Preservation Solution Research Articles

Assessment of physicochemical parameters, and antioxidant properties of mango concentrate during different storage intervals

ABSTRACT Pakistan is one of the biggest mango producing country in the world. Post-harvest losses of mango occur due to lack of storage facilities. Mango can be converted into concentrate to utilize it for longer period. In the current study, the physicochemical profile and storage stability of mango concentrate was investigated to evidence the opportunity of preservation method. Three different concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5%) of citric acid, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate were applied. All chemical preservatives significantly (p ˂ 0.05) increased viscosity, total soluble solids (TS), reducing sugar (RS), non-reducing sugar (NRS), total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA), while the moisture content, pH, DPPH antioxidant activity, TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content) and the level of texture acceptance decreased during the storage. The moisture content was decreased from 43.4% to 34.9% during storage. Phytochemical analysis showed that mango concentrate is a potential source of antioxidant compounds and has higher DPPH radical scavenging activity. Regarding preservation solution, it is suggested that sodium benzoate and citric acid might be utilized for industrial applications.

Association of cardiac preservation solution with short-term outcomes after heart transplantation.

There is wide variability in the practice of cardiac preservation for heart transplantation. Prior reports suggest that the type of solution may be linked with a reduced incidence of posttransplantation complications. Adult (≥18 years old) heart recipients who underwent transplantation between 2015 and 2021 in the United States were examined. Recipients were stratified by solution utilized for their grafts at the time of recovery: University of Wisconsin, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK), or Celsior solution. The primary endpoint was a composite of 30-day mortality, primary graft dysfunction, or re-transplantation. Risk adjustment was performed for the recipient, donor, and procedural characteristics using regression modeling. Among 16 884 recipients, the group distribution was University of Wisconsin solution 53%, HTK 22%, Celsior solution 15%, and other 10%. The observed incidence of the composite endpoint (University of Wisconsin solution = 3.6%, HTK = 4.0%, Celsior solution = 3.7%, P = 0.301) and 1-year survival (University of Wisconsin solution = 91.7%, HTK = 91.3%, Celsior solution = 91.7%, log-rank P = 0.777) were similar between groups. After adjustment, HTK was associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint [odds ratio (OR) 1.249, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.019-1.525, P = 0.030] in reference to University of Wisconsin solution. This association was substantially increased among recipients with ischemic periods of greater than 4 h (OR 1.817, 95% CI 1.188-2.730, P = 0.005). The risks were similar between University of Wisconsin solution and Celsior solution (P = 0.454). The use of the histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution during cold static storage for cardiac preservation is associated with increased rates of early mortality or primary graft dysfunction. Clinician discretion should guide its use, especially when prolonged ischemic times (>4 h) are anticipated.

Mitochondrion-targeted carboxymethyl chitosan hybrid nanoparticles loaded with Coenzyme Q10 protect cardiac grafts against cold ischaemia‒reperfusion injury in heart transplantation

