Visible Growth Research Articles

Polyherbal Extract Based Linkus Lozenges for Symptomatic Relief: Design, Development and Evaluation

Objective: The development of modern dosage form such as lozenges associated with an extended period of local remedy with beneficial therapeutic effect was the objective of this study. The polyherbal extract based lozenges include Viola odorata L, Cordialatifolia L, Menthapiperita L., Adhatodavasica, Glycyrrhizaglabra, Piper longum, Hyssopusofficinalis, Alpiniagalangal which is envisioned for cough and sore throat. Method The preparation of extract, manufacturing of lozenges batch, processing technique with extract based herbal formulation and expansion for analytical standardization including qualitative and quantitative determinations were carried out. Result Vasicine was analysed qualitative and quantified through HPTLC and quantitative analysis of flavonoids by UV visible spectrophotometry, which was not less than 0.02 mg per lozenges and 0.080 mg respectively. Conclusion Current trend of herbal market and the visible financial growth with evident therapeutic graph has proven its effectiveness. Minimum side effects make the herbal and alternative medication more attractive for the end users. This poly herbal extract based lozenges have proven the quality by both protocols including qualitatively via organoleptic attributes and quantitatively by HPTLC and spectrophotometry.

Comparative Study of the Mutant Prevention Concentrations of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim Alone and in Combination with Levofloxacin against <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i>

Objectives: To determine the mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT) alone and in combination with levofloxacin (LVX) against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) and to determine if the combination may decrease the emergence of resistant mutants. Methods: The MPC with 20 S. maltophilia strains which were both susceptible to SXT and LVX were determined by inhibiting visible growth among 1010 CFU on four agar plates after 72 hours incubation at 37°C. Results: All except two strains (18/20) showed a mutant prevention concentration ≥ 152/8 μg/mL for SXT and the range of the mutant prevention concentration for the SXT in combination with LVX is 9.5/0.5~608/32 μg/mL, which demonstrates at least 2 fold reduction except one strain. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between SXT alone and in combination with LVX on the mutant prevention concentration and mutant prevention concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration values. Conclusions: The MPC/MIC values were narrowed for SXT by combining with LVX against the S maltophilia. The combination may decrease the enrichment of mutant bacterial populations. Much study is needed to verify whether the using of drug combinations may restrict or even block the selection of S. maltophilia mutants.

Time-course of germination, initiation of mycelium proliferation and probability of visible growth and detectable AFB1 production of an isolate of Aspergillus flavus on pistachio extract agar

The aim of this work was to assess the temporal relationship among quantified germination, mycelial growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production from colonies coming from single spores, in order to find the best way to predict as accurately as possible the presence of AFB1 at the early stages of contamination. Germination, mycelial growth, probability of growth and probability of AFB1 production of an isolate of Aspergillus flavus were determined at 25 °C and two water activities (0.85 and 0.87) on 3% Pistachio Extract Agar (PEA). The percentage of germinated spores versus time was fitted to the modified Gompertz equation for the estimation of the germination parameters (geometrical germination time and germination rate). The radial growth curve for each colony was fitted to a linear model for the estimation of the apparent lag time for growth and the growth rate, and besides the time to visible growth was estimated. Binary data obtained from growth and AFB1 studies were modeled using logistic regression analysis. Both water activities led to a similar fungal growth and AFB1 production. In this study, given the suboptimal set conditions, it has been observed that germination is a stage far from the AFB1 production process. Once the probability of growth started to increase it took 6 days to produce AFB1, and when probability of growth was 100%, only a 40–57% probability of detection of AFB1 production was predicted. Moreover, colony sizes with a radius of 1–2 mm could be a helpful indicator of the possible AFB1 contamination in the commodity. Despite growth models may overestimate the presence of AFB1, their use would be a helpful tool for producers and manufacturers; from our data 5% probability of AFB1 production (initiation of production) would occur when a minimum of 60% probability of growth is observed. Legal restrictions are quite severe for these toxins, thus their control from the early stages of contamination throughout the food chain is of paramount importance.

Impedance technology reduces the enumeration time of Brettanomyces yeast during beer fermentation.

