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The improvement of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers flame retardancy is usually achieved by using antipyrenes, which may be incorporated into polyester molecules during polycondensation or are physically mixed with polymer in the fiber formation process. In this article we present an alternative method to reduce the flammability of PET fibers and fabrics which is analogous to dyeing them with a dispersed dyes in a high temperature bath. We have tested this method many times using various modifiers so far. This time, we applied a commercial organophilized montmorillonite Cloisite®15A (C15A). In the presented work, using Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) flammability tests and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method, the effectiveness of the modification used was demonstrated and its optimal variant was determined. Based on Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies, the existence of interactions between PET macromolecules and the C15A modifier in the entire temperature range of the oxidative degradation was confirmed. Using the Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) methods, the basic parameters of the nanostructure of the studied fibers were determined, and their nanocomposite nature was confirmed. The most important goal, which was successfully achieved, was to explain the mechanism of flame inhibition by the applied modifier C15A.

The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of Lactobacillus bacteria to selected coccidiostats. Seventy-five Lactobacillus isolates obtained from chickens were classified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA restriction analysis into seven species, among which L. salivarius (33%) and L. johnsonii (24%) were dominant. Susceptibility of lactobacilli to coccidiostats was determined by broth microdilution method. The ranges of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 0.5-≥128 µg/ml for monensin, 0.125-8 µg/ml for salinomycin, ≤0.03-2 µg/ml for lasalocid A, and 4-16 µg/ml for robenidine. Coccidiostats in low concentrations inhibited in vitro growth of most lactobacilli and therefore there is a high probability that administration of this drugs to chickens would reduce the number of lactobacilli in the gut.

A 39-year-old patient with hypertension and a 28-year history of type 1 diabetes with numerous complications in the form of microangiopathy and macroangiopathy was admitted to the Cardiology Clinic due to recurrent angina pectoris accompanied by the intensification of ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and symptoms of heart failure. In addition, a history of hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, Graves’ disease at euthyroid stage. On admission, the patient hemodynamically stable, arterial pressure — 129/75 mm Hg, regular heart rate, without signs of losses in the pulmonary circulation, visible swelling of the lower limbs and trophic changes on the lower shink. In laboratory tests, mildly impaired renal function (glomerular filtration 56 ml/min), high blood glucose values (up to 350 mg/dL), glycated hemoglobin 8.7%, hypercholesterolemia. The echocardiographic study showed a worsening of the left ventricular systolic function compared to the previous assessment — a decrease in ejection fraction from 46 to 35%, on ECG — left anterior hemiblock, features of past and anterior wall infarction. During hospitalization, the therapy of coronary heart disease, hypertension (ramipril, bisoprolol, spironolactone, and furosemide), diabetes (insulin initially used at a variable flow pump, followed by intensive insulin therapy and hyperlipidemia was modified), obtaining satisfactory results in relation to the initial ones. Extended release nitrates were included, and antiplatelet treatment with ticagrelor was continued. Due to elevated cholesterol, the dose of atorvastatin was increased. In case of therapy failure, the PCSK9 inhibitor (evolucumab) and family diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia were considered. Despite the treatment, angina ailments increased, the ECG performed during the pain revealed ischemic lesions. By decision of the Heart Team, the patient was qualified for accelerated surgery for myocardial revascularization.

Magnetic stimulation of seeds before sowing can have a significant impact on the speed of their germination. Sprouts are sought after by consumers for their high nutrient content. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of a pulsed magnetic field on the dynamics of seed germination and on the content of ions in sunflower, cress, and radish sprouts. The research material in the experiment was provided by seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), and garden radish (Raphanus sativus L.) intended for sprouting, which were supplied by PNOS Ożarów Mazowiecki. The research methods involved germinating seeds under strictly defined conditions for 14 days. Then, the mineral composition of the previously mineralised sprout material was determined using emission spectrometry on a ICP-OES iCAP Duo 6500 Termo spectrometer. Greater dynamics of germination were noted in the first half of the growth period in seeds stimulated with a pulsed magnetic field with the parameters 100 µT and 100 Hz. However, the application of the magnetic field produced no increase in the capacity of the seeds to germinate. The research showed an increase in the content of macronutrients in sprouts, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulphur. In the case of the field with parameters of 100 µT and 200 Hz, the effect was similar for both the germination percentage and the accumulation of macronutrients. However, in the case of both frequencies of magnetic field applied, the effect on individual plant seed species was different. Pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with a pulsed magnetic field may affect the rate of seed germination and the content of ions in the sprouts, however, these effects vary in individual plant matrices.

Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Simplified two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and neurospheres in vitro models fail to recapitulate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, limiting its ability to predict therapeutic response. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-based models have emerged as a promising alternative for addressing these concerns. One such 3D system is gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels, and we aimed to understand the suitability of using this system to mimic treatment-resistant glioblastoma cells that reside in specific niches. We characterized the phenotype of patient-derived glioma cells cultured in GelMA hydrogels (3D-GMH) for their tumorigenic properties using invasion and chemoresponse assays. In addition, we used integrated single-cell and spatial transcriptome analysis to compare cells cultured in 3D-GMH to neoplastic cells in vivo. Finally, we assessed tumor-immune cell interactions with a macrophage infiltration assay and a cytokine array. We show that the 3D-GMH system enriches treatment-resistant mesenchymal cells that are not represented in neurosphere cultures. Cells cultured in 3D-GMH resemble a mesenchymal-like cellular phenotype found in perivascular and hypoxic regions and recruit macrophages by secreting cytokines, a hallmark of the mesenchymal phenotype. Our 3D-GMH model effectively mimics the phenotype of glioma cells that are found in the perivascular and hypoxic niches of the glioblastoma core in situ, in contrast to the neurosphere cultures that enrich cells of the infiltrative edge of the tumor. This contrast highlights the need for due diligence in selecting an appropriate model when designing a study‘s objectives.

The article discusses the findings related to the calorific value as well as the explosion and combustion parameters of dust from the raw biomass of fruit trees, i.e., apple, cherry, and pear branches, and from biochars produced using this type of biomass during pyrolysis processes conducted under various conditions. The plant biomass was thermally processed at 400, 450, or 500 °C for a duration of 5, 10, or 15 min. The study aimed to identify the calorific value of the biomass obtained from waste produced in orchards and to estimate the explosion hazard during the processing of such materials and during the storage of the resulting solid fuels. Tests were conducted to assess the total contents of carbon, ash, nitrogen, hydrogen, and volatile substances as well as the calorific value. The findings show a significant effect of the thermal transformation of fruit tree branches on the calorific value of the biochars that were produced. It was found that the mean calorific value of all of the biochars was increased by 62.24% compared to the non-processed biomass. More specifically, the mean calorific values of the biochars produced from apple, cherry, and pear branches amounted to 27.90, 28.75, and 26.84 MJ kg−1, respectively. The maximum explosion pressure Pmax measured for the dust from the biomass and for the biochars was in the range 7.56–7.8 and 7.95–11.72 bar, respectively. The maximum rate of pressure rose over time (dp/dt)max in the case of the dust from the biomass, which was in the range of 274.77–284.97 bar s−1, and the dust from biochar amounted to 282.05–353.41 bar s−1. The explosion index Kst max measured for non-processed biomass and biochars was found to range from 74.46 to 77.23 and from 76.447 to 95.77 bar s−1, respectively. It was also shown that a change in the temperature and duration of the pyrolysis process affected the quality of the biochars that were obtained. The findings show that pyrolysis, as a method of plant biomass processing, positively affects the calorific value of the products and does not lead to an increased risk of explosion during the treatment and storage of such materials. It is necessary, however, to continue research on biomass processing in order to develop practices that adequately ensure safety during the production of novel fuels.