BackgroundHeart transplantation (HT) has been approved as an optimal therapeutic regimen for patients with terminal-stage cardiac failure. However, cold ischaemia‒reperfusion (I/R) injury remains an unavoidable and outstanding challenge, which is a major factor in early graft dysfunction and an obstacle to long-term survival in HT. Cold I/R injury induces cardiac graft injury by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and augmenting free radical production and inflammatory responses. We therefore designed a mitochondrion-targeted nanocarrier loaded with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (CoQ10@TNPs) for treatment of cold I/R injury after cardiac graft in a murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation model.MethodsHybrid nanoparticles composed of CaCO3/CaP/biotinylated-carboxymethylchitosan (CaCO3/CaP/BCMC) were synthesized using the coprecipitation method, and the mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide SS31 was incorporated onto the surface of the hybrid nanoparticles through biotin-avidin interactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used for characterisation. In vitro, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model of H9c2 cells was employed to replicate in vivo cold I/R injury and treated with CoQ10@TNPs. The impact of CoQ10@TNPs on H9c2 cell injury was assessed by analysis of oxidative damage and apoptosis. In vivo, donor hearts (DHs) were perfused with preservation solution containing CoQ10@TNPs and stored in vitro at 4 °C for 12 h. The DHs were heterotopically transplanted and analysed for graft function, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers 1 day post-transplantation.ResultsCoQ10@TNPs were successfully synthesized and delivered CoQ10 to the mitochondria of the cold ischaemic myocardium. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CoQ10@TNPs was taken up by H9c2 cells at 4 °C and localized within the mitochondria, thus ameliorating oxidative stress damage and mitochondrial injury in cold I/R injury. In vivo experiments showed that CoQ10@TNPs accumulated in DH tissue at 4 °C, localized within the mitochondria during cold storage and improved cardiac graft function by attenuating mitochondrial oxidative injury and inflammation.ConclusionsCoQ10@TNPs can precisely deliver CoQ10 to the mitochondria of cold I/R-injured cardiomyocytes to effectively eliminate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), thus reducing oxidative injury and inflammatory reactions in cold I/R-injured graft tissues and finally improving heart graft function. Thus, CoQ10@TNPs offer an effective approach for safeguarding cardiac grafts against extended periods of cold ischaemia, emphasizing the therapeutic potential in mitigating cold I/R injury during HT. These findings present an opportunity to enhance existing results following HT and broaden the range of viable grafts for transplantation.

The role of oxygenation in kidney and liver machine perfusion

Background. Organ transplantation is the optimal decision for patients in the end stage of many diseases. Certain conditions are required for the transportation and preservation of a donor organ after explantation, including factors such as temperature, pressure, and preservative solution. All currently available methods of preservation of donor organs are aimed at maximizing the complete preservation of the functional state of the graft from the moment of its removal to implantation and reperfusion in the recipient's body.Aim. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the results of the studies performed in order to decide on the preferred method of organ preservation.Material and methods. An analysis of literature sources in English and Russian from 2009 to 2023 on this topic was performed in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar. The review highlights the results of preclinical (on animal models) and clinical studies, as well as achievements in the field of ex-vivo machine perfusion with an emphasis on machine hypothermic perfusion and modified oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion, subnormothermic machine perfusion and machine normothermic perfusion.Results. The daily increase in the number of patients in need of organ transplantation delays the timely selection and search for a donor. Organ donation after cardiac death is a promising step in an attempt to overcome the disbalance between the number of patients and organs, but the risk of developing early graft damage increases. The criteria for selecting donors and donor organs are being expanded, as a result, elderly donors and not-optimal grafts are included, but they are less resistant to ischemic damage. In this connection, there is a need for long-term infusion support through machine perfusion.Conclusion. In recent years, research has focused on alternative preservation methods, studying hypothermic, subnormothermic and normothermic machine perfusion. The use of machine perfusion has become the most widespread among kidney transplants and has shown good results. Further development is expected in the field of studying and improving this method of organ preservation, which allows not only transporting, but also improving the functional state of the graft.

Synergistic Antioxidant and Preservative Potential of Tomato Extract–Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Bio-Coating and Food Applications

This study details the synthesis of tomato extract–magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (TEx-MIONPs), focusing on the antioxidant capacity and food preservation applications. Utilizing key reagents, including 98% iron (III) chloride hexahydrate, a controlled process yielded TEx-MIONPs. The characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis revealed a predominant cubic magnetite structure. TEM and SEM depicted diverse morphologies, such as ultrasmall cubic and quasi-spherical structures. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed Fe–O bonds in a mixed phase of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. Antioxidant activity assessment showcased the potent scavenging effects of TEx and TEx-MIONPs against DPPH free radicals, with 100% inhibition after 20 min and an IC50 of about 137 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, TEx-MIONPs, when stabilized with banana-based bioplastic and utilized as nanocoating preservation materials, demonstrated efficacy in grape preservation by exhibiting a lower weight loss rate compared to the control group over six days. Specifically, the weight loss rate for preserved grapes was 28.6% on day 6, contrasting with 34.6% for the control. This pioneering study amalgamates the natural antioxidant properties of tomatoes with the enhanced characteristics of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, offering sustainable solutions for food preservation and nanopackaging. Ongoing research aims to refine the experimental conditions and explore the broader applications of TEx-MIONPs in various contexts.