Brettanomyces yeasts are increasingly being used to produce lambic style beers and craft beers with unique flavors. Currently, the industry monitors Brettanomyces bruxellensis using time consuming plate counting. B. bruxellensis is a fastidious slow growing organism, requiring five days of incubation at 30°C for visible growth on agar plates. Thus, a need exists to develop a quicker, feasible method to enumerate this yeast. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the feasibility of using the 'direct' and 'indirect' impedance methods for the enumeration of B. bruxellensis in beer and to monitor the growth of the yeast during fermentation. The impedance methods were able to decrease the incubation time of beer samples containing Brettanomyces from 120 h down to 2 and 84 h for samples containing 107 and 103 cfu/mL, respectively. The 'indirect' method was more successful than the 'direct' method, presenting a smaller error and wider detection range. Overall, the 'indirect' impedance method is a viable alternative to plate counting for the enumeration of yeasts in the brewing industry because it decreases preparation and incubation times, thereby increasing throughput and decreasing the chance of contamination.

Towards a Standardized Method for Broth Microdilution Susceptibility Testing of Haemophilus parasuis

Currently, there is no agreed method available for broth microdilution susceptibility testing of Haemophilus parasuis, one of the most important bacterial pathogens in pig production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a method that could be easily performed by diagnostic laboratories and that appears suitable for a harmonized susceptibility testing. Growth determinations using one type strain and three field isolates revealed no visible growth of H. parasuis in media which have proven to be suitable for susceptibility testing of fastidious organisms. Therefore, a new medium, cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (CAMHB) plus NADH and sterile filtered heat-inactivated chicken serum, was developed. The reproducibility of MICs obtained in this medium was evaluated and statistically analyzed, considering a model with two different variables (precondition of five identical MICs and MIC mode accepting a deviation of ±1 dilution step, respectively). No significant differences for both variables were seen between two time points investigated and between results obtained with the recently proposed test medium broth (TMB). Nearly all MICs of quality control strains were in the acceptable range. Subsequently, 47 H. parasuis isolates representing 13 serovars were tested with the newly developed medium and TMB. Statistical analysis of all isolates and 15 antimicrobial agents and antimicrobial combinations showed no significant difference between MICs obtained in supplemented CAMHB and TMB. Because of a simplified implementation in routine diagnostic and a lower chance of interference between medium components and antimicrobial agents, supplemented CAMHB is recommended with an incubation time of 24 h.

The In Vitro Effectiveness of Lactobacillus fermentum Against Different Candida Species Compared With Broadly Used Azoles.

To investigate the possible use of Lactobacillus strains in the prophylaxis and/or adjuvant therapy of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis and other vaginal infections sustained by Candida yeasts. The incidence of Candida infections has substantially increased in recent years. Treatment of vaginal infections with lactobacilli has a long tradition, starting with Döderlein's description of the vaginal microbiota. We assessed the activity of serially diluted fluconazole and miconazole (from 3 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL) against Candida strains. Serial dilutions of the azoles were prepared in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth in the presence of Candida strains. Broths were incubated under aerobic condition at 30°C, and the optical density was measured at 560 nm. Minimum inhibitory concentration was defined as the lowest concentration of the antibiotic that completely inhibited visible growth. An evident resistance to the azoles used was recorded for all species of Candida, with the exception of Candida parapsilosis. For this species, a minimum inhibitory concentration ≤1 mg/mL was obtained, thus confirming the slight sensitivity to fluconazole and miconazole.All Lactobacillus strains tested, namely LF5, LF09, LF10, and LF11, have the ability to significantly inhibit the growth of the five species of Candida of at least 4 logarithms. Furthermore, the best result obtained with miconazole on C. parapsilosis is still 2 logarithms lower. The use of beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacilli, could be regarded as a good alternative for the prevention and treatment of Candida infections.