This paper describes the influence of Ascophyllum nodosum algae on the seeds, microgreens, yield, and yield components of oat Avena sativa cv. Bingo. This article includes the results from three experiments. In one of the experiments, the oat seeds were soaked in a solution of demineralized water with dried comminuted and homogenized algae. For the FT–Raman spectra measurements, a spectrometer with an Nd:YAG laser, with a germanium detector, was used. The results obtained show that an excessively low as well as an excessively high alga concentration did not have an influence on the change in oat composition. Other algae concentrations that were used in these experiments caused significant chemical changes in the oat seeds. For the FT–Raman data, separation of the control from all the oat grains treated with different algae concentrations was possible. The aim of the pot experiment was to determine the effect of the application of algae (in different doses) on the A. sativa green mass of young plants (microgreens). The certified oat seeds, after being soaked in a solution with algae, were planted in the ground. For the chemometric analysis of the oat samples, a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer device was used. The data were recorded with a viewing diamond with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal plate. The FTIR spectra showed that soaking in an algae suspension affected the germination, general metabolism, and chemical composition of the oats. The use of algae did not change the lipid content of the plant. The three-year field experiment was established by introducing two factors: A. nodosum application (A) and a pre-sowing stimulation with a low-frequency magnetic field (S). The influence of experimental factors on the oat yield and its structure (yield structure components and yield components) was investigated. The beneficial effect of algae on oat yield was demonstrated by improved parameters such as the number and weight of the grains, however, under field conditions, the pre-sowing magnetic field stimulation of seeds did not have a beneficial effect. Various weather conditions also had a great influence on the yield. This study also considered the role of A. nodosum as a biostimulant in plants, and this showed potential under less favorable conditions.

Food industry is on constant search for improved, enzymatically modified forms of proteins, which are the most important functional food ingredients, capable of either introducing or modifying texture, appearance, and flavour. One of the key aspects of food design is creating new functional properties and novel food macro- and microstructures in order to provide tailored food characteristics expected by consumers. Milk proteins are among the most thoroughly studied protein complexes occurring in foods and having a wide range of functionalities. The common usage of milk proteins has also contributed to the development of techniques designed to modify and improve functional properties of milk proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of enzymatic modification induced by microbial transglutaminase (TGM) in milk proteins on the range of cross-linking as well as heat and ethanol stability of these proteins. Milk used in the study was subjected to various technological processes and then incubated with the enzyme added at an amount of 2 Units g−1 protein for 2 h at 40 °C. Modification of milk proteins by transglutaminase leads to their partial cross-linking and formation of high molecular weight polymers in the range of 55–200 kDa. The changes of cross-links between milk proteins occur most dynamically in the first hour of incubation at 40 °C. Enzymatic modification of milk proteins significantly increases the ethanol stability of raw as well as pasteurized milk and UF concentrate. Addition of transglutaminase does not change the heat stability of milk measured as the time of heat coagulation at 140 °C.

The wine grape berries share a complex microbial ecology including filamentous fungi, yeasts and bacteria. The microbiota reveals different physiological characteristics and depends on the grape ripening stage and the availability of nutrients with different effect on wine production. The microbiota of grape berries (n = 12) was isolated and identified in the present study. The samples were collected in September 2018. Grape berries were obtained from Vrbovo vineyard located in Slovakia. The grape berries investigated belonged to Blue Frankish, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dornfelder, Feteasca regala, Green Veltliner, Irsai Oliver, Mūller Thurgau, Pálava, Pinot Blanc, Rhinriesling and Welschriesling varieties. The microorganisms were cultivated on Malt extract agar (MEA) at 25 °C for five days in aerobically for microscopic filamentous fungi and Tryptone Soya agar (TSA) at 37 °C for 24 – 48 h aerobically for bacteria and yeasts. Total bacterial counts on different wine grape berries ranged from 2.57 ±0.09 in Chardonnay to 4.39 ±0.21 log CFU.g-1 in Pálava. Microscopic filamentous fungi count ranged from 1.18 ±0.03 in Blue Frankish to 2.60 ±0.17 log CFU.g-1 in Welschriesling. MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper mass spectrometry was used for identification of microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) and microscopic filamentous fungi with manuals. The most identified microscopic fungal species was Alternaria sp., for yeasts Issatchenkia orientalis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides for bacteria.