Intravenous Ascorbic Acid for the Prevention of Postreperfusion Syndrome in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Liver transplantation is the last therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS), defined as a fall in mean arterial pressure of more than 30% within the first 5 minutes after reperfusion of at least 1 minute, can occur in liver transplantation as a deep hemodynamic instability with associated hyperfibrinolysis immediately after reperfusion of the new graft. Its incidence has remained unchanged since it was first described in 1987. PRS is related to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, whose pathophysiology involves the release of several mediators from both the donor and the recipient. The antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid has been studied in resuscitating patients with septic shock and burns. Even today, there are publications with conflicting results, and there is a need for further studies to confirm or rule out the usefulness of this drug in this group of patients. The addition of ascorbic acid to preservation solutions used in solid organ transplantation is under investigation to harness its antioxidant effect and mitigate I/R injury. Since PRS could be considered a manifestation of I/R injury, we believe that the possible beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on the occurrence of PRS should be investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the benefits of ascorbic acid over saline in the development of PRS in adult liver transplantation. We plan to conduct a single-center randomized controlled trial at the Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Spain. A total of 70 participants aged 18 years or older undergoing liver transplantation will be randomized to receive either ascorbic acid or saline. The primary outcome will be the difference between groups in the incidence of PRS. The randomized controlled trial will be conducted under conditions of respect for fundamental human rights and ethical principles governing biomedical research involving human participants and in accordance with the international recommendations contained in the Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent revisions. The enrollment process began in 2020. A total of 35 patients have been recruited so far. Data cleaning and analysis are expected to occur in the first months of 2024. Results are expected around the middle of 2024. We believe that this study could be particularly relevant because it will be the first to analyze the clinical effect of ascorbic acid in liver transplantation. Moreover, we believe that this study fills an important gap in the knowledge of the potential benefits of ascorbic acid in the field of liver transplantation, particularly in relation to PRS. European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database 2020-000123-39; https://tinyurl.com/2cfzddw8; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05754242; https://tinyurl.com/346vw7sm. DERR1-10.2196/50091.

A Single Preservation Solution for Static Cold Storage and Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion of Marginal Liver Grafts: A Preclinical Study.

Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) improves outcomes of marginal liver grafts. However, to date, no preservation solution exists for both static cold storage (SCS) and HOPE. After 30 min of asystolic warm ischemia, porcine livers underwent 6 h of SCS followed by 2 h of HOPE. Liver grafts were either preserved with a single preservation solution (IGL2) designed for SCS and HOPE (IGL2-Machine Perfusion Solution [MPS] group, n = 6) or with the gold-standard University of Wisconsin designed for for SCS and Belzer MPS designed for HOPE (MPS group, n = 5). All liver grafts underwent warm reperfusion with whole autologous blood for 2 h, and surrogate markers of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) were assessed in the hepatocyte, cholangiocyte, vascular, and immunological compartments. After 2 h of warm reperfusion, livers in the IGL2-MPS group showed no significant differences in transaminase release (aspartate aminotransferase: 65.58 versus 104.9 UI/L/100 g liver; P = 0.178), lactate clearance, and histological IRI compared with livers in the MPS group. There were no significant differences in biliary acid composition, bile production, and histological biliary IRI. Mitochondrial and endothelial damage was also not significantly different and resulted in similar hepatic inflammasome activation. This preclinical study shows that a novel IGL2 allows for the safe preservation of marginal liver grafts with SCS and HOPE. Hepatic IRI was comparable with the current gold standard of combining 2 different preservation solutions (University of Wisconsin + Belzer MPS). These data pave the way for a phase I first-in-human study and it is a first step toward tailored preservation solutions for machine perfusion of liver grafts.

Clinical impact of preservation fluid contamination on kidney transplant patients.