Inhibitory effect of essential oils on growth and on aflatoxins production byAspergillus parasiticus

The aim of this work was to assess the inhibitory effect of essential oils on the growth and aflatoxin production ofAspergillus parasiticus, as well as to correlate it with the chemical composition of the essential oils. Essential oils from six aromatic species (Cymbopogon citratus,Eucalyptus globulus,Origanum vulgare,Ruta graveolens,Salvia officinalis, Satureja montana) were characterised by gas chromatography and tested for their inhibitory effect againstA. parasiticus strain MUM 92.02. Furthermore, thein vitro inhibitory effects of these essential oils on the production of aflatoxins were evaluated by HPLC. Results showed that all essential oils retarded the time for visible growth. Growth rate was affected differently depending on the essential oil.S. montana essential oil prevented growth in all cases. The essential oil ofR. graveolens inhibited most of the aflatoxin production even though growth inhibition was low, while withC. citratus essential oil trace levels of aflatoxins were detected. Essential oils containing carvacrol and/or thymol (S. montana andO. vulgare) have the highest activity against fungal growth, while an essential oil (R. graveolens) containing 2-undecanone and 8-phenyl-2-octanone inhibited the synthesis of aflatoxins. Although the main component of this essential oil was 2-undecanone (91%), when pure 2-undecanone was tested, it did not inhibit aflatoxin production. Inhibition activity is probably due to the recently identified minor compound or to a synergistic effect. Essential oils seem to be a good alternative to fungicides not only because of environmental issues but also because they do not seem to enhance mycotoxin production as it has been reported for some fungicides.

Enhanced antifungal activity of michelia oil on the surface of bamboo paper packaging boxes using helium-neon (HeNe) laser and its application to brown rice snack bar

The objective of this research is to evaluate the antifungal activity of michelia oil (Michelia alba) and its main components (linalool and caryophyllene) at concentrations of 300–500 mg g−1against the growth of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Fusarium sp. and Cladosporium sp. on the surface of bamboo paper packaging boxes. Next, Helium-Neon (He-Ne) laser operating at 543, 594, 604, 612, and 633 nm for 1 min was used to enhance the antifungal activity of these additives. A spore suspension of each mold (7log10 CFU ml−1) was inoculated on pieces of treated bamboo paper. Visible mycelium growth of all molds on treated bamboo paper compared to control specimens was to calculate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The inhibitory period of michelia oil and linalool in a bamboo paper box with and without laser against natural mold infections on brown rice snack bars was further examined for 8 weeks at 25 °C and 100% RH. The MIC values of michelia oil and linalool with laser treatment were 300 mg g−1 and 150 mg g−1, respectively. Without laser treatment, no MICs were found at the maximum concentration (500 mg g−1). Therefore, linalool was shown to be a stronger inhibitor than the essential oil after laser treatment and should be the key factor in boosting the antifungal activity of michelia oil. In addition, the MICs showed the capability of bamboo paper boxes treated with michelia oil and linalool, with laser treatment to protect against mold growth on snack bars for at least 5–7 weeks in comparison with the control (3 days) during storage at accelerated conditions (25 °C and 100% RH).

El álbum ilustrado en Nicaragua

Las publicaciones nicaragüenses dirigidas al público infantil han sido poco estudiadas por la crítica literaria. En las dos últimas décadas la literatura infantil nicaragüense ha tenido un crecimiento visible, aunque, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en otros países, el álbum ilustrado se ha introducido de manera tímida en la producción nacional. Algunas publicaciones, sin llegar a ser álbumes en la definición del término, destacan por el diálogo que se establece entre texto e imágenes. En este trabajo se analizan libros ilustrados publicados desde 1993 (fecha en que se crea la asociación “Libros para niños”) con el fin de identificar algunas características que los aproximarían a los álbumes. El contexto nacional y el futuro del álbum ilustrado, desde las voces de escritores, ilustradores y principales promotores de lectura que apuestan por este tipo de libros en Nicaragua, sirve para contextualizar el análisis.

Effects of lead toxicity on the total chlorophyll content and growth changes of the aquatic plant Ceratophyllum demersum L.

