Salad Ingredients Research Articles

Sodium Content and Sodium Intake Contributions of Store-Bought and Restaurant-Prepared Foods in Their As-Eaten Form: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2018

BackgroundGuidance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes targets for the food industry to voluntarily reduce the sodium content (mg/100 g) of packaged, processed, and prepared foods sold by stores and restaurants. Assessments of sodium intake by the United States population are needed to inform sodium-reduction efforts. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess the sodium content and sodium intake contributions of categories and subgroups of foods obtained from stores and restaurants and determine sodium intake reductions that would be achieved by meeting FDA targets. MethodsAnalyses used dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (WWEIA), 2009–2018, to assess sodium in foods consumed by the United States population aged 2 y or older. Data describing where foods were obtained were used to identify store-bought and restaurant-prepared foods. Combination codes were used to group foods, such as separate salad ingredients, which were eaten together. Foods in their as-eaten form were then classified into WWEIA food categories and subgroups corresponding to FDA targets. Sample-weighted estimates generated by SUDAAN analyses were used to calculate projected sodium intake reductions. ResultsStore-bought, restaurant-prepared, and other foods contributed 62%, 26%, and 12%, respectively, of sodium in United States diets. Top-ranked food category contributors of sodium included sandwiches, tortilla products, pizza, poultry, soups, and breads. Subgroups of these categories contributing the most sodium included store-bought lunchmeat sandwiches and hotdogs, restaurant-prepared burgers, store-bought and restaurant-prepared tacos/burritos, restaurant-prepared pizza with meat, and store-bought white/wheat bread. Meeting the FDA targets for these subgroups achieved the highest projected sodium intake reductions. ConclusionsReductions of sodium in widely consumed foods, such as luncheon-meat sandwiches and restaurant-prepared pizza, have the greatest impact on reducing sodium intake by the United States population. These findings could be used by restauranteurs, food manufacturers, policymakers and regulators, and clinical practitioners to inform sodium-reduction efforts.

The Effects of Nitrogen Application and Varietal Variation on the Product Quality and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds of Baby Spinach Varieties Grown in a Soilless Growth Medium.

Baby spinach is becoming increasingly popular as a salad ingredient and needs high fertiliser rates to grow well and attain higher-quality leaves (dark green leaves). Chemical fertilisers, especially nitrogen (N), boost yields. There are many risks associated with nitrogen fertilisation. Additionally, spinach contains phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Nitrogen fertilisation affects growth, development, yield and metabolites. This study examined the impact of lower concentrations of N (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 mg/L) on yield and colour properties [light intensity (L*) colour coordinates, unique for green colour (a*) and yellow colour (b*)], as well as the impact of varying N concentrations on the total phenolic content and p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and antioxidant activities in the baby spinach varieties 'Acadia', 'Crosstrek' and 'Traverse', and it was established that N fertilisation improves phytochemical bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity. In a split strip plot design, three baby spinach varieties were treated with different N concentrations, including 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg/L. For 40 days, three baby spinach varieties were grown on soilless Mikskaar Professional substrate 300. During both seasons, 'Crosstrek' had the highest fresh mass (921.4 g/m2, 856.3 g/m2) at 120 mg/L N, while 'Traverse' had the highest fresh mass at 554.8 g/m2 and at 564.3 g/m2 at 90 mg/L N and did not differ significantly from 90 to 150 mg/L N during either season. During both seasons, 'Acadia' at 90 mg/L N increased fresh mass to 599 g/m2 and 557.9 g/m2. The variety × N supply interaction significantly affected the leaf colour; chlorophyll content across seasons; the levels of bioactive compounds, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene in spinach varieties; the in vitro bioaccessibility; and the antioxidant activity. Varietal differences influenced the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and carotenoid components. The appropriate N levels can be used during plant cultivation to optimise the bioaccessibility of this spinach variety. Thus, fertilising 'Traverse' with 90 mg/N mL increased the in vitro bioaccessibility of β-carotene (35.2%), p-coumaric acid (7.13%), quercetin (8.29%) and ferulic acid (1.92%) without compromising the yield.