Kidney transplantation is associated with a high risk of infectious complications due to immunosuppressive therapy. Although infections may be transmitted from donor to transplant recipient through contaminated preservation solution (PS), the clinical impact of this is not well-understood. We retrospectively evaluated PS contamination rates in a series of 339 patients who underwent cadaveric renal transplant at our centre. All patients with a positive culture received targeted preemptive therapy (PET). Of the 339 PS samples, 136 (40.1%) were positive for a microorganism, mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; n = 89;60.5%), gram-negative bacilli (n = 31;21.1%), non-CoNS gram-positive cocci (n = 18;12.2%), and Candida spp (n = 2;1.4%). Of the 136 positive cases, 42 (30.9%) received PET (12.4% of the cohort). No cases of urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, or graft loss were observed. Overall, our findings indicate that PS contamination, mainly by saprophytic skin flora (CoNS) is common. Only 8% of patients required antibiotic or antifungal therapy. The infection transmission rate from donors to recipients was negligible (0%), perhaps due to the early initiation of a targeted PET after isolation of a recognized pathogen. More data from large, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Uterine Transplantation and Fertility Preservation: A Hopeful Horizon for Cancer Survivors.

Uterine transplantation, a groundbreaking medical intervention, stands as a beacon of hope for cancer survivors grappling with the dual challenges of a cancer diagnosis and potential fertility loss due to aggressive treatments. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of uterine transplantation as an innovative solution for fertility preservation in the context of cancer survivorship. The multifaceted discussion encompasses the impact of cancer on fertility, the imperative of fertility preservation, and the evolution of uterine transplantation as a transformative procedure. The post-transplantation care section delves into the intricacies of recovery, the delicate balance of immunosuppressive therapy, and the ongoing support required for recipients to embrace the full spectrum of reproductive possibilities and overall well-being. Ethical considerations surrounding uterine transplantation, including donor selection, risk assessment, and societal perspectives, are critically examined to navigate the ethical landscape of this evolving field. In conclusion, uterine transplantation is presented as a medical breakthrough and a symbol of interdisciplinary collaboration, resilience, and unwavering hope. The review underscores the role of collaborative efforts among medical professionals, researchers, ethicists, and psychologists in advancing this transformative field. Looking to the future, uterine transplantation signifies a paradigm shift in fertility preservation, offering a tangible path toward parenthood for cancer survivors. The procedure, grounded in science, ethics, and compassion, illuminates the way forward, inspiring a future where fertility preservation becomes an attainable reality for those whose reproductive dreams were once compromised by cancer treatments.

Effect of preservative solutions on postharvest of Eustoma Grandiflorum floral stems during refrigerated storage

Preservative solutions contribute to flowers post-harvest quality and longevity, having different effects according to the species, cultivar, cold storage period and the solution composition. This work aimed to determine the preservative solution more effective on opening flower and longevity on flower cut stems of E. grandiflorum, submitted to two cold storage periods. The experiment was arranged in a 2x4x10 factorial, with two storage periods, five and ten days; four preservative solutions, water (100%); sodium hypochlorite (25 ml L-1) + sucrose (10%); aluminum sulfate (250 mg L-1) + sucrose (10%); and silver nitrate (50 mg L-1) + sucrose (10%); and ten evaluation dates. Cut stems from the cultivar ‘White Excalibur’ were placed taken to cold storage for 5 and 10 days at 5°C and 78% of relative humidity. After cold storage, the stems were distributed to glass pots containing different preservative solutions. Every two days, visual evaluations were performed, verifying the opening flower and longevity. An illustrative scale were used to assess the opening of flowers buds, with grades ranging from 1 to 5. For the longevity, the number of days that flowers remained viable in the preservative solutions until the disposal was considered. The cold storage periods do not affect opening flower and longevity of ‘White Excalibur’ floral stems. Silver nitrate + sucrose and aluminum sulfate + sucrose were the preservative solutions that provides better post-harvest quality and longevity, with higher opening flowers and extended viability.

Evaluation of a Novel Fixative Solution for Liquid-Based Cytology in Diagnostic Cytopathology.

