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Apples are one of most economically important crops worldwide with a production of approximately 96 million tons in 2022. During postharvest storage, apple quality can decline due to the development of physiological disorders. Superficial scald is one of the main physiological disorders that develops in apples during cold storage and results in quality deterioration. Superficial scald is controlled by synthetic antioxidants such as diphenylamine (DPA) and ethoxyquin. Both chemicals have been banned from the EU due to their toxicity. The current review provides an update on superficial scald complicated development mechanism and summarizes studies investigating postharvest treatments as alternatives to DPA and ethoxyquin. Ethylene and oxygen are important factors that trigger the development of superficial scald in apples by regulating various metabolic pathways during cold storage. More studies are required to investigate alternatives to synthetic antioxidants and elucidate the contribution level of the different metabolites to superficial scald development., Competing Interests: The author declares that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

A column generation (CG) approach for the solution of timetabling problems is presented. This methodology could be used for various instances of the timetabling problem, although in this paper the solution of the high-school situation in Greece is presented. The results obtained show clearly that the CG approach that has been extremely successful in recent years in the solution of airline crew scheduling problems could also be very efficient and robust for the solution of timetabling problems. Several large timetabling problems corresponding to real problems have been successfully solved, with the solutions obtained feasible and of very high quality in accordance with the problem definition. In addition, none of the solutions contained any idle hour for any of the teachers, which was one of the main goals of this optimization effort. Keywords: integer programming; linear programming; optimization; timetabling

Circulating or tissue-related biomarkers are of clinical value for risk stratification in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Relaxin-2 (RL2) has been linked to the presence and size of arterial aneurysms, and to the extent of atherosclerosis in human subjects. Here, we assessed the expression levels of RL2 in aneurysmal (AA, n = 16) and atherosclerotic (ATH, n = 22) arteries, and established the correlation between RL2 levels and the presence/size of AA and the clinical severity of atherosclerosis. The expression levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) were also detected for correlations with different phenotypes of atherosclerosis and AA. Temporal artery biopsy specimens (n = 6) and abdominal aortic tissues harvested from accident victims during autopsy (n = 10) were used as controls. Quantitative tissue biomarker analysis revealed that tissue-specific RL2 was increased in patients with larger or symptomatic AA compared to subjects with atherosclerotic disease and healthy controls. In situ RL2 levels were proportional to the size and the severity of aneurysmatic disease, and were substantially elevated in patients with symptomatic aneurysm of any diameter or asymptomatic aneurysm of a diameter >350% of that of the normal artery. In contrast, tissue RL2 was inversely associated with the clinical severity of atherosclerotic lesions. Correlation between RL2 and MMP2 was different between ATH1 and ATH2, depending on atherosclerosis grade. Overall, tissue RL2 is differentially associated with discrete phenotypes of arterial disease and might exert multipotent biological effects on vascular wall integrity and remodeling in human subjects.

Objectives: The increasing number of hip arthroplasties (HA), due to the growing elderly population, is associated with the risk of femoral periprosthetic fractures (FPFs). The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors for the development of FPFs after HA., Methods: A systematic review was conducted in five data bases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Cinahl, ICTRP) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines up to May 2019, using the key words "risk factor," "periprosthetic fracture," and "hip replacement or arthroplasty." Meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes of HA and subgroup analysis based on the factors that were implicated in FPFs was performed., Results: Sixteen studies were included (sample size: 599,551 HA patients, 4253 FPFs, incidence 0.71%). Risk factors statistically associated with increased incidence of FPFs were female gender (+ 40%), previous revision arthroplasty surgery (× 3 times), and the presence of rheumatoid arthritis (× 2.1 times), while osteoarthritis (- 57%), cement application (- 59%), and insertion of Biomet (- 68%) or Thompson's prosthesis (- 75%) were correlated with low prevalence of FPFs. Obesity, cardiac diseases, advanced age, bad general health (ASA grade ≥ 3), and use of Exeter or Lubinus prosthesis were not linked to the appearance of FPFs., Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that female gender, rheumatoid arthritis, and revision arthroplasty are major risk factors for the development of FPFs after a HA. In those patients, frequent follow-ups should be planned. Further prospective studies are necessary to clarify all the risk factors contributing to the appearance of FPFs after HA.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of different microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) parameters (i.e., particle size of the sample, solid-to-liquid ratio, microwave power, and extraction time) on the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and CUPRAC), chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid contents of shiitake mushrooms. All the independent variables affected TPC and antioxidant capacity values. Only the sample particle size had no significant effect on phenolic acid contents. The highest TPC, DPPH, and CUPRAC values were obtained when a particle size of 1.75 mm, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1/40, microwave power of 600 W, and extraction time of 15 min were used. The extracts obtained by MAE were compared with those obtained after hot-water extraction (HWE) and organic-solvent extraction (OSE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that MAE resulted in cell wall disruption which might be due to an increase in the pressure of the inner part of the cells., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© 2020 The Authors.)