There are mainly two varieties of cinnamon available on the European market – Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon differs from Ceylon cinnamon in the taste, smell, appearance and, most of all, in the content of coumarin. Cassia cinnamon contains up to 10.6 % of this compound, whereas Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts thereof. The objective of the research study was to assess the quality of cinnamon marketed in Poland using HPLC method. There were analysed twenty-six commercial samples in the form of powder (n = 19), sticks (n = 6) and bark (n = 1) in order to determine the contents of coumarin and cinnamaldehyde therein. Among them 73 % had no information of their botanical origin shown on their labels (they were marked with the “unknown origin” indication). The samples labelled as Cinnamomum verum (n = 6) or Cinnamomum cassia (n = 1) were used as reference samples. The samples of unknown origin were characterised by the highest content of coumarin (2.3 ÷ 7.7 mg/g) and the C. verum and C. cassia samples by the lowest content thereof (up to 0.08 mg/g). The cinnamaldehyde content was 38.7 mg/g – C. cassia, 19 mg/g – species of unknown origin and 9 mg/g - C. verum. The cinnamaldehyde-to-coumarin content ratio was highly differentiated. In the case of the samples with unknown origin that ratio was below 10, and the reference samples were characterised by a ratio 157 ÷ 680. It was proved, that on the Polish market it was Cassia cinnamon, that was predominantly marketed as a low-cost spice with no producer’s declaration of its botanical origin.

Glioblastoma is the most lethal primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Simplified two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and neurospheres in vitro models fail to recapitulate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, limiting its ability to predict therapeutic response. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffold-based models have emerged as a promising alternative for addressing these concerns. One such 3D system is gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels, which can be used for modeling the glioblastoma microenvironment. We characterized the phenotype of patient-derived glioma cells cultured in GelMA hydrogels (3D-GMH) for their tumorigenic properties using invasion and chemoresponse assays. In addition, we used integrated single-cell and spatial transcriptome analysis to compare cells cultured in 3D-GMH to cells in vivo. Finally, we assessed tumor-immune cell interactions with a macrophage infiltration assay and a cytokine array. We show that cells cultured in 3D-GMH develop a mesenchymal-like cellular phenotype found in perivascular and hypoxic regions present in the core of the tumor, and recruit macrophages by secreting cytokines in contrast to the cells grown as neurospheres that match the phenotype of cells of the infiltrative edge of the tumor.

Progress in basic ammonothermal gallium nitride crystallization is reported. In order to prevent the appearance of cracks in growing GaN a new shape of native seeds is proposed. Crystallization results on irregular (old) and round (new) shapes are compared in terms of growth rate and structural quality. The new type of seeds allowed to grow crystals twice as fast without losing the very high structural quality. Etch pit density in the new-grown material is examined and compared to that in the seeds. Material deposited in vertical and lateral directions is analyzed. In the latter case the etch pit density is as low as 102 cm−2. An influence of growth process parameters and crystal growth configuration on the structural quality of crystallized GaN is discussed.