Since its introduction in the early 2000s, liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been increasingly used for gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology, and its multiple advantages have been widely recognized. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of a new fixative and pre-analytical method for morphological diagnosis in cytological samples. In particular, we evaluated the effect of a novel preservative solution on the preparation of diagnostic slides by comparing it with the standard reference used globally in cytology laboratories. This study included both gynecological (n = 139) and non-gynecological (n = 183) samples. Several morphologic variables were then identified and evaluated. Using this approach, we were then able to demonstrate the suitability of the new system, with improved safety, to be integrated within current pathology clinical practice. Overall, using a safer preservative solution, the study shows no statistical difference (and then non-inferiority) in the new fixation protocol compared with the standard reference used in routine practice in terms of diagnostic adequacy, evaluated both in clinically relevant gyn and non-gyn datasets.

Effects of preservative solution and cryoprotectant on living rats

Effects of preservative solution and cryoprotectant on living rats

Development of formalin detection system on wet noodles and tengkawang seed fat (shorea sp.) as a natural preservative solution

The emergence of public anxiety about the durability of foods containing preservatives or synthetic substances that are harmful to the human body is already very worrying. Some traders who understand the dangers of synthetic preservatives in food, prefer to use natural food preservatives. However, few traders also use formalin as a preservative in their food products, where formalin is commonly used to preserve corpses and kill germs. For this reason, a formalin content detection system has been developed as a synthetic preservative and tengkawang seed fat (Shorea.sp) as a natural preservative using filter paper as a test medium. The detection results that have been carried out obtained a tool accuracy of 96.25%. Spectrophotometric tests are performed to validate the designed tool. From the results of characterization using a spectrophotometer, the average ppm price is half times different from the ppm calculation results mathematically. This is because at the time of filtration, there are remnants of formalin content that are not carried into the filtrate. In addition, it was also obtained from the results of observations where wet noodles containing tengkawang seed fat (Shorea.sp) can last for 3 days at room temperature (25 ̊C).

Comparison of different DNA preservation solutions for oral cytological samples

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the DNA preservation capacity of buccal mucosa exfoliated cells when stored in different solutions under varying time and temperature conditions. DesignDNA preservation solutions, including Dimethyl sulphoxide disodium-EDTA-saturated NaCl (DESS), Tris-EDTA-NaCl-Tween20 buffer (TENT), Nucleic Acid Preservation Buffer (NAP), and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), were prepared. Buccal mucosa cells from a single patient were collected, dispensed into these solutions, and stored at room temperature (RT) and 4 °C for 24 h, 72 h, 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days. DNA was extracted using the salting-out method and the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. DNA concentration and purity were determined using the QuBit device and NanoDrop, while DNA integrity was assessed using the Agilent 4200 TapeStation system. The ability to amplify the IFNA primer was also evaluated by PCR. ResultsThe salting-out method yielded better concentration and purity results, with PBS, TENT, and DESS buffers demonstrating superior concentration values when stored at 4 °C, resulting in mean values exceeding 10 ng/μL for up to 30 days. DESS consistently exhibited the best integrity values over time for both temperature conditions. Amplification capacity was enhanced when samples were stored at 4 °C. When stored at RT, PBS achieved 100% amplification within 24 h. NAP yielded the poorest results. ConclusionIn the context of long-term preservation, the DESS buffer emerges as the most effective solution, maintaining requisite DNA quality and quantity standards for up to 30 days at RT and up to 3 months at 4 °C.

Orthogonal biomarkers of Inflammation due to Aging Identified in Saliva and Serum