Ricotta cheese is a potential growth medium for a wide range of microorganisms. The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV-C) and near-ultraviolet-visible light (NUV-vis) in microbial decontamination of ricotta artificially inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens . Cheese samples were stored at 4 °C, and microbiological and sensory analyses were performed for 9 days. From the microbiological point of view, control samples became unacceptable after less than 5 days, whereas ricotta treated by both UV-C and NUV-vis light remained acceptable for more than 6 days. Similar effects of UV-C and NUV-vis light were also recorded in terms of sensory quality. The shelf life of the samples subjected to the treatments was thus extended by 50%, suggesting the potential application of UV-C and NUV-vis light for cheese decontamination.

Persea americana , commonly known as avocado, has recently gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a "superfood" because of its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. However, the term "superfood" can be vague and misleading, as it is often associated with unrealistic health claims. This review draws a comprehensive summary and assessment of research performed in the last few decades to understand the nutritional and therapeutic properties of avocado and its bioactive compounds. In particular, studies reporting the major metabolites of avocado, their antioxidant as well as bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties, are summarized and assessed. Furthermore, the potential of avocado in novel drug discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer, microbial, inflammatory, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is highlighted. This review also proposes several interesting future directions for avocado research.

Defatted sunflower seed flour (DSSF) is an upcycled by-product of sunflower oil extraction, rich in protein, fibre and antioxidants. This study assessed the instrumental and sensory quality of biscuits enriched with DSSF at 18% and 36% w / w as a replacement for wheat flour. Measurements included colour, texture, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity. Sensory analysis was carried out with Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). The inclusion of DSSF significantly increased the protein content of the biscuits, as well as the TPC and antioxidant capacity of the biscuits. The resulting products were significantly darker, less red and less yellow with increasing DSSF levels, while hardness (measured instrumentally) increased. Sensory results agreed with colour measurements, concluding that DSSF biscuits were more "Brown" than the control, and with texture measurements where biscuits with 36% DSSF had a significantly firmer bite. In addition, DSSF biscuits at 36% inclusion had higher QDA scores for "Off-note" and the lowest scores for "Crumbly" and "Crumb aeration". DSSF biscuits at 18% inclusion were similar to the control in most parameters and should be considered for further developments. These results show the potential of the upcycled DSSF by-product as a novel, sustainable and healthy food ingredient.

UV-C (180-280 nm) has been shown to extend the postharvest shelf-life of many horticulture crops. In this study, Tahitian limes ( Citrus latifolia ) were exposed to 0, 3.4, 7.2 and 10.5 kJ m -2  UV-C then stored for 28 days in air at 10 °C and 80% RH. Weight loss, peel colour, calyx abscission, ethylene production, respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and acceptability index were assessed. The results showed that UV-C treatment maintained lime peel green colour and retained calyx attachment after 28 days storage. UV-C treatment also affected endogenous ethylene production and respiration rate, where the highest UV-C treatment (10.5 kJ m -2 ) maintained low ethylene production and low respiration rates after 28 days storage with no differences between the different UV-C intensities. In terms of fruit acceptability, limes were exposed to 10.5 kJ m -2  UV-C had a 60% acceptability index after 28 days storage, while untreated control fruit retained acceptability of 39%. In general, the pre-storage UV-C treatments did not affect fruit weight loss, TSS or TA contents during storage.

The effect of different combinations of maltodextrin (MD) coating agents (MD, MD + soybean protein, and MD + ι-carrageenan) on the encapsulation of lemon by-product aqueous extracts using freeze-drying and spray-drying were investigated. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the microparticles were evaluated. Freeze-drying with the mixture of MD + soybean protein resulted in the highest retention of TPC, TFC, and FRAP (1.66 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g d.b., 0.43 ± 0.02 mg CE/g d.b., and 3.70 ± 0.05 mM TE/g, respectively). Freeze-drying resulted in microparticles with lower moisture content (MC) and water activity (a w ) than those produced by spray-drying. Specifically, the MC and a w of the microparticles produced by freeze-drying ranged from 1.15 to 2.15% and 0.13 to 0.14, respectively, while the MC and a w of the microparticles produced by spray-drying ranged from 6.06% to 6.60% and 0.33 to 0.40, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that spray-drying resulted in the formation of spherical particles of different sizes regardless of the type of coating agent. Although freeze-drying resulted in microparticles with amorphous glassy shapes, the mixture of MD + soybean protein resulted in the formation of spherical porous particles. X-ray diffraction revealed a low degree of crystallinity for the samples produced by both techniques.