Lentils: A Recent Review on Global Trade and Popular Regional Cuisines

ABSTRACTLentils that are considered powerhouse of healthy calories are traditionally consumed in different regions of the world. With the increasing awareness regarding lentils' health‐related benefits, it is getting popular among people of all ages. The rising demand also necessitated the increase in global lentil production with Canada grabbing the top rank among the global producers. This review discussed lentil's trade‐related statistics, along with in depth details of various popular cuisines, and consumption patterns observed in Asia, Middle East, Africa, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mediterranean region. Lentils are added as ingredient in soups, rice cuisines, pasta, flat breads, salads, nuggets, and burger patties and thus carry its name throughout the food menus from appetizers and salads to main course meals.

Cucumber Leaf Disease Detection using GLCM Features with Random Forest Algorithm

Agriculture plays a vital role in India's economy, and the health of crops is critical for maximizing yield. In particular, cucumber, a key salad ingredient known for its health benefits, is susceptible to various diseases such as water mold, bacterial wilt, angular leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. These diseases not only affect the quality of cucumbers but also significantly reduce their yield. Early detection of these diseases is crucial for successful cultivation, but traditional manual methods of disease identification by farmers or diagnosticians are time-consuming and prone to misidentification. To address these challenges, we explore advanced artificial intelligence techniques. We implement and compare various machine learning algorithms, including ResNet, AlexNet, and VGG-16, for disease classification in cucumbers. However, these methods often struggle with issues such as noise, irrelevant features, and the generation of pertinent characteristics. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel approach using a GLCM (Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix) feature extraction method combined with a Random Forest classifier. This new algorithm aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of disease detection. Our dataset comprises four distinct categories: Healthy, Anthracnose, Aphids, and CYSDV. It is sourced from diverse platforms, including online repositories like kaggle and direct collection from cucumber farms. The initial phase of our methodology involves noise reduction by converting images into the LAB color space and isolating specific regions using the k-means clustering algorithm. Subsequently, we extract texture features from the diseased leaf images using the GLCM algorithm, and classification is performed using the Random Forest model. Comparative analysis shows that our proposed Random Forest algorithm outperforms previous models like LGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine) and QSVM (Quantum-Support Vector Machine) in predicting disease presence in cucumber plants with higher accuracy rate of 98.62%, Precision 98.77%, Recall 98.48% and also F1 Score 98.62%.

Concise review of green algal genus Monostroma Thuret.

Monostroma (Ulotrichales, Chlorophyta) is the most intensively cultivated genus among green seaweeds, accounting for over 90% of total green algal cultivation. It is commonly found in the eulittoral zones of marine and estuarine habitats, thus contributing significantly to the ecology of the coastal ecosystem. Morphologically, the frond of Monostroma is blade-like with eponymous one-cell thickness; therefore, it is also known as “Slender sea lettuce”. Monostroma nitidum is often used for salad ingredients, boiled tsukudani, soups, etc., due to its health benefits. Monostroma kuroshiense is commercially cultivated in East Asia and South America for the edible product "hitoegusa-nori" or "hirohano-hitoegusa nori", popular sushi wraps. This genus remains one of the well-studied seaweed genera for ecophysiology, habitat-dependent seasonality of its growth pattern, gametangial ontogeny and phylogenetics. Moreover, rhamnan sulfate (RS), a sulfated polysaccharide, is the main component of the fiber extracted from M. nitidum and studied for various biological activities. This review presents the taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, life history, distribution, ecology, physiology, cultivation and harvesting, chemical composition, and biotechnological applications of this genus.

Changes in Human Electroencephalographic Activity in Response to Agastache rugosa Essential Oil Exposure.

