet fulfilled their family planning desires at the time of diagnosis. It is important for patients to be informed about the available options for fertility preservation and to be encouraged to make informed decisions in collaboration with their medical team. Standardized recommendations for onco-fertility into guidelines should be taken into consideration in the future.

Comparison of the overall survival of different treatment methods in patients with Muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A retrospective study.

Bladder-Sparing Approach was presented in patients who are not willing or not suitable for Radical Cystectomy (RC). There have been inconsistencies in the literature regarding the comparison of survival rates of these two methods. Our objective is to evaluate the survival rate of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing different treatment methods. Retrospective cross-sectional study. A secondary care, multicenter study in Kerman, Iran 2008 to 2016. All 200 patients who were diagnosed with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer and were admitted to our hospitals. Patients with inaccessible medical files and patients with pathologies other than TCC were excluded. Radical cystectomy and different methods of bladder preservation were compared based on their survival rate. Radical cystectomy or bladder preservation. Overall survival of the patients was 2 years [95% CI: 1.37-2.63]. The overall 5-year survival rate of patients with MIBC was 32%. Having a 6.4 years overall survival, the RC group showed the highest survival compared with others (p = 0.01); the overall survival of patients undergoing TMT, TURT, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy monotherapy was 3.15 years [95% CI: 2.242-4.061], 4.06 [95% CI: 3.207-4.931], 2.58 [95% CI: 1.767-3.399], and 3.14 [95% CI: 1.614-4.672] years, respectively. Patients younger than 65 undergoing RC had an overall survival of 7 years, compared with 2 years for the TMT group. (p = 0.0001). The Bladder-Preservation method, as a replacement for RC, showed a lower overall survival rate in our study. A prospective randomized clinical trial may declare the best treatment.

Nutritional improvement of cactus fruit scraps with addition of alfalfa or Atriplex halimus, and comparison of two animal feed preservation methods (silage and solar drying)

This work aimed to study the effect of adding alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Atriplex halimus L. on biochemical properties, microbial flora, ferment silage and solar-dried cactus fruit scraps. Alfalfa and Atriplex were added to cactus silage to improve nutrient quality. Three mixtures were prepared: M1 based on cactus, M2 based on cactus and alfalfa, and M3 based on cactus and Atriplex. Bran and wheat straw were added to the mixtures to improve the moisture content. After adding alfalfa and Atriplex, the protein content of the pre-ensiling material increased (p < 0.05), reaching 10.63% DM for M1, 16.35% DM for M2, and 17.22% DM for M3. During ensilage, a significant amount of sugar and protein was degraded. All silage treatments achieved stable pH values (M1: 4.35, M2: 4.55, and M3: 4.54). The M2 and M3 treatments had the highest amount of protein. After drying, the protein content of the dried treatments was higher than that of the ensiled treatments (8.05% DM for M1, 14.96% DM for M2, and 15.36% DM for M3). In both storage methods, the microbial population declined. However, silage reduces coliforms, yeasts and moulds more efficiently than solar drying. The drying operation preserves remarkedly the nutritional quality of the mixtures while ensiling reduces the number of undesirable microorganisms.

Biological Activities of Citrus-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Human Cells: The Role of Preservation.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as important mediators for cell-to-cell communication. Citrus-based EVs in particular offer an excellent platform for nutraceutical delivery systems, as their endemic cargo includes micronutrients (e.g., ascorbic acid), which contribute to their antioxidant capacity. Despite being extensively investigated as to their therapeutic and diagnostic potential, their cargo is inherently unstable and thus directly affected by their storage and preservation. In this study, EVs were isolated from citrus fruit using tangential flow filtration and evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity and effects on human cells. To assess how their isolation and preservation methods affect these properties, the EVs were tested immediately after isolation (from fresh and freeze-thawed juices) or following freeze-drying. A measurable biological effect of cryoprotection on citrus-derived EVs was evident, whether during or after isolation. This was more pronounced in the cell-based assays, ranging from -4% to +32% in human skin fibroblast proliferation. Nevertheless, the effects on human cancer cells varied depending on the cell line. Although these results should be considered preliminary observations, subject to further investigation, it is safe to state that any type of preservation is expected to impact the EVs' biological activity.