This paper reports results of a laboratory-scale experiment conducted to determine the effects of different initial concentrations of a toxic heavy trace metal (lead) on the total chlorophyll (a + b) content of aquatic plant tissues Ceratophyllum demersum L., and also to monitor the visible growth changes during the experiment under different lead concentrations (2, 4 and 6 mg/L), as well as in control plants (without any addition of lead nitrate solution). Lead concentrations in water and plant samples were determined using AAS, where the total chlorophyll content in plant leaf tissues was measured every 15 days during the experimental period using a UV/VIS Spectrophotometer, Model 160A, Shimadzu, with wavelengths of 665 and 649 nm. The results showed that the content of total chlorophyll decreased noticeably, with increasing initial concentrations of lead throughout the exposure time. Decreases in total chlorophyll content in the tissues of C. demersum over the period of the experiment were accompanied by different morphological changes in the plants, depending on the initial lead concentration and exposure duration. These changes in morphology and growth affected the number and length of branches, the number of leaves and the number of leaflets.

Effects of Antifungal Soaked Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses on Candida albicans in an Agar Eye Model.

To evaluate the effects of two commercial silicone hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) soaked with natamycin (NA) or fluconazole (FL) on the growth of Candida albicans in an in vitro eye model. Three-D printed molds were used as a cast for making eye-shaped models comprising potato dextrose agar. Senofilcon A (SA) and lotrafilcon B (LB) CLs were incubated with either 2 mL of NA or FL at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for 24 hr. To simulate a fungal infection, the eye models were coated with C. albicans. The drug-soaked lenses were placed on top of the eye models. Seven experimental conditions were examined: (1) NA-SA, (2) NA-LB, (3) FL-SA, (4) FL-LB, (5) SA, (6) LB, and (7) control-no lens. At specified time points (t=1, 8, 16, 24, 48 hr), the agar eyes from each experimental condition were removed from the incubator and photographed. The yeast cells from the 24 and 48 hr time point were also analyzed using light microscopy. At 24 and 48 hr, there was considerable growth observed for all conditions except for the NA-SA and NA-LB conditions. When observed under the microscope at 24 and 48 hr, the morphology of the yeast cells in the FL-SA and SA condition were similar to that of the control (oval shaped). There was limited hyphae growth observed for LB and significant visible hyphae growth for the NA-LB group. For NA-SA, NA-LB, and FL-LB groups, the cells were significantly smaller compared with the control. For NA-SA and NA-LB, there was limited growth of C. albicans observed on the eye models even after 48 hr. Under the microscope, the cell morphology differ noticeably between each testing condition, and is dependent on drug-lens combinations.

Corrosion Behavior of Calcium Phosphate-Coated Biomedical Magnesium Alloy Under in Vitro and In Vivo Environments

Magnesium alloys attract attention as a biodegradable/bioabsorbable medical device because of the biodegradability and good mechanical integrity. Corrosion rate of the magnesium alloys should be controlled depending on the implantation part of body as well as the biocompatibility should be improved. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) coatings were developed to control the corrosion rate and to improve the hard tissue compatibility. Corrosion behavior of HAp- and OCP-coated Mg-3mass% Al-1mass% Zn (AZ31) was examined in cell culture medium (in vitro) or in subcutaneous tissue of mouse (in vivo). Effect of medium-replacement and addition of gelatin in medium on the corrosion behavior was also examined. Chemically polished AZ31 was used as a reference. Concentration of Mg ions in medium was quantified. Apparent corrosion initiation of substrate AZ31 was delayed for ca. 1 week with HAp and OCP coatings in medium while Mg ion release from as-polished AZ31 initiated from the beginning. Filiform corrosion took place, but visible growth of filiform corrosion stopped within several days. Afterwards, Mg ion release continued for 1 year with almost a constant corrosion rate. The corrosion rate of AZ31 alloy in medium was reduced by more than 50% with HAp and OCP coatings. HAp coating showed superior corrosion protection effect than OCP coating. After 1 year of immersion, cross section of the immersed specimens showed that uniform corrosion took place underneath the coatings. The wall of filiform corrosion pits was covered with thick corrosion products layer. These results indicate that corrosion continued for long time under the coating and corrosion products layer in medium. The periodical medium replacement during immersion test did not significantly change the initial corrosion rate for 4 weeks. However, the medium-replacement rather reduced the corrosion rate of HAp-coated AZ31 comparing to the result without medium-replacement. Deposition of calcium phosphate from medium was enhanced with the medium-replacement, leading to the improvement of corrosion protection effect of HAp coating. As-polished AZ31 caused the formation of gas cavity in subcutaneous tissue of mouse due to H2 gas generated in corrosion reaction. Such a gas cavity formation was not observed around the implanted HAp- and OCP-coated specimens, indicating that corrosion of substrate AZ31 was also reduced by HAp and OCP coating in subcutaneous tissue. After 16 weeks of implantation, the specimens were retrieved from the mouse and surface and cross section was observed using SEM. Macro- and micro-pits were observed on the surface and underneath the coatings. Unlike in medium, corrosion pits appeared to grow in depth direction rather than in lateral direction in subcutaneous tissue. Because body fluid circulation in the subcutaneous tissue is limited, to simulate the soft tissue environment, gelatin was added in medium and HAp-coated AZ31 was immersed for 4 weeks. Then, the similar corrosion morphology with macro- and micro-pits was obtained in the gelatin-added medium. These results indicate that corrosion of HAp- and OCP-coated AZ31 is localized in diffusion limited environment. The developed HAp and OCP coatings reduced the corrosion rate of Mg alloy in medium and in soft tissue. The corrosion morphology, especially shape of local corrosion, depended on the corrosion environment. The decrease of mass transfer in the environment caused the localization of corrosion of Mg alloy.