Serum relaxin 2 (RL2) is a pleiotropic hormone that acts on various organs and systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. Although RL2 seems to upregulate the synthesis of nitric monoxide (NO) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, current literature on its role in atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of serum RL2 in patients with an arterial aneurysm as well as in atherosclerotic patients, and correlate them with the severity of their related vascular disease. A total of 53 subjects were enrolled in this study: 37 patients were scheduled to undergo surgery: 21 patients for different forms of atherosclerotic disease (ATH), 16 patients for an arterial aneurysm (AA), 6 patients for undergoing temporal artery biopsy (TAB), and 10 healthy blood donors (HBD) served as the control groups. RL2 was measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. RL2 was significantly higher in AA patients compared to ATH (P<0.01), TAB (P<0.001) and HBD (P<0.01). No significant difference was found between the ATH and TAB groups (P>0.05). In addition, ATH and AA patients were further subdivided based on the severity of their disease. Serum RL2 was progressively increased in patients with arterial aneurysms, showing a positive relationship with the size of the aneurysmatic dilatation. By contrast, the RL2 level was inversely related to the severity of the atherosclerotic disease. Studies with a larger cohort incorporating a consistent study population are warranted to verify our results and shed light on the mechanistic background of these processes.

The purpose of this work was to develop an optimized transmit/receive birdcage coil to extend the possibilities of a 7T preclinical MRI system to conduct improved full body imaging in medium-sized animals, such as large New Zealand rabbits. The coil was designed by combining calculation and electromagnetic simulation tools. The construction was based on precise mechanical design and careful building practice. A 16-leg, 20 cm long, 16 cm inner diameter, shielded quadrature hybrid structure was selected. Coil parameters were assessed on the bench and images were acquired on phantoms and rabbits. The results were compared to simulations and data obtained with an available commercial coil. An inexpensive assembly with an increase of 2 cm in useful inner diameter and 50 Ω matching with larger animals was achieved. A reduction in radiofrequency (RF) power demand of 31.8%, an improvement in image uniformity of 18.5 percentage points and an increase in signal-to-noise ratio of up to 42.2% were revealed by phantom image acquisitions, which was confirmed by in vivo studies. In conclusion, the proposed coil extended the possibilities of a preclinical 7T system as it improved image studies in relatively large animals by reducing the RF power demand, and increasing image uniformity and signal-to-noise ratio. Shorter scans and time under anesthesia or reduced RF exposure, resulting in better images and lower animal health risk during in vivo experiments, were achieved.

The effects of different solvents on the recovery of (i) extractable solids (ES), (ii) total phenolic compounds (TPC), (iii) total flavonoid content (TFC), (iv) vitamin C, and (v) antioxidant activity from lemon pomace waste were investigated. The results revealed that solvents significantly affected the recovery of ES, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant properties. Absolute methanol and 50% acetone resulted in the highest extraction yields of TPC, whereas absolute methanol resulted in the highest extraction of TFC, and water had the highest recovery of vitamin C. 50% ethanol, and 50% acetone had higher extraction yields for TPC, and TFC, as well as higher antioxidant activity compared with their absolute solvents and water. TPC and TFC were shown to be the major components contributing to the antioxidant activity of lemon pomace.

Several studies have shown that UV-C (ultraviolet C) irradiation promotes the bioactive compounds and antioxidants of fresh fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to apply UV irradiation in dried lemon pomace powder for enhancing its phenolic content and antioxidant properties, thus more bioactive compounds should be available for extraction and utilization. Lemon pomace dried powder was placed under a UV lamp and treated with dosages of 4, 19, 80 and 185 kJ·m -2 , while untreated powder was used as a control. UV-C irradiation significantly affected the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidant capacity measured by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the lemon pomace dried powder, while it did not affect the vitamin C content. UV-C irradiation of 19 kJ·m -2 resulted in 19% higher total phenolic content than the control, while UV-C irradiation of 180 kJ·m -2 resulted in 28% higher total flavonoid content than the control. The antioxidant capacity was reduced when UV-C irradiation more than 4 kJ·m -2 was applied. The results of this study indicate that UV-C treatment has the potential to increase the extraction of bioactive compounds of dried lemon pomace at relatively high dosages.