Agastache rugosa (Korean mint) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant and its aerial parts have a pleasant fragrance. A. rugosa leaves are used as an ingredient in salads and soups for enhancing the aroma and taste of foods in Korea. However, there is no report on the influence of the aroma of A. rugosa on human psychophysiological activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of exposure to the essential oil of Korean A. rugosa on human electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. The essential oil of A. rugosa was isolated using steam distillation extraction and its composition was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. In the EEG study, 38 healthy volunteers (19 men and 19 women) participated. The EEG readings were analyzed for 25 EEG indices from 29 electrodes placed on the scalp according to the international 10–20 system. The major component in the essential oil of A. rugosa was estragole (89.49%) followed by D-limonene (3.40%), menthone (1.80%), and pulegone (1.86%). In the EEG study, significant decreases in absolute theta (AT) and relative theta (RT) power spectra were observed during the exposure to A. rugosa essential oil when compared to that of no odor exposure. Whereas relative alpha (RA), relative slow alpha (RSA), spectral edge frequency 50% (SEF50), and spectral edge frequency 50% of alpha (ASEF) power spectra values significantly increased. These results reveal that the EEG power spectra changes incurred during the exposure to the essential oil of A. rugosa may be associated with the enhancement of freshness and concentration states of the human brain.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Nationwide distribution of Kyo-yasai (heirloom vegetables in Kyoto) and the advantages of traditional farming methods with importance of ‘Syun’: a case of mizuna

IntroductionThis study aimed to review the farming activity and the administrative measure to successfully increase the distribution of heirloom vegetable “mizuna” nationwide by examining the paradigm shift in the use of its young less-branched form for salad. We also discussed that breeding programs of the young form ironically resulted in reduction the flavor and the antimutagenicity of this vegetable.MethodsThrough hearing survey, we explored reasons for the successful nationwide distribution of heirloom vegetable, mizuna. Through chemical analysis, the fragrant ingredients in mizuna, their antimutagenicity and the changes in their amount for one year were determined.Results and discussionThe primary factor for commencing the distribution of mizuna includes the new idea of using young less-branched form of mizuna as salad ingredient, which has been recognized by most who were involved in promoting the distribution of mizuna among farmers, distributors, and employees of agricultural extension section at Kyoto Prefecture office. The secondary factor is the fact that the primary factor coincides on a time axis with other two factors: the occurrence of the boom of Kyoto's heirloom vegetables and the Vegetable Management Stabilization Project found as a measure of Kyoto Prefecture. We determined three fragrant compounds in mizuna, 3-butenyl isothiocyanate, 3-phenylpropionitrile, and phenylethyl isothiocyanate, of which their antimutagenic effects were also identified. Those amounts were highest at the best harvest season called ‘Syun’ in the past because of the cold temperature of Japanese winter in traditional open-field cultivation.ConclusionIt implied that the successful nationwide distribution of mizuna resulted from the administrative measures based on the paradigm shift in the new use of mizuna for salad due to increase in demand of the vegetable in contemporary dishes. The traditional cultivation of mizuna might be suitable if wishing the flavor and antimutagenicity at the best harvest season ‘Syun’.

Microgreen leaf vegetable production by different wavelengths

Microgreens are becoming more popular in gastronomy, especially as a salad ingredient. In this study, two plant species belonging to the cabbage family were grown as microgreens, namely red cabbage and broccoli. Three different light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used in the experiment, blue, red, and combined (blue:red) lighting. The experiment was carried out by 118 µmol-2 s-1total Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF), LED lighting was applied for 16 hours a day. Blue light primarily stimulates leaf growth, while red light promotes flowering. In our experiment, blue and combined lighting favorably affected plant development, yield (~3000 g m-2), chlorophyll-a (~8.0 mg g-1), and carotenoid content (9.0 mg g-1). However, the red light resulted in reduced harvest yields (~2200 g m-2), chlorophyll-a (~6.0 mg g-1), and carotenoid content (~7.0 mg g-1). The development of red cabbage was favorably influenced by the blue spectrum, while the combined spectrum favorably influenced the development of broccoli.