Gender, Media, and Mixed Martial Arts in Poland

Recent growth in the media visibility of female combat sport athletes has offered a compelling site for research on gender and sport media, as women in deeply masculinized sports have been increasingly placed in the public spotlight. Although scholars in the Anglophone West have offered analyses of the media framing of this phenomenon, little work has been done outside these cultural contexts. Thus, in this article, we offer a qualitative exploration of how Joanna Jędrzejczyk, a Polish champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has been represented in Polish media. Our findings reveal a relatively de-gendered, widely celebratory account, primarily framed by nationalistic discourse—findings we ascribe to both the particularities of the sport of mixed martial arts as well as the historic nature of Jędrzejczyk’s success.

SPIKE1 Activates ROP GTPase to Modulate Petal Growth and Shape.

Plant organ growth and final shape rely on cell proliferation and, particularly, on cell expansion that largely determines the visible growth of plant organs. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) petals serve as an excellent model for dissecting the coordinated regulation of patterns of cell expansion and organ growth, but the molecular signaling mechanisms underlying this regulation remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that during the late petal development stages, SPIKE1 (SPK1), encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, activates Rho of Plants (ROP) GTPase proteins (ROP2, ROP4, and ROP6) to affect anisotropic expansion of epidermal cells in both petal blades and claws, thereby affecting anisotropic growth of the petal and the final characteristic organ shape. The petals of SPK1 knockdown mutants were significantly longer but narrower than those of the wild type, associated with increased anisotropic expansion of epidermal cells at late development stages. In addition, ROP2, ROP4, and ROP6 are activated by SPK1 to promote the isotropic organization of cortical microtubule arrays and thus inhibit anisotropic growth in the petal. Both knockdown of SPK1 and multiple rop mutants caused highly ordered cortical microtubule arrays that were transversely oriented relative to the axis of cell elongation after development stage 11. Taken together, our results suggest a SPK1-ROP-dependent signaling module that influences anisotropic growth in the petal and defines the final organ shape.

The effects of different pre-packaging treatments on the quality of kumquat fruit

ABSTRACTThis study aimed at determining the combined effect of pre-packaging treatments. Two surface disinfection (chlorinated and anolyte water), hot water and biocontrol treatments were used. The decay incidence, physiological weight loss (PWL), peel colour, firmness, moisture content (MC) and total soluble solids (TSS) were investigated on kumquat infected with green and blue mould. Fruit subjected to combined treatments displayed better quality, compared to individual treatments. Fruit treated with an integrated treatment of anolyte water, hot water and biocontrol displayed no visible mould growth, the least variation in peel firmness and the least reduction in MC during the 28-day storage period. Chlorinated water only produced the highest decay (13.62%) while fruit subjected to anolyte water only displayed the lowest decay (4.08%) by Day 28. Based on the results, it is recommended that the integration of anolyte water, hot water and biocontrol were among the most effective treatments in maintaining fruit quality.