Abstract Introduction/Objective The relationship between age and inflammation is well established, but little is known about the contribution of different biological fluids to this relationship. This study aims to compare inflammatory markers in young and old subjects using human saliva and serum samples. Methods/Case Report Saliva and serum were collected from young (18-27 years, n=15) and old (53-68 years, n=15) subjects without any reported pathologies and analyzed for inflammatory markers using an Olink® Target 96 Inflammation panel. Each group consisted of individuals with no known pathologies and in good health with 8 female and 7 male patients per group. Salvia samples were using a spectrum solutions Saliva Mulitiomic Device with associated preservation solution. Matched serum samples were taken within 15 minutes of saliva collection. Results from the link were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with a Sidak correction for multiple comparisons. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results showed that there were significant differences in inflammatory marker levels between young and old subjects in both saliva and serum samples. However, some specific changes were only found in saliva such as changes to CD8A, IL7, CXCL11, TRAIL, IL20RA, NFG-β, CXCL10, CCL28, DNER CD40, and CXCL1. Other distinct changes were identified only serum samples for CDCP1, OPG, MCP4, FDG23, FDF5, LIFR, FLT3L, IL-33, CCL25, NT3, and TWEAK. Interestingly, only MCP1, CXCL9, CST5, showed statistically significant changes in both saliva and serum, indicating 89% orthogonality for the inflammatory markers analyzed. Only CXCL5 showed variation based on the subject’s sex assigned at birth in both serum and saliva. Conclusion These findings suggest that saliva and serum are both useful biological fluids for the assessment of age- related changes in inflammation and provide distinct sets of information. This data provides valuable information for understanding the mechanisms of aging and disease could benefit from the analysis of multiple biological fluid samples.

Carboxymethyl chitosan and polycaprolactone-based rapid in-situ packaging for fruit preservation by solution blow spinning

Nanofiber packaging has not yet gained practical application in fruit preservation because of some limitations, such as low production rate and utilization, and failure due to poor adhesion to the fruit. Herein, to solve this issue, a novel fruit packaging method based on solution blow spinning (SBS), called in-situ packaging, was pioneered. Specifically, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were chosen as substrate materials and cherry tomatoes were selected as demonstration subjects. CMCH/PCL nanofibers were deposited directly onto the surface of cherry tomatoes by SBS, forming a tightly adherent and stable fiber coating in 8 min. Also, this in-situ packaging could be easily peeled off by hand. The in-situ packaging was an excellent carrier for active substances and was effective in inhibiting gray mold on cherry tomatoes. The in-situ packaging film formed a barrier on the surface of cherry tomatoes to limit moisture penetration, resulting in reduced respiration of fruits, which led to reduced weight and firmness loss. In addition, metabolomics and color analysis revealed that the in-situ packaging delayed ripening of cherry tomatoes after harvest. Overall, the in-situ packaging method developed in the present work provides a new solution for post-harvest fruit preservation.

Effect of some chemical and natural preservative solutions on vase life, water relations and some chemical composition of Dianthus caryophyllus L. cut flowers

To investigate the effect of some pulsing and holding solutions on the quality of carnation cv. Turbo cut flowers, a laboratory experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Center and Cairo University, Egypt during 2020 and 2021 seasons. In this regard distilled water, silver thiosulfate (STS) at 0.4 ppm + sucrose 10% (PS1) and AgNO3 at 10.0 ppm + sucrose 10% (PS2) were employed as a pulsing solution for 15 min while distilled water, sucrose 4% (HS1), boric acid (BoA) at 200 ppm + sucrose 4% (HS2), 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS) at 300 ppm + sucrose 4% (HS3), Amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA) at 250 ppm + sucrose 4% (HS4), 8-HQS + AOA + sucrose 4% (HS5), BoA + 8-HQS + sucrose 4% (HS6), BoA + AOA + sucrose 4% (HS7), BoA + 8-HQS + AOA + sucrose 4% (HS8), rosemary extract at 25% + sucrose 2% (HS9) and thyme extract at 25% + sucrose 2% (HS10) were used as holding solutions. Regarding pulsing solutions, PS2 and PS1 exhibited a positive effect on all studied traits, while the mastery was to HS8 concerning the effect of holding solutions. Pulsing cut carnations in a solution containing PS2 followed by holding in HS8 resulted in the highest values in terms of vase life, water balance, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and total sugars, while the highest water uptake and loss and chlorophyll b were obtained by pulsing in PS1 followed by holding in HS8. It is recommended to pulse carnation cv. Turbo cut flowers in AgNO3 at 10.0 ppm + sucrose 10% solution for 15 min followed by holding in BoA + 8-HQS + AOA + sucrose 4% for getting the longest vase life, enhancing water uptake and maintaining water balance. Additionally, this preservative solution effectively reduces chlorophyll degradation and preserves the content of carbohydrates throughout the postharvest period.