Effects of aqueous extract of Medicago denticulata against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits.

Medicago denticulata is commonly used as a leafy vegetable, salad, and food ingredient. In this study, different doses of leaves aqueous extract of M. denticulata (MD) were fed to intoxicated rabbits with paracetamol (100, 200, and 300mg/kg) for regular 21days. The aqueous extract was evaluated for phenolic composition using HPLC-DAD. Serum biochemical and hematological parameters were studied to check its activity. The liver was examined histologically and for antioxidant status. Results revealed that paracetamol led to a significant alteration in all the hematological (RBC, WBC, Hb, PLT, and HCT), and serum lipid parameters (TC, HDL, LDL, and TG) while MD at the dose rate of 300mg/kg had a curative effect on the stabilization of the affected parameters. The high dose of MD ameliorated different antioxidant parameters such as reduced glutathione (GSH), DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of the liver on day 21st of the treatment. Histological studies revealed significant paracetamol-induced toxicity of the liver, whereas the MD had positive effects on induced toxicity. Improvement in all these alterations confirms the curative potential of Medicago denticulata extract. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Paracetamol is a well-known antipyretic and analgesic medicine. However, it has been found to cause toxicity including hepatotoxicity. Synthetic drugs such as statins, antibiotics, and anti-viral are used for curing hepatic diseases also cause severe side effects. Thus, nutraceuticals from plant foods are used to reduce the side effects of different hepatotoxic medicine are continuously researched. This study reported for the first time that aqueous extract of the plant leaves was protective against the hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol.

Lettuce Cultivars for Insect Resistance in Southern Florida

Lettuce is the most popular ingredient in salads and salad mixes consumed in the United States. Florida's subtropical climate facilitates lettuce production from fall through spring, but the warm and moist conditions are also favorable for insect proliferation and damage. Insect pests cause direct (feeding) and indirect (contamination) damages to the lettuce crop. This manuscript presents data on cultivars and breeding lines with tolerance to some of these pests. Minor Revision; 5 pp.

Fruit salad’s recipes in the design of learning mean in eight-grade

This study makes the learning process in the 2013 curriculum encourage students to provide learning processes with real challenges and solve them so that 21st-century skills can be realized. The study aims to determine the role of activities in average learning that are expected to help students analyze, solve problems, and implement the making of fruit salads. The method used in this study is the type of validation research design; research subjects are students of class eight grade. There are three stages in the validation of this type of research design; the research design has three cycles: the preliminary design, design experiments in the form of Initial Teaching Experiments (Pilot experiments) and teaching experiments, and retrospective analysis. The teaching experiment results show that if 50% of students complete the jumping task, applying (the implementation phase) in the process of making fruit salad. Errors in carrying out activities are not careful in reading the information, so people mistakenly see the price of fruit salad ingredients and their weaknesses in calculating and not understanding the material provided.

Spatial Distribution of Listroderes costirostris and Hypera postica (Curculionidae: Cyclominae, Hyperinae) on a Celery Crop in Mexico's Northwest Region

Celery, Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae), is an essential salad ingredient in different parts of the world, and production is principally destined for the fresh market. Celery hosts several insect species, including the weevil Listroderes costirostris Schoenher (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Listroderes costirostris currently is present in the San Quintin Valle, Baja California, Mexico, on commercial celery crops. Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) feeds on several plants of the Fabaceae family and is the principal pest affecting Medicago sativa L. (Fabaceae) alfalfa crops. The purpose of this work was to assess the degree of infestation, spatial distribution, and the association between L. costirostris and H. postica on A. graveolens, in Baja California, Mexico. We established 4 quadrants in 1 ha, and we sampled 100 plants per quadrant in each sample. We collected 22 samplings, counting the larvae and adults of both species. Hypera postica was reported herein for the first time feeding on A. graveolens plants. Between 9.57% and 28.68% of the celery plants served as hosts to both species. Listroderes costirostris had the highest percentage of infested plants. The competitive interaction of these 2 species affected H. postica, which showed lesser abundance. Both species were associated in all the sample quadrants. Listroderes costirostris registered an aggregated distribution pattern, whereas H. postica presented a uniform distribution. The spatial distribution of H. postica is the result of competing for food and space with L. costirostris.