DAYA ANTI BAKTERI EKSTRAK KULIT NANAS (Ananas comosus) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI Enterococcus faecalis ANTIBACTERIAL POTENCY OF PINEAPPLE PEEL EXTRACT (Ananas comosus) ON Enterococcus faecalis GROWTH

Background: Root canal infections is caused by the colonization of microorganisms. Microorganisms that commonly found in root canal failure is Enterococcus faecalis. These bacteria can be found in 80-90% of root canal infections. Currently, many plants are used as antibacterial drugs. Pineapple is one plant that can be used as antibacterial drugs. Pineapple peel has a variety of antibacterial chemical compounds, such as, bromelain, saponins, tannins and flavonoids that can inhibit the growth of Enterococcus faecalis bacteria. Aim: To obtain concentration of antibacterial from pineapple peel extract on Enterococcus faecalis growth. Methods: This study was an experimental laboratory with Post Test Only control group design using Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 bacteria that were diluted based on Mc. Farland standard 1.5 x 108 CFU / ml with pineapple peel extract treatment concentration of 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.56%, 0, 78% and then planted in nutrient agar media surface evenly. Results: At concentration of 3.125% pineapple peel extract showed that the growth of colonies was less than 90% of positive control and concentration of 6.25% pineapple peel extract had no visible Enterococcus faecalis bacteria growth as much as 99.9%. Conclusion: The pineapple peel extract (Ananas comosus) have antibacterial power on the growth of Enterococcus faecalis bacterial colonies with Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 3.125% and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 6.25%.

Molecular Identification of Acidophilic Manganese (Mn)-Solubilizing Bacteria from Mining Effluents and Their Application in Mineral Beneficiation

ABSTRACTThe study of the microbial ecology in extreme acidic environments has provided an important foundation for the development of mineral biotechnology. The present investigation reports the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of indigenous manganese (Mn) solubilizing acidophilic bacterial strains from mine water samples from Odisha, India. Four morphologically distinct bacterial strains showing visible growth on Mn-supplemented plates of varying pH were isolated and identified. Mn solubilizing ability of the isolates was tested by growing them on Mn-supplemented agar plates. The appearance of lightening around the growing colonies of all the isolates demonstrated their Mn solubilizing ability in the medium. 16 S rRNA sequencing was carried out and the bacterial isolates were taxonomically classified as Enterobacter sp. AMSB1, Bacillus cereus AMSB3, Bacillus nealsonii AMSB4 and Staphylococcus hominis AMSB5. The evolutionary timeline was studied by constructing neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees. The ability of acidophilic microorganisms to solubilize heavy metals is supported by five basic mechanisms which include: enzymatic conversion, metal effluxing, reduction in sensitivity of cellular targets, intra- or extracellular sequestration, and permeability barrier exclusion. Such ecological studies undoubtedly will provide insights into Mn biogeochemical processes occurring in leaching environments. The application of acidophilic microbiology in mineral biorecovery and beneficiation has a large future potential.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Heat-Responsive Genes in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis).

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) is an economically and agriculturally significant vegetable crop and is extensively cultivated throughout the world. Heat stress disturbs cellular homeostasis and causes visible growth inhibition of shoots and roots, severe retardation in growth and development, and even death. However, there are few studies on the transcriptome profiling of heat stress in non-heading Chinese cabbage. In this study, we investigated the transcript profiles of non-heading Chinese cabbage from heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant varieties “GHA” and “XK,” respectively, in response to high temperature using RNA sequencing (RNA seq). Approximately 625 genes were differentially expressed between the two varieties. The responsive genes can be divided into three phases along with the time of heat treatment: response to stimulus, programmed cell death and ribosome biogenesis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the two varieties, including transcription factors (TFs), kinases/phosphatases, genes related to photosynthesis and effectors of homeostasis. Many TFs were involved in the heat stress response of Chinese cabbage, including NAC069 TF which was up-regulated at all the heat treatment stages. And their expression levels were also validated by quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR). These candidate genes will provide genetic resources for further improving the heat-tolerant characteristics in non-heading Chinese cabbage.