Simple Summary Ligilactobcillus salivarius is a Gram-positive bacterium that commonly colonizes the mucous membranes of the digestive tracts of humans and animals, including birds. It belongs to the group of lactic acid bacteria which, by producing lactic acid, acidify the intestinal environment and limit the development of undesirable intestinal microflora. In addition, L. salivarius can produce other antimicrobial substances, such as bacteriocins and hydrogen peroxide. Due to limiting the development of unfavourable microflora and other health-promoting effects, L. salivarius bacteria are considered as potential probiotics that may increase animal health, and thus animal production indicators. In this work, we undertook research on the characteristics of L. salivarius strains from chickens, geese, turkeys and domestic pigeons. We showed great variation in phenotypic and genotypic traits between strains and the evolutionary adaptation of L. salivarius strains to the colonization of a specific host. The results of the study contribute to knowledge of the characteristics of the species L. salivarius and may be useful in the selection of probiotic strains. Abstract Ligilactobacillus salivarius is an important member of the human and animal gut microbiota, and selected strains are promising probiotics, but knowledge of the characteristics of avian isolates is still limited. In this study, we examined selected phenotypic and genotypic traits of 33 L. salivarius strains from geese, chickens, turkeys and pigeons. The strains varied in terms of cell size, colony morphology, broth growth characteristics, biofilm formation, tolerance to bile, hydrophobicity and phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profiles. Large variation among strains was noted for the utilization of sorbitol, salicin, trehalose, rhamnose, inulin and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. The presence of genes related to sugar metabolism, i.e., mipB, tktA, rhaB and LSL_1894, was not always correlated with the biochemical phenotypic profile. Correlations were recorded between the host and utilization of certain sugars as well as tolerance to bile. The repA-type megaplasmid and genes coding for Abp118 bacteriocin were detected in 94% and 51.5% of L. salivarius strains, respectively. Phylogeny based on groEL gene sequences was partly correlated with the origin of the strains and revealed an evolutionary distance between L. salivarius strains from humans and birds. The results of the study contribute to knowledge of the characteristics of the species L. salivarius. Intraspecies variations of L. salivarius strains may affect their ability to colonize specific niches and utilize nutrients and reveal potential strain-dependent effects on host health.

Our experiments may help to answer the question of whether cowslip (Primula veris L.) is a rich source of bioactive substances that can be obtained by efficient extraction with potential use as a food additive. A hypothesis assumed that the type of solvent used for plant extraction and the individual morphological parts of Primula veris L. used for the preparation of herbal extracts will have key impacts on the efficiency of the extraction of bioactive compounds, and thus, the health-promoting quality of plant concentrates produced. Most analysis of such polyphenolic compound contents in extracts from Primula veris L. has been performed by using chromatography methods such as ultra-performance reverse-phase liquid chromatography (UPLC−PDA−MS/MS). Experiments demonstrated that the most effective extraction agent for fresh study material was water at 100 °C, whereas for dried material it was 70% ethanol. The richest sources of polyphenolic compounds were found in cowslip primrose flowers and leaves. The aqueous and ethanol extracts from Primula veris L. were characterized by a quantitatively rich profile of polyphenolic substances, and a high antioxidative potential. Selective extraction with the use of mild conditions and neutral solvents is the first step to obtaining preparations from cowslip primrose with a high content of bioactive substances.

Selenium is an essential trace element and micronutrient for human health. Application of organic selenium in plants and microorganisms as trace element supplement is attracting more and more attention. In this study, Bacillus cereus, an important probiotic, was used for selenium enrichment with sodium selenite as selenium source. The growth curve of B. cereus was investigated, and 150 μg/ml was selected as the concentration of selenium for B. cereus fermentation. With application of response surface methodology, the optimal fermentation conditions were obtained as follows: inoculation quantity of 7%, culture temperature of 33°C, and shaking speed of 170 rpm, leading to the maximal selenium conversion ratio of 94.3 ± 0.2%. Field emission scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometry evidenced that inorganic selenium had been successfully transformed. This study may contribute to get a strain with high Se conversion ratio, so as to extract organic selenium in the form of selenoprotein to be used for further application.

In this study, we tested the influence of two experimental factors on the composition of oat grain Avena sativa under the conditions of a three-year field study. The first factor (factor A) consisted of an Ascophyllum nodosum application, an organism classified in the Chromista kingdom, class Phaeophyceae, order Fucales, the second factor was the pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with a low-frequency magnetic field with known parameters. The basic organic components and mineral composition of the grain were tested. It was determined, among other things, that fertilization with algae leads to reduced ash content in oat grain, increased content of sodium, reduced calcium and iron content, and increased content of starch components (amyloses and amylopectins). The application of pre-sowing seed stimulation resulted in increased copper content in the progeny. No significant interactions could be observed between the factors in forming the chemical composition of oat grain.