Biological Activities of Rhamnan Sulfate Extract from the Green Algae Monostroma nitidum (Hitoegusa).

Monostroma nitidum is a green single-cell layered algae that grows on the southwest coast of Japan. It is often used for salad ingredients, boiled tsukudani, soups, etc., due to its health benefits. M. nitidum is composed of many cell aggregates, and the various substances that fill the intercellular space are dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Rhamnan sulfate (RS), a sulfated polysaccharide, is main the component of the fiber extracted from M. nitidum. Recently, some biological properties of RS have been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies that probably protect human subjects from viruses and ameliorate vascular dysfunction caused by metabolic disorders, especially lifestyle-related diseases. In this review, we focus on the antithrombotic effects of RS and introduce its antiviral and other biological activities.

A pilot study on the lettuce and cucumber mixed cultivation in a recirculated aquaponics system

Lettuce and cucumber are two essential salad ingredients that must be included for the dish to be complete. In the current study, we carried out a small pilot study on the co-cultivation of lettuce and cucumber in an effective aquaponics system. The experiment lasts for a total of four months, during which time the lettuce and cucumbers are grown for three and four months, respectively. In between the lettuce plants, which were grown at a density of 17 plants per square meter, the cucumber plants were planted at a density of 3 plants per square meter. Each month, the physicochemical quality and yield performance of harvested lettuce and cucumbers were evaluated. In the mixed cultivation method, lettuce and cucumber produce more, and the biochemical reports reveal no significant change over the course of the entire experimental period. The third month of lettuce production revealed a significantly lower overall yield. The final results showed that both crops were successfully utilizing the nutrients in the aquaponics water, demonstrating the efficiency of the nitrification process in the aquaponics environment. According to the findings, the current experiment suggests cucumber and lettuce be grown together, which is suitable for aquaponics systems. The study also found that cucumber and lettuce can be grown together in an aquaponic system without any negative effects on either crop.

Use of an ingredient-based analysis to investigate a national outbreak of Escherichia coli O157, United Kingdom, July 2016.

Public Health England was alerted to a national outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 PT34 in July 2016. Early investigations suggested that the likely source was a salad item consumed outside of the home. A number of cases reported consuming meals at a staff canteen (Venue A) and a garden café (Venue B). Both venues shared a common salad supplier. An investigation was undertaken to measure associations between salad items and illness using an 'ingredient-based analysis'. A retrospective case–control study was conducted using an online questionnaire to collect information on menu items consumed at each venue. Chefs at both venues were interviewed to identify ingredients contained within each menu item. Both venues were pooled together for multivariable analysis measuring associations at the ingredient level. Among 203 responses, 24 cases were identified (13 confirmed, two probable and nine possible). Case onsets ranged between 7 and 25 June 2016. Multivariable analysis identified strong evidence that only baby mixed-leaf salad from the common supplier was a vehicle of infection (adjusted odds ratio = 13.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.6–106.5). Identifying the specific salad ingredient associated with illness was made possible by using an ingredient-based analysis. We recommend the increased use of ingredient-based analyses.

Microbial survey of ready-to-eat salad ingredients sold at retail reveals the occurrence and the persistence of Listeria monocytogenes Sequence Types 2 and 87 in pre-packed smoked salmon