Background: Conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the therapy of choice for many patients with severe aortic valve disease. The unique German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) allows the comparison of contemporary outcomes of AVR with those of transcatheter AVRs. We report here real-world, all-comers outcomes of AVR, including combined AVR and coronary bypass grafting (AVR+CABG)., Methods: A total of 34,063 patients who received AVR (22,107 patients, 39% female; mean age 68.0 ± 11.3 years, mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, 8.6%) or AVR+CABG (11,956 patients, 28% female; mean age 72.6 ± 7.8 years, mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, 10.7%) between 2011 and 2013 were analyzed and followed up to assess the 1-year outcome., Results: In-hospital mortality was 2.3% for AVR and 4.1% for AVR+CABG. Other important outcome variables include stroke (AVR, 1.2%; AVR+CABG, 1.9%) and new pacemaker implantation (AVR, 4.4%; AVR+CABG, 3.6%). Survival at 1 year was 93.2% for AVR and 89.4% for AVR+CABG. Total stroke rates at 1 year were 1.6% for AVR and 2.0% AVR+CABG. Quality of life assessment indicated that most patients were in New York Heart Association Functional Classification I or II (AVR, 86%; AVR+CABG, 84%) and that they were satisfied with the overall postoperative course (AVR, 88%; AVR+CABG, 87%)., Conclusions: Contemporary surgical AVR yields excellent outcomes with low in-hospital mortality, a low overall complication rate, and good 1-year outcome for all risk groups. Accordingly, conventional AVR remains an important therapeutic option for many patients., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The research focused on analyzing qualitative and quantitative morpho-physiological characteristics of local sweet cherry cultivars and genotypes. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics (fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, fruit shape, fruit pistil end, fruit suture, fruit skin colour, fruit flesh colour, length of fruit stalk, thickness of fruit stalk, weight of fruit stalk, colour of fruit juice, fruit juiciness, eating quality, fruit sweetness, stone weight, stone shape, TA, pH, L*, a*, b*, H, croma, cracking index, sensitivity class) with UPOV descriptors were used in the evaluation. The findings revealed a significant variation among local cultivars and genotypes. It was determined that there was a low-level negative correlation between cracking index and fruit weight, fruit length, stone weight, TA, pH and L*; and a low-level positive correlation between fruit width, fruit stem length, thickness and weight, SCC, a*, b*, H and croma. The heat map and clustering analysis classified local cultivars and genotypes into two main clusters, each containing several secondary sub-clusters. This classification indicates a significant potential within the characterized sweet cherry collection for targeted breeding purposes. In particular, local sweet cherry cultivars and genotypes classified into several clusters show promise as potential parental candidates for hybridization in breeding. As a result of the research, local cultivars and genotypes with high fruit weight and cracking resistance were identified. The dendrogram showing the examined characteristics visually expresses the differentiation between local cultivars and genotypes, thus indicating clear distinctions. We believe these genotypes can be employed in breeding and breeding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable industrialisation is a major contributor to food waste; thus, its integral transformation into functional powders has gained attention. Pretreatments can be incorporated into valorisation processes to generate structural or biochemical changes that improve powders' characteristics. This study deepens into the impact of biological (fermentation, FERM) and thermophysical (autoclaving, AUTO; microwaves, MW; ultrasound, US; and pasteurisation, PAST) pretreatments, combined with dehydration (hot air-drying, HAD; or freeze-drying, FD) on the characteristics of powdered products obtained from broccoli stems. The impact of pretreatments on physicochemical (moisture, water activity, total soluble solids) and antioxidant properties (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH) on residue and powdered products was studied, together with their impact on plant tissue structure (Cryo-SEM) and the powders' phenolic profile (HPLC). Probiotic viability was also determined on the fermented samples. The pretreatments applied, particularly the ultrasound, improved the antioxidant properties of the broccoli stems compared to the unpretreated samples, in line with microscopic observations. Dehydration did also improve the antioxidant attributes of the broccoli wastes, especially drying at 60 °C. However, pretreatments combined with dehydration did not generally lead to an improvement in the antioxidant properties of the powders. Probiotic properties were preserved in the freeze-dried products (>107 CFU/g). In conclusion, pretreatments may be applied to enhance the antioxidant attributes of broccoli wastes, but not necessarily that of dried powdered products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the cherry already has an excellent bioactive profile, the implementation of breeding programs is a valuable tool to enhance it further. Thus, a breeding program was conducted on 'Picota' type cherries (the 'Ambrunés' cultivar, in particular) by crossing them with the 'Hudson' cultivar, with the primary aim of obtaining new cherry cultivars that enhance the overall quality traits of the parental cultivars, but above all that increase the concentration of phenolic compounds, which are of significant relevance to human health, providing greater added value for the consumer. The fruits obtained from new cultivars were tested for their physicochemical profiles, phenolic compounds profile, and antioxidant activity. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by applying ANOVA and hierarchical cluster analysis. After screening these data, three new cultivars were found that maintain the physicochemical profile of 'Ambrunés' but enhance their phenolic compound content and could, therefore, be interesting cultivars to be used as parents in new cross-breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This review paper explores the multifaceted relationship between sweet cherry nutrients and human health, aiming to uncover the comprehensive impact of these bioactive compounds from orchard to wellness. Furthermore, it highlights how advanced crop techniques can be pivotal in optimizing these beneficial compounds. Synthesizing existing literature, the paper examines the diverse bioactive nutrients in sweet cherries, including antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, and elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential health benefits. From antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory effects, the paper elucidates how these nutrients may mitigate chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, it explores their role in promoting gastrointestinal health, enhancing exercise recovery, and modulating sleep patterns. The review discusses emerging research on the potential anti-cancer properties of sweet cherry compounds, highlighting their promising role in cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, it delves into the impact of sweet cherry consumption on metabolic health, weight management, and skin health. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of sweet cherry nutrients and their health effects, this paper offers valuable insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and consumers interested in utilizing nature's bounty for holistic wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the consumption of avocado, both fresh and processed, has experienced a significant worldwide increase due to its recognized nutritional value and beneficial health effects. However, this industrial processing generates a substantial amount of underutilized byproducts, primarily the peel and seed, leading to significant environmental and economic challenges. Fortunately, these residues are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, making their recovery an excellent opportunity to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the modern avocado industry. This bibliometric analysis utilizes data from the Scopus platform to explore the comprehensive utilization of avocado waste. By employing a biorefinery approach and computational tools, the study aims to identify and extract value-added compounds with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetic industries. The results highlight that the most relevant research topics are currently focused on sustainable and comprehensive biotransformation of avocado byproducts. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on methods for extracting valuable products, characterizing their properties, and identifying potentially exploitable active compounds. Furthermore, research is increasingly exploring the environmental and economic factors associated with new research advancements, such as emerging environmental regulations, certifications, substitutes, and technological applications. One key gap identified in recent research advancements is the lack of a sustainable diagnostic framework for avocado utilization processes in a cascade system (multiple high-value consumer products and by-products such as bioplastic). This suggests a crucial area for future research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest and supply chain losses are the main global challenges. The security of future food demand requires certain availability of natural resources and useful application of limited means. This study is based on maximizing the productive use of baren fish farms to meet future food demand. In this work, the simulation optimisation model was used to determine the estimated findings. We developed the life cycle measurement technique to examine the percentage loss occurred during postharvest and supply chain process and the assessment of its economic, environmental and social influences. Results demonstrate the variate average change of postharvest loss and supply chain loss of a farmer, processors, trader, wholesalers and retailers are, respectively, 7.06%, 8.89%, 6.23%, 9.10% and 13.05% regarding sample fish-form as compared to same capacity healthy land fish-form with a productive supply chain operation. The total healthy mud of land and quality water consumed to produce this lost food accumulated 60 thousand hectares and 255 million cubic meters apart from other producing inputs. It is estimated cost $380 million annually 7.8 million tons of growth. The study reveals the significance of better prevention approaches of life cycle waste to reduce the environmental, economic and social impacts. Additionally, it helps to diminish the postharvest loss percentage to decrease the perishability of products throughout the supply chain of aquaculture field and the mechanisms that protect the products until these are sold out to consumers. In order to reduce postharvest losses, the study suggests that farmers be included as supplier actors and measured twice, first at the production stage and then at the supply chain stage. With the use of well-organized techniques, the farmer's education is a key component in reducing postharvest losses of perishable goods and boosting aquaculture sectors. Therefore, sustainable economic growth requires from farmers to supplier and productive coordination in reducing environmental impacts. This could improve their learning, skills and practices towards sustainable growth achievement in perishable products for meaningful use of natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze drying (FD) is a technique used to preserve the bioactive content and flavor of samples. Foods with a short shelf life due to nature have been preserved via FD in recent years. The success of the drying technique is thanks to the high retention ability of the bioactive compounds and the flavor of the sample. However, the high cost and energy consumption of FD limit its usage in several fields. Freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying, which take place in the same device, are the stages of FD. In addition, several parameters, including pretreatment, size, temperature, sample species, time, and pressure, affect the FD process. These parameters are controlled to increase the effectiveness of FD on the samples. Moreover, FD has been compared with other drying techniques including hot air drying, microwave drying, vacuum drying, and solar drying to determine its protective capability. It has also been applied to the valorization of waste products, which is a common problem worldwide. For valorization, microencapsulation and powder production have been achieved using FD. In recent years, studies on the effects and use of FD on various materials increased, providing new aspects for the future of science and food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymers derived from biomass can provide the advantages of both biodegradability and functional qualities from a circular economy point of view, where waste is transformed into raw material. In particular, avocado seeds can be considered an interesting residue for biobased packaging applications due to their high starch content. In this work, avocado seed starch (ASS)-based films containing different glycerol concentrations were prepared by solvent casting. Films were also reinforced with starch nanocrystals (SNCs) obtained through the acid hydrolysis of ASS. The characterization of the extracted starch and starch nanocrystals by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis has been reported. Adding 1% of SNCs increased elastic modulus by 112% and decreased water vapor permeability by 30% with respect to neat matrix. Interestingly, the bioactive compounds from the avocado seed provided the films with high antioxidant capacity. Moreover, considering the long time required for traditional plastic packaging to degrade, all of the ASS-based films disintegrated within 48 h