Background Essential oils are volatile and lipophilic liquid extracts made from plants as secondary metabolites that can be obtained by distillation. To date, several studies have investigated the direct antimicrobial activity of liquid essential oils. However, this study investigated the antimicrobial properties of the volatile substances present in various essential oils. Methods A modified zone of inhibition protocol was developed using agar petri dishes with a center glass vial to allow evaporation and aerosolization of the potential active constituents from essential oils. In total, nineteen essential oils were tested against five Gram positive bacterial species, five Gram negative bacterial species and one fungi. Results This study found potent antimicrobial activity from the volatile constituents of several essential oils. Rosemary, tea tree, and cassia volatiles were found to be the best broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, whereas clove volatiles had almost no antimicrobial activity. Conclusions These results support the anecdotal historical evidence of the antimicrobial activity of the volatile constituents essential oils. Modern medical implications for this work may be related to the use of aromatic essential oils for respiratory or dermatological infections.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Quantum electrodynamical (QED) calculations of ionization energies of the $1snd\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}D$ states are performed for the helium atom. We reproduce the previously known relativistic and QED effects up to order $m{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{5}$ and extend the theory by calculating the complete $m{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{6}$ correction. The total contribution of the $m{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{6}$ effects is shown to be much smaller than previously estimated, due to a large cancellation between the radiative and nonradiative parts of this correction. As a result of our calculations, we confirm the previously reported deviations between measured transition energies and theoretical predictions for the $nD\text{\ensuremath{-}}2S$ and $nD\text{\ensuremath{-}}2P$ transitions. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are analyzed.

This article presents the results of a two-year study investigating the effects of the fertilization of soil, with biochar and ash from plant biomass, on selected properties of the pyrolysis products obtained from basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) and giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus). The study was designed to determine whether soil enrichment through the use of organic fertilizers (ash added at the rate of 1.5 t ha&minus, 1, biochar added at the rate of 11.5 t ha&minus, 1 and a combination of them) in the cultivation of energy crops would affect the quality of pyrolysates obtained from these plants. The research goal was to use biochar and biomass ash to produce high-quality pyrolysates with fertilizing potential. The aboveground parts of the plants were subjected to the pyrolysis process, which was carried out in constant conditions, i.e., a temperature of 500 &deg, C and duration of 10 min. The pyrolysates obtained were examined for their pH value, the content of absorbable forms of phosphorus (P2O5), potassium (K2O) and magnesium (Mg), as well as total carbon and the total content of selected macro- and micro-elements. The results of the current study show the beneficial effects of these soil fertilizers, reflected by the high quality and enhanced mineral contents of the biochars obtained. The highest total increase in the contents of absorbable forms of P, K and Mg was found in the pyrolysis products from basket willow fertilized with ash alone, amounting to 21.6% in relation to the pyrolysates from the control sample. As for the pyrolysates from the biomass of giant miscanthus, the greatest total increase in the contents of the elements, amounting to 44.4%, was identified when biochar and ash were used in combination. Soil amendments such as biochar and ash used for growing bioenergy crops can alter the aboveground plant quality. The subsequent pyrolysates created from these plants may be enriched and can be an alternative to mineral fertilizers. Natural amendment, such as high-quality pyrolysates, can be used in the cultivation of many plants. Additionally, conversion of plant biomass into pyrolysates is important for the environment, affecting the balance of carbon in the atmosphere through its capture and storage in a stable form outside the atmosphere, e.g., in soil.