Multimedia Photogrammetry for Automated 3D Monitoring in Archaeological Waterlogged Wood Conservation

Abstract. This study addresses the challenges inherent in preserving archaeological waterlogged wood, which is prone to deformation and decay if not stabilized immediately after recovery. Conventional preservation methods, such as impregnation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions, often result in undesirable dimensional changes. To obtain exact spatio-temporal information on the deformations during the conservation process, a photogrammetric monitoring system, utilizing a stereo camera facing from air into the liquid, attached to an automated biaxial measurement unit is proposed. Special target heads were developed and attached to the wood to provide deformation points. Refraction correction was applied to the imaging model by ray tracing, and indirect flat lighting was used to mitigate turbidity. The system observed logs from a wooden track from the first century, subject to conservation. Subject of investigation were the influence of refraction negligence and scale definition in a bundle geometry, similar to bathymetric aerial setups. Results show that refraction correction is imperative for good results. Furthermore, scale definition with highly accurately determined scale bars and inclusion of relative orientation constraints provide further accuracy improvements.

Impact of Aging Methods and Frozen Storage on Beef Quality Attributes from Different Finishing Diets

The effects of finishing diet (pasture or grain) and meat preservation method on beef&amp;rsquo;s physicochemical, micro- biological, and sensory attributes were evaluated. The preservation methods assessed were dry aging in bag (DAb) and wet aging (WA) for 40 d, and then frozen storage (Fr) ([DAb + Fr] and [WA + Fr]) for 180 d. Sixty striploins (Longissimus lumborum) from British breed steers (n = 15 from pasture and n = 15 from grain-based diet) were used. Lightness (L*) was only affected by finishing diet where meat from grain-fed steers was lighter than those fed on pasture (P &amp;lt; 0.01). DAb meat had higher pH (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and lower cooking losses (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than WA. DAb + Fr had the highest Psychotrophic bacteria counts compared to WA + Fr, DAb and WA (P &amp;lt; 0.01). DAb and DAb + Fr increased Enterobacteriaceae bacteria counts (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to WA and WA + Fr. DAb + Fr samples had the lowest L*, a*, and b* values. No interaction between physicochemical characteristics (color coordinates, pH, cooking losses, and shear force) and surface microbiological load was observed (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Greater polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA n-3, conjugated linoleic acid (c9, t11 &amp;ndash; 18:2) (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and lower n-6:n-3 ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.01) were observed in pasture- than grain-fed steers. The consumer sensory panel showed acceptable scores for all treatments, although some differences between attributes were detected by cluster analysis. Different aging methods followed by a frozen storage period could be used to produce and export meat with the required quality attributes to meet consumer expectations

Origanum dubium Boiss. (Cypriot oregano) Use for the Preservation of Fresh Spearmint Quality and Safety

Very little is known about the preservation and storage of fresh medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and/or herbs. As with many leafy vegetables, i.e., lettuce, fresh spearmint is a very perishable product throughout the production line and requires special handling/processing. The current study aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of selected MAPs (Origanum dubium, Salvia fruticosa and Sideritis cypria) grown in Cyprus towards foodborne pathogens. Then, the most effective MAPs’ essential oil (EO) and hydrosol (at different doses; combination of concentration and time of dipping submerge) were tested to preserve fresh spearmint quality and safety. The results showed that O. dubium EO and hydrosol presented great in vitro antibacterial activity against four foodborne pathogens and those products were further selected for application on fresh spearmint. During sensory evaluation, it was observed that higher O. dubium EO concentrations and longer time of application resulted into a less marketable product (less acceptable with less spearmint-like aroma), while hydrosol resulted in a more marketable product even at high doses. In general, EO and hydrosol applications increased spearmint’s antioxidants (including polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid), resulting in a product of increased nutritional value. The bacterial populations of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh spearmint were decreased with the EO and hydrosol application doses applied, and their effects were evident even after six days of storage at 4 °C. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that O. dubium EO and hydrosol could be a potential sanitation method for fresh spearmint preservation.