under lab-scale composting conditions. The results of this work support the valorization of food waste byproducts and the development of reinforced biodegradable materials for potential use as active food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Contradictory claims about the efficacy of several medicinal plants to promote glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been explained by divergences in the administration form and by extrapolation of data obtained from healthy individuals. It is not known whether the antidiabetic effects of traditional herbal medicines are influenced by gelatin capsules. This randomized crossover trial aimed to evaluate the acute effect of a single dose of raw cinnamon consumed orally either dissolved in water as a beverage or as ordinary hard gelatin capsules on postprandial hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dL; >7.8 mmol/L) in T2DM patients elicited by a nutritionally-balanced meal providing 50 g of complex carbohydrates. Methods: Fasting T2DM patients (n = 19) randomly ingested a standardized meal in five experimental sessions, one alone (Control) and the other after prior intake of 3 or 6 g of crude cinnamon in the form of hard gelatin capsules or powder dissolved in water. Blood glucose was measured at fasting and at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2 hours postprandially. After each breakfast, its palatability scores for visual appeal, smell and pleasantness of taste were assessed, as well as the taste intensity sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness and creaminess. Results: The intake of raw cinnamon dissolved in water, independently of the dose, decreased the meal-induced large glucose spike (peak-rise of +87 mg/dL and Δ1-hour glycemia of +79 mg/dL) and the hyperglycemic blood glucose peak. When cinnamon was taken as capsules, these anti-hyperglycemic effects were lost or significantly diminished. Raw cinnamon intake did not change time-to-peak or the 2-h post-meal glycaemia, but flattened the glycemic curve (lower iAUC) without changing the shape that is typical of T2DM patients. Conclusions: This cinnamon's antihyperglycemic action confirms its acarbose-like property to inhibit the activities of the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylases/α-glucosidases, which is in accordance with its exceptionally high content of raw insoluble fiber. The efficacy of using raw cinnamon as a diabetes treatment strategy seems to require its intake at a specific time before/concomitantly the main hyperglycemic daily meals. Trial registration: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC), number RBR-98tx28b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Redson' is a new triploid, red-fleshed pomelo x grapefruit hybrid. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of rainfall, harvest time, tree age, and yield on the postharvest storage performance of 'Redson' fruit. During 2022/23, two postharvest storage trials were conducted with early- and late-harvested fruit. The fruit from the early harvest retained good quality for up to 16 weeks of storage at 7.5 °C plus 1 week at 22 °C, whereas the late-harvested fruit suffered from a high decay incidence. During 2023/24, we expanded the postharvest trials to nine different fruit sets harvested from early season (late October) until the end of the season (January). Fruit quality was examined under the same storage conditions after 6 and 16 weeks, and the results indicated that early- and mid-season fruit retained good quality with minimal decay incidence even after prolonged storage for 16 weeks, whereas the late-season fruit suffered from significant decay incidences of 17–22% and a decline in flavor acceptability. Further analysis revealed strong and significant correlations between various rainfall parameters and harvest time and decay incidences. Overall, early-harvested fruit during the autumn had a superior postharvest storage performance, whereas late-harvested fruit during the rainy winter suffered from decay development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue mold disease, caused by Penicillium italicum (P. italicum), presents a significant challenge to orange fruits (Citrus sinensis L.) and other citrus crops globally. Biological control, particularly Trichoderma species, offers a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antagonistic activities of two Trichoderma isolates against P. italicum. These isolates were molecularly identified and assigned accession numbers PP002254 and PP002272, respectively. Both isolates demonstrated significant antifungal activity in dual culture assays. Moreover, the culture filtrates (CFs) of Trichoderma longibrachiatum PP002254 and Trichoderma harzianum PP002272 suppressed the mycelial growth of P. italicum by 77.22% and 71.66%, respectively. Additionally, CFs reduced the severity of blue mold on orange fruits by 26.85% and 53.81%, compared to 100% in the control group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that treated P. italicum hyphae were shrunken and disfigured. Enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) in treated oranges increased, along with total soluble phenolics and flavonoids. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in treated fruits. These findings suggest that T. longibrachiatum PP002254 and T. harzianum PP002272 could be effective biocontrol agents for managing blue mold and other citrus postharvest diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In different food technology unit operations, toxicity can be increased due to unwanted side reactions and is typically associated with the increased thermal energy that facilitates the latter. Authorities in food technology have not provided clear guidelines on using ultrasound (US), but they also have not prohibited its use in food processing. In this study, the source materials and ultrasound-assisted reactions reported in the literature were reviewed to investigate potential side reactions in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Industrial or pilot-scale processes published in the open literature and in industry patents were also examined. UAE is a highly effective extraction method that significantly increases extraction yields. According to the literature, there is no direct evidence of the formation of toxic compounds from natural food ingredients caused by UAE. However, experimental studies are urgently needed to assess the potential accumulation of toxic substances, especially in the case of certain plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research focused on the examination of 20 distinct sweet cherry cultivars after analyzing 34 qualitative and 39 quantitative morpho-physiological attributes encompassing tree, leaf, flower, fruit, and stone characteristics. The findings highlighted a notable spectrum of diversity within the assessed array of sweet cherry cultivars. The analysis of correlation coefficients revealed noteworthy positive and negative correlations among the morpho-physiological traits under investigation. Predominantly, these significant