The QED contribution to the dipole polarizability of the $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ atom was computed, including the effect of finite nuclear mass. The computationally most challenging contribution of the second electric-field derivative of the Bethe logarithm was obtained using two different methods: the integral representation method of Schwartz and the sum-over-states approach of Goldman and Drake. The results of both calculations are consistent, although the former method turned out to be much more accurate. The obtained value of the electric-field derivative of the Bethe logarithm, equal to 0.048 557 2(14) in atomic units, confirms the small magnitude of this quantity found in the only previous calculation [G. \L{}ach, B. Jeziorski, and K. Szalewicz, Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 233001 (2004)], but differs from it by about 5%. The origin of this difference is explained. The total QED correction of the order of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{3}$ in the fine-structure constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ amounts to $30.6671(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$, including the $0.1822\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ contribution from the electric-field derivative of the Bethe logarithm and the $0.011\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}12(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ correction for the finite nuclear mass, with all values in atomic units. The resulting theoretical value of the molar polarizability of helium-4 is $0.517\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}254\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}08(5)\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}/\text{mol}$ with the error estimate dominated by the uncertainty of the QED corrections of order ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{4}$ and higher. Our value is in agreement with but an order of magnitude more accurate than the result $0.517\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}254\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}4(10)\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}/\text{mol}$ of the most recent experimental determination [C. Gaiser and B. Fellmuth, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 123203 (2018)].

In this work, a multifunctional polymer composite is made using melt-blowing technology from polypropylene (88 wt.%) and poly (ethylene terephthalate) (12 wt.%) with the addition of functional modifiers, that is, 3 g of a superabsorbent polymer and 5 g of a biocidal agent (Biohaloysite). The use of modifiers is aimed at obtaining adequate comfort when using the target respiratory protection equipment (RPE) in terms of microclimate in the breathing zone and protection against harmful aerosols including bioaerosols. The developed production method is innovative in that the two powdered modifiers are simultaneously applied in the stream of elementary polymeric fibers by two independent injection systems. Aerosols of the modifiers are supplied via a specially designed channel in the central segment of the die assembly, reducing the amount of materials used in the production process and saving energy. The results show that the proposed method of incorporating additives into the fiber structure did not adversely affect the protective and functional properties of the resulting filtration nonwovens. The produced nonwoven composites are characterized by SEM, FTIR, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Given their high filtration efficiency at 5%, satisfactory airflow resistance (~200 Pa), very good antimicrobial activity, and excellent water absorption capacity, the obtained multifunctional nonwoven composites may be successfully used in filtering respiratory protective devices.

The article presents the findings of a study investigating the effects of storing Jonagold apples for six weeks in a condition in which the vertical component of the geomagnetic field has been eliminated (near null GMF) and in control conditions representing those applied in traditional storage (i.e., in the local geomagnetic field (local GMF)). Analyses of the fruit were performed before the start of and three times during the experiment (i.e., following four, five and six weeks in storage). The contents of simple sugars were measured using the HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) method, refractometry was applied to identify total extract, thermogravimetry was used to measure the water content, volatile substances and total ash, calorific value and intensity of respiration were examined by measuring CO2 emissions. Significant differences were found between the apples stored in the experimental and under control conditions, showing an advantage of storage in a condition with the vertical component of the geomagnetic field removed. Statistically significant differences were mainly identified in the speed of starch conversion into simple sugars, as well as the intensity of respiration and the appearance of the two groups of apples. Storage of fruit in a compensated geomagnetic field proved to be an effective method permitting an extended duration of storage without significant deterioration of the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of apples.