Shelf life extension of “fios de ovos”, an intermediate-moisture egg-based dessert, by active and modified atmosphere packaging

As a Portuguese dessert, fios de ovos (literally meaning ‘egg wires’, known in Thai as foi thong (literally meaning ‘golden strands’), is classified as an auspicious Thai dessert and frequently catered in auspicious occasion such as marriage ceremony and ordain ceremony. Due to its great taste, aroma, and appearance, it is popular among Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian and Cambodian as well as Thai people. Fios de ovos is also recognized as a premium dessert. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of active packaging (AP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of fios de ovos during storage. It was packaged in active oxygen scavenging and modified atmosphere packaging (60% CO2/40% N2) in comparison with conventional air packaging, stored at ambient conditions. During storage, water activity, moisture content, pH, headspace gas composition, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count, yeasts and molds count and sensory analysis in overall preference score were monitored. Those packaged in air exhibited visible mold growth after 3 days, while those in active and modified atmosphere packaging remained mold-free even after 20 days. With the overall preference criteria and trace amounts of oxygen, the observed shelf life of fios de ovos was found to be 15 days, 6 days and less than 4 days in AP, MAP and air packaging, respectively. Thus, the use of an oxygen scavenger sachet for packed fios de ovos could ensure a 2 week mold-free irrespective of initial contamination and satisfactory according to sensory evaluation and concern of the anaerobic microorganisms. The prolongation in shelf life may allow transportation of this product to a wider area, in turn, increasing market size, and improve consumer confidence, as well as minimize unsatisfied product return. In addition, shelf life extension could be longer than 2 weeks if minimization of initial microbial load has been achieved by good manufacturing practice (GMP).

بررسی تاثیر اسانسهای ریحان و مریم گلی کبیر بر رشد لیستریا مونوسیتوژنز و آسپرژیلوس فلاووس در پنیر سفید ایرانی

با توجه به تاثیرات منفی نگهدارنده های شیمیایی بر سلامت مصرف‌کنندگان، توجه مراجع قانونی و صنایع غذایی بر کاربرد اسانس‌ها و عصاره‌های گیاهی بعنوان نگهدارنده‌های طبیعی در مواد غذایی متمرکز شده است. در این پژوهش تاثیر اسانس‌های ریحان و مریم گلی کبیر بر رشد لیستریا مونوسیتوژنز و آسپرژیلوس فلاووس طی دوره نگهداری پنیر سفید ایرانی مورد مطالعه قرار گرفت. روش‌های بکار رفته در این تحقیق مشتمل بر تعیین حداقل غلظت مهارکنندگی رشد (MIC)، حداقل غلظت باکتری‌کشی (MBC) و حداقل غلظت قارچ‌کشی (MFC) اسانس‌ها، تعیین تاثیر غلظت‌های مختلف اسانس‌ها بر رشد لیستریا و آسپرژیلوس در پنیر طی دوره نگهداری محصول بود. ترکیبات اصلی اسانس مریم گلی کبیر شامل لینالیل استات، لینالول و اسانس ریحان شامل لینالول و آلفا-کادینول بود.MIC و MBC اسانس مریم گلی، به ترتیب، معادل 015/0% و 02/0% و اسانس ریحان برابر با 05/0% و 06/0% برای لیستریا بود. همچنین، MIC و MFC در برابر آسپرژیلوس برای اسانس مریم گلی معادل 5/0% و 65/0% و برای اسانس ریحان برابر با 6/0% و 8/0% بدست آمد. غلظت 35/0% اسانس مریم گلی و 5/0% اسانس ریحان از تولید اسپور توسط قارچ در محیط کشت جلوگیری نمود. اسانس مریم گلی در غلظت 1% طی دوره نگهداری پنیر از رشد آسپرژیلوس بطور کامل بازداری نمود و جمعیت لیستریا را نسبت به شاهد log 6 کاهش داد. اسانس ریحان تاثیر ضدمیکربی ضعیف‌تری نسبت به اسانس مریم گلی کبیر نشان داد.