correlation coefficients were identified between attributes reflecting both the size and quality of the fruit. The application of principal component analysis (PCA) on both quantitative and qualitative morphological parameters elucidated a substantial portion of the total variability, accounting for 85.29% and 89.18% across the initial eight and nine axes, respectively. In this PCA, specific traits such as leaf width, fruit sweetness, fruit juice color, fruit juiciness, and fruit flesh colorstood out as dominant factors within the realm of qualitative characteristics. Meanwhile, within the realm of quantitative traits, attributes including leaf area, leaf length, TSS, TSS: acid ratio, pulp-to-stone ratio, and yield efficiency emerged as primary contributors within the first components of PCA. This underscores their significance in the evaluation and characterization of sweet cherry germplasm. Ward's agglomeration, employing Euclidean's distance method, yielded a hierarchical cluster analysis that classified assorted sweet cherry cultivars into two primary clusters, each containing several secondary sub-clusters. This classification indicates a significant potential within the characterized sweet cherry collection for targeted breeding objectives. Notably, sweet cherry cultivars spanning various clusters hold promise as potential parent candidates for hybridization, enabling the development of novel genotypes. The dendrogram depicting the assessed traits visually portrays notable differentiation among sweet cherry cultivars, thus indicating clear distinctions. Moreover, it also hints at the presence of synonymous traits within the evaluated sweet cherry group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus fruits are widely consumed worldwide; however, one of their primary uses is juice production, resulting in over 40 million tons of agro-industrial waste. Citrus peel is the main agro-industrial by-product in citrus production. In recent years, secondary metabolites of interest, mainly polyphenols such as hesperidin, have been identified in citrus peels. Currently, green alternatives like natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) based on choline chloride and glucose (Glu), combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction, are studied to obtain polyphenol-rich extracts with potential health applications. This study aims to evaluate the effect of: (1) molar ratios (MR) of 1:0.5, 1:1 or 1:2 mol/mol of choline chloride (ChCl):glucose (Glu); (2) the percentage of added water (WA: 50, 60 or 70%) to NADES; and (3) different citrus peels of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), and Citrus limon (lemon) used for extraction, on polyphenol profiles, total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (Ax) of the extracts. The extracts were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu method for TPC and DPPH assay for quantifying AC. A factorial experimental design 33 was implemented. The extract obtained with an MR of 1:1 (ChCl:Glu) from Citrus aurantium peel exhibited the highest concentration of hesperidin (2003.37 ± 10.91 mg/100 g dry mass), whereas an MR of 1:2 (ChCl:Glu) exhibited the highest concentration of neohesperidin (1045.94 ± 1.27 mg/100 g dry mass), both using 60% WA. This extract also showed the highest antioxidant capacity, achieving 100% inhibition. On the other hand, the highest concentration of total phenolic content (TPC) (96.23 ± 0.83 mg GAE/100 g dry mass) was obtained using C. aurantium peel with an MR of 1:0.5 (ChCl:Glu) and 60% WA. The extracts also presented high concentrations of rutin and catechin. These findings highlight the potential of revalorizing citrus peels, particularly Citrus aurantium, and their extracts obtained with NADES for possible health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) seeks to provide information on a real-world, all-comers basis for patients undergoing aortic valve interventions. This registry comprises patients undergoing the complete spectrum of transcutaneous and conventional surgical aortic valve interventions. The aim of this study was to use the GARY registry to evaluate conventional and catheter-based aortic valve interventions in several risk groups., Methods: A total of 13 860 consecutive patients undergoing intervention for aortic valve disease [conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) or transvascular/transapical TAVR (TV-/TA-TAVR)] were enrolled in 78 German centres in 2011. Baseline, procedural and outcome data, including quality of life, were acquired up to 1 year post-intervention. Vital status at 1 year was known for 98.1% of patients., Results: The 1-year mortality rate was 6.7% for conventional AVR patients (n = 6523) and 11.0% for patients who underwent AVR with coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 3464). The 1-year mortality rate was 20.7 and 28.0% in TV- and TA-TAVR patients, respectively (n = 2695 and 1181). However, if patients were stratified into four risk groups by means of the EuroSCORE and the German AV Score, the highest risk cohorts showed the same mortality at 1 year with either therapy. More than 80% of patients in all groups were in the same or better state of health at 1 year post-intervention and were satisfied with the procedural outcome., Conclusions: Conventional AVR surgery yields excellent results after 1 year in lower-risk patients. Catheter-based AVR is a good alternative in high-risk and elderly patients., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Aortic stenosis is a frequent valvular disease especially in elderly patients. Catheter-based valve implantation has emerged as a valuable treatment approach for these patients being either at very high risk for conventional surgery or even deemed inoperable. The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) provides data on conventional and catheter-based aortic procedures on an all-comers basis., Methods and Results: A total of 13 860 consecutive patients undergoing repair for aortic valve disease [conventional surgery and transvascular (TV) or transapical (TA) catheter-based techniques] have been enrolled in this registry during 2011 and baseline, procedural, and outcome data have been acquired. The registry summarizes the results of 6523 conventional aortic valve replacements without (AVR) and 3464 with concomitant coronary bypass surgery (AVR + CABG) as well as 2695 TV AVI and 1181 TA interventions (TA AVI). Patients undergoing catheter-based techniques were significantly older and had higher risk profiles. The stroke rate was low in all groups with 1.3% (AVR), 1.9% (AVR + CABG), 1.7% (TV AVI), and 2.3% (TA AVI). The in-hospital mortality was 2.1% (AVR) and 4.5% (AVR + CABG) for patients undergoing conventional surgery, and 5.1% (TV AVI) and AVI 7.7% (TA AVI)., Conclusion: The in-hospital outcome results of this registry show that conventional surgery yields excellent results in all risk groups and that catheter-based aortic valve replacements is an alternative to conventional surgery in high risk and elderly patients., (© The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