Enhancing Vase Life in LA Hybrid Lilies: An Exploration of Preservative Solutions and Varietal Influences

The attraction of cut flowers lies in their aesthetic appeal, and among these, Lilium, or lilies, are renowned for their beauty and remarkable vase life. Vase life, the duration a cut flower remains fresh after harvesting, is a crucial factor for consumer satisfaction and commercial viability. Lilies, a significant economic crop, demand a thorough understanding of factors affecting their vase life. This research explored the impact of various preservative solutions on the vase life of two LA hybrid lily cultivars, Pavia and Arborifera. Notably, HQC 200 ppm demonstrated the highest water uptake, extended days until drooping, petal discoloration, and petal shriveling. Additionally, HQC 200 ppm treatment resulted in the longest vase life. These findings contribute to improving post-harvest practices for lilies and enhancing the floral industry's economic returns.

Safety and effectiveness of tigecycline combination therapy in renal transplant patients with infection due to carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial (CRGNB) infections are increasing among kidney transplant recipients, and effective therapeutic options are limited. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and adverse events associated with combination therapy tigecycline in renal transplant patients with CRGNB infections. This study retrospectively analyzed 40 Chinese patients with confirmed or suspected CRGNB infections who received tigecycline therapy. The patients' case features and clinical and microbiological data were analyzed. A total of 40 renal transplant recipients received tigecycline therapy for a median duration of 9 (range, 3-25) days. CRGNB isolates were obtained from the organ preservation solution of the donor kidney in 28 patients, with confirmed transmission in 4 patients. Infections were detected in the bloodstream, urinary tract, sputum, and wound. The most prevalent isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (75%, 30/40), Acinetobacter baumannii (15%, 6/40), and Escherichia coli (10%, 4/40). A clinical response was observed in 32 (80%) patients. The 28-day all-cause mortality rate was 7.5% (3/40), while the one-year all-cause mortality rate was 2.5% (1/40). While one patient died owing to severe pancreatitis, no serious adverse events related to tigecycline therapy were reported. However, multiple indices of liver function and pancreatitis precursors increased after treatment with tigecycline compared to before treatment. Tigecycline therapy appears to be well tolerated in renal transplant recipients with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to adverse reactions related to tigecycline therapy, especially gastrointestinal reactions, and the related laboratory tests should be closely monitored.

Breast Cancer and Fertility Preservation in Young Female Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Breast cancer affects almost 1.5 million women worldwide below the age of 45 years each year. Many of these women will be advised to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy to minimize the risk of death or recurrence of the tumor. For these patients, chemotherapy is a known cause of infertility, as it can damage primordial follicles, which can lead to early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence of the most suitable treatments for fertility preservation. This review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The authors conducted an extensive search from the last 15 years. Relevant studies were pursued in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up until 31 July 2023. A total of seven eligible studies were identified. From the reviewed literature, ovarian suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists showed promising results in preserving fertility for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation demonstrated successful outcomes, with embryo cryopreservation being the most effective option. Notably, the slow-freezing and vitrification methods were both effective in preserving embryos, with vitrification showing superior results in clinical-assisted reproductive technologies. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation emerged as a viable option for prepubertal girls and those unable to undergo conventional ovarian stimulation. The potential of in vitro maturation (IVM) as an alternative method presents a promising avenue for future fertility preservation research. The most suitable treatments for fertility preservation in young patients is the temporary suppression with luteinizing hormone-releasing analogs, while the patient undergoes chemotherapy and cryopreservation. For cryopreservation, the physicians might deem it necessary to either cryopreserve ovarian tissue taken from the patient before any treatment or cryopreserve embryos/oocytes. Cryopreservation of oocytes and/or embryos is the most effective solution for fertility preservation in women of reproductive age, who have a sufficient ovarian reserve and are diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of the histological type of the tumor. Because approximately 50% of young breast cancer patients are interested in becoming pregnant right after completion of therapy, the evolution and development of fertility preservation techniques promise to be very exciting.