BackgroundAs the preparation of salads involves extensive handling and the use of uncooked ingredients, they are particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination. This study aimed to determine the microbial safety and quality of pre-packed salads and salad bar ingredients sold in Singapore, so as to identify public health risks that could arise from consuming salads and to determine areas for improvement in the management of food safety.ResultsThe most frequently encountered organism in pre-packed salad samples was B. cereus, particularly in pasta salads (33.3%, 10/30). The most commonly detected organism in salad bar ingredients was L. monocytogenes, in particular seafood ingredients (44.1%, 15/34), largely due to contaminated smoked salmon. Further investigation showed that 21.6% (37/171) of the pre-packed smoked salmon sold in supermarkets contained L. monocytogenes. Significantly higher prevalence of L. monocytogenes and higher Standard Plate Count were detected in smoked salmon at salad bars compared to pre-packed smoked salmon in supermarkets, which suggested multiplication of the organism as the products move down the supply chain. Further molecular analysis revealed that L. monocytogenes Sequence Type (ST) 2 and ST87 were present in a particular brand of pre-packed salmon products over a 4-year period, implying a potential persistent contamination problem at the manufacturing level.ConclusionsOur findings highlighted a need to improve manufacturing and retail hygiene processes as well as to educate vulnerable populations to avoid consuming food prone to L. monocytogenes contamination.

Contribution of the Glucosinolate Fraction to the Overall Antioxidant Potential, Cytoprotection against Oxidative Insult and Antimicrobial Activity of Eruca sativa Mill. Leaves Extract.

Background:Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae) is commonly utilized as an ingredient in salads and also as a folk remedy to treat various diseases.Objective:The objective of this study was to establish the contribution of the glucosinolate (GLS) fraction to the overall antioxidant, cytoprotection against oxidative insult and antimicrobial properties of the hydro-alcoholic extract of E. sativa leaves from Sicily (Italy), characterized phytochemically.Materials and Methods:The antioxidant activity was evaluated by different in vitro systems. The cytoprotective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress was tested in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The antimicrobial potential against bacteria and fungi was assayed by standard methods.Results:E. sativa extract exhibited both radical scavenging (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] 1.04 ± 0.04 mg/mL) and ferrous ions-chelating activity (IC50 0.327 ± 0.0032 mg/mL) and mild reducing power; the GLS fraction showed chelating ability only (IC50 0.225 ± 0.009 mg/mL). In the experimental model of H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human PBMCs, a significant cytoprotective effect and a suppression of reactive oxygen species production by both extract and GLS fraction were observed (P < 0.001). E. sativa extract displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain (minimum inhibitory concentration 0.125 mg/mL), whereas the GLS fraction was not active.Conclusion:GLSs are not involved in the primary antioxidant activity of E. sativa leaf extract but they are, almost in part, responsible for its ferrous ion-chelating properties. Iron-chelating compounds in E. sativa extract may protect cells under conditions of oxidative stress, and GLSs might play a chief role in this effect.SUMMARY Eruca sativa Mill. leaf extract exhibited antioxidant activity in different in vitro systems, whereas the glucosinolate (GLS) fraction showed Fe2+-chelating ability onlyA significant cytoprotective effect and a suppression of intracellular reactive oxygen species production by both extract and GLS fraction were observed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cellsE. sativa extract displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas the GLS fraction was not active. Abbreviations used: GLS: Glucosinolate; H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide; PBMCs: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells; IC50: 50% inhibitory concentration; MIC: Minimum inhibitory concentration.

An Outbreak Investigation Report and Lessons Learned by Multinational Coalition Forces: October 2016, Baghdad, Iraq.

Public health personnel from the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, conducted an outbreak investigation in response to many local cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illness presenting to U.S. medical facilities. The investigation was conducted to identify the source of the illness, assess the extent of cases, and make recommendations to prevent similar outbreaks. For this retrospective cohort study, medical records and patient outbreak questionnaires were reviewed. A patient case, relative to the outbreak, was defined as any person who had developed a GI illness and presented for medical evaluation to either sick call or an emergency service at a diplomatic or military medical facility in Baghdad from 30 September to 12 October 2016. A total of 123 people met the case definition. The most common presenting symptom was diarrhea (91% to 96% of cases). Other symptoms included abdominal cramps, fatigue, and headache. Most cases were military personnel (n =100). Salad was significantly associated with GI illness (70% of respondents). Five salad ingredients had significantly elevated levels of Escherichia coli. Mitigation strategies to reduce the probability of similar outbreaks include purchasing food solely from approved vendors or thoroughly cooking all foods, including fruits and vegetables.