A case of arterial rupture of the profunda femoris arterial branches, following dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation for an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, is presented. Bleeding is controlled by coil embolization, but, later on, the patient underwent orthopedic material removal due to an infection of a large femoral hematoma.

Background: Botrytis cinerea a blueberry gray mold, is one of the main diseases affecting postharvest storage, causing significant losses. Several studies have shown that Bacillus tequilensis can prevent the growth of plant pathogens by producing various antibacterial substances, and can induce plant resistance. However, research on the biological management of post-harvest gray mold in blueberries using B. tequilensis remains unclear. Methods: To better control the postharvest gray mold of blueberry, the effects of B. tequilensis KXF6501 fermentation solution (YY) and KXF6501 cell-free supernatant (SQ) on the induction of disease resistance in blueberry fruits were studied using biochemical and transcriptomic analyses. Results: We found that YY controlled the conidial germination and mycelial growth of B. cinerea in vitro, followed by SQ. After 3 d of culture, the lesion diameter and incidence of gray mold in blueberry fruits inoculated with YY and SQ were smaller than those in the control group. Therefore, gray mold in blueberries was effectively controlled during the prevention period, and the control effect of YY was better than that of SQ. Transcription spectrum analysis of blueberry peel tissue showed that the YY- and SQ-induced phenylpropane metabolic pathways had more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than other biological pathways. In addition, biochemical analyses showed that YY treatment effectively enhanced the activity of enzymes related to the phenylpropane pathway (phenylalanine ammonialyase [PAL], cinnamate 4-hydroxylase [C4H], 4-coumarate CoA ligase [4CL], and polyphenol oxidase [PPO]) and stimulated the synthesis of lignin, total phenols, and flavonoids, followed by SQ. Compared with the control, the YY and SQ treatments reduced the weight loss rate and better maintained the appearance and nutritional quality of the blueberry fruits. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that B. tequilensis KXF6501 is potentially useful as a suitable bio-control agent in harvested blueberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The utilization of agroindustrial residues, such as avocado peel, as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties has garnered significant attention. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant potential using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) methods, along with the antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds extracted from Hass avocado peel. These soluble polyphenols were quantified and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The research focused on their effects against three fungal pathogens, Verticillium theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and Aspergillus niger, which significantly impact banana crops, an essential agricultural commodity in Ecuador. The results have revealed that the application of 80% ethanol as an organic solvent led to increased soluble polyphenol content compared to 96% ethanol. Extraction time significantly influenced the phenolic content, with the highest values obtained at 90 min. Interestingly, despite substantial mycelial growth observed across all extract concentrations, the antifungal effect varied among the pathogens. Specifically, V. theobromae exhibited the highest sensitivity, while C. musae and A. niger were less affected. These results underscore the importance of considering both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties when evaluating natural extracts for potential applications in plant disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Enzymes play a crucial role in enhancing food processing techniques and improving flavor quality. They are also used for prolonging the storage period and rapid detection of foodborne diseases, essential for ensuring food quality and safety. With the rapid development of the food industry, the application prospects of enzymes have become increasingly prominent. In this review, the applications of enzymes in food processing, preservation, and detection were expounded in detail, and further attention is paid to the processing points and application effects of enzymes in all aspects of food production. The research and application direction of enzymes in the future were also speculated to help interested parties to understand the application advantages and prospects of enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Escherichia coli is an integral part of the colonic microflora, though its pathogenic intestinal strains can contaminate animal and plant products and cause significant challenges in the food industry. Thermal processing is one of the most common methods used to preserve food. Nevertheless, non-thermal antibacterial methods, such as antibacterial blue light (aBL), are attracting more interest due to the growing demand for minimally processed products. Thus, the current study was aimed at assessment whether the risk of co-selection for these two food processing approaches exist. Results: The development of E. coli tolerance to both selective factors was observed after repeated exposure to sublethal doses of heat and aBL, and the observed adaptations were confirmed to be phenotypically stable. The results demonstrated that populations with increased tolerance to aBL also exhibited increased tolerance to temperature, while the sensitivity of temperature-tolerant populations to aBL did not change. We also identified 11 genes that could be involved in cross-stress tolerance. Neither adaptation changed the antibiotic sensitivity of the tolerant strains. Finally, short- and long-term pre-incubation at elevated temperatures significantly increased the tolerance of E. coli BW25113 to aBL. Conclusions: The results obtained clearly demonstrate that aBL may serve as a complementary approach in food industry lacking resistance development and exerting no impact on microbial drug susceptibility. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of cross-tolerance should be considered an issue when designing food processing including sequential use of aBL and high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]