Proteomic Responses of Diploid and Tetraploid Roots in Platycodon grandiflorum

본 연구는 2배체와 4배체 도라지 단백질 발현지도 제작과 도라지의 생리활성에 관여하는 메카니즘을 분자적 수준에서 해석하기 위한 기초자료를 얻고자 실시하였다. 2배체 및 4배체 도라지의 단백질의 발현 양상은 배수성에 따른 특이성은 관찰 할 수 없었으며, 모두 분자량 15~100 kDa 크기, pH 4.0~8.0의 범위에 분포하는 것으로 나타났다. 동정된 39개의 단백질 중 2배체에 비해 4배체에서 2개의 단백질이 up-regulated 되었고, 37개의 단백질이 down-regulated 되었다. 단백질을 기능별로 분류한 결과, 산화환원효소의 활성(oxidoreductase activity)기능을 갖는 단백질이 23.7%의 비율로 가장 많았고 다음은 nucleotide binding 기능의 단백질이 15.8%의 비율로 높았다. The roots of Platycodon grandiflorum species either dried or fresh, are used as an ingredient in salads and traditional cuisine in Korea. To interpret the root proteins, a systematical and targeting analysis were carried out from diploid and tetraploid roots. Two dimensional gels stained with CBB, a total of 39 differential expressed proteins were identified from the diploid root under in vivo condition using image analysis by Progenesis Same Spot software. Out of total differential expressed spots, 39 differential expressed protein spots (<TEX>${\geq}\;1.5$</TEX>-fold) were analyzed using LTQ-FTICR mass spectrometry. Except two proteins, the rest of the identified proteins were confirmed as down-regulated such as Isocitrate dehydrogenase, Proteasome subunit alpha type-2-B. However, the most of the identified proteins from the explants were mainly associated with the oxidoreductase activity, nucleic acid binding, transferase activity and catalytic activity. The exclusive protein profile may provide insight clues for better understanding the characteristics of proteins and metabolic activity in various explants of the economically important medicinal plant Platycodon grandiflorum.

COMPOSITIONAL AND MARKETABLE QUALITY OF FRESH-CUT FLORETS OF FOUR SPECIALTY BRASSICAS IN RELATION TO CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE

Brassica vegetables are consumed year-round as raw salad or cooked ingredients. Four Brassica species were selected for this study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), broccoli raab (Brassica rapa L.), choisum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis), and gailan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra). While there is abundant information about broccoli, research on gailan, choisum and broccoli raab is very limited. The effect of CA (3% O2 alone or in combination with 7 or 15% CO2, 1% O2 alone or combined with 15% CO2) and air on marketable quality (overall visual, yellowing, discoloration, decay) and chemical parameters (antioxidant activity, chlorophyll, sugar, fermentative volatiles, and ammonia content) during storage at 5°C was evaluated. Products were obtained from a wholesaler, washed in chlorinated water, trimmed into florets and placed in unsealed polyethylene bags that were held in polycarbonate chambers through which humidified air or the controlled atmospheres flowed. Visual quality was evaluated after 0, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days, while chemical parameters were measured after 0, 8, 16 days. Generally, CA treatments did not affect the antioxidant activity, chlorophyll or sugar concentrations in any of the specialty brassicas studied. On the other hand, both ammonia content and visual quality evaluations were affected by atmosphere composition. Florets stored in low oxygen (3% O2) often had the best visual quality but generally all atmospheres maintained better marketable quality than air storage. The 3% oxygen CA improved marketability to about 16 days. Low oxygen delayed postharvest and post-cutting deterioration of florets from all Brassica species, and based on changes in ammonia concentrations, was considered beneficial to maintain quality of fresh-cut brassicas stored at 5°C.