Choroby genetyczne i immunologiczne mimo wielu podejmowanych prób leczenia ciągle stanowią duże wyzwanie dla współczesnej medycyny. Obecne formy terapii tychchorób obejmują farmakologiczne łagodzenie ich objawów, rehabilitację czy pomoc psychologiczną, które choć bardzo ważne, nie są niestety wystarczające. Dlatego poszukiwanie nowych terapeutyków, które mogłyby z powodzeniem usuwać główne przyczyny tych chorób, ma ogromne znaczenie dla społeczeństwa. Związki pochodzenia naturalnego wykazują bardzo wiele aktywności biologicznych, dzięki którym są one kandydatami na leki w takich chorobach. Jednym z nich jest genisteina należąca do grupy flawonoidów. Dzięki szeregowi procesów na które wpływa, genisteina znalazła się w centrum zainteresowania naukowców pracujących nad chorobami o różnej etiologii, przebiegu i sposobie dziedziczenia. Wykorzystana została już w eksperymentalnej terapii chorób genetycznych (choroby Huntingtona, stwardnienia zanikowego bocznego, choroby Parkinsona, mukowiscydozy) lub autoimmunizacyjnych i alergicznych. W trakcie przebiegu są próby kliniczne z zastosowaniem genisteinyw chorobie Alzheimera oraz mukopolisacharydozy typu III (w tym drugim przypadku odbywa się próba kliniczna trzeciej fazy). Niezwykle interesującym faktem jest wykorzystanie bardzo zróżnicowanych właściwości genisteiny w próbach leczenia każdej z tych chorób. W niniejszej pracy zebrane zostały informacje o dokładnych molekularnych mechanizmach działania genisteiny w aspekcie terapii wymienionych wyżej chorób genetycznych oraz immunologicznych wraz z określeniem terapeutycznego potencjału każdej z aktywności opisywanego flawonoidu, efektywności jego działania oraz potencjalnego wdrożenia leczenia w przyszłości.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the higher accuracy, faster time-to-results and lower costs provided by MALDI Biotyper systems compared to classical methods. In this study, the culturable population of total count of bacteria, enterococci, coliforms bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and microscopic fungi and yeasts from cow’s dairy products was identified using the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. Altogether, 50 samples of the Slovak cheese “Parenica” were examined. Total numbers of bacteria were cultured on Plate count agar at 37 °C for 24–48 h, aerobically; enterococci were cultured on Enterococcus selective agar at 37 °C for 24–48 h, aerobically; coliforms bacteria were cultured on Violet Red Bile lactose agar at 37 °C for 24–48 h, aerobically. The LAB were cultured on MRS (Main Rogosa agar), MSE and APT agar at 30 °C in microaerophilic conditions. The microscopic fungi and yeasts were cultured on Malt extract agar at 25 °C for 5 days, aerobically. Isolated strains (total 669) were subjected to identification by the MALDI-TOF MS. Among total count the identified bacteria mostly were Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus warneri. Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae were the most abundant coliform bacteria representatives identified. Coliform bacteria included Citrobacter, Hafnia and Klebsiella. Altogether three genera belonged to the LAB – Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Leuconostoc were identified with Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus coryniformis, L. fructivorans and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were considered as the dominated LAB species in dairy products. Among yeasts, Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida zeylanoides and Yarrowia lipolytica were among the most isolated.

Recent progress in ammonothermal technology of bulk GaN growth in basic environment is presented and discussed in this paper. This method enables growth of two-inch in diameter crystals of outstanding structural properties, with radius of curvature above tens of meters and low threading dislocation density of the order of 5 × 104 cm−2. Crystals with different types of conductivity, n-type with free electron concentration up to 1019 cm−3, p-type with free hole concentration of 1016 cm−3, and semi-insulating with resistivity exceeding 1011 Ω cm, can be obtained. Ammonothermal GaN of various electrical properties is described in terms of point defects present in the material. Potential applications of high-quality GaN substrates are also briefly shown.

The aim of study was to isolate, characterize and analyse the protein profiles of Myoviridae-like bacteriophages obtained from M. haemolytica using MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The material consisted of the M. haemolytica reference strain ATCC® BAA410, reference serotypes A1, A2, A5, A6, A7, A9, and A11, and wild-type isolates of serotype A1. Bacteriophage morphology was examined with a transmission electron microscope. The proteins were separated in SDS-PAGE and two-dimensional electrophoresis and characterized by MALDI-TOF. Among the phages obtained, seven were specific for strains A1, A2, A5, A6, A7 and 25, and PHL-1 was specific for the BAA410 strain. The protein profiles for the phages were very similar to one another, but differed from the reference phage in that they lacked protein fractions with molecular weights of 22.9, 56.3 and 73.1 kDa. 2D electrophoresis revealed significant differences in the size of proteins and their localization in the pH gradient. The most similar profiles were observed in phages specific for strains BAA-410 and A6. In all profiles two main spots were observed in the molecular weight range from 44 to 70 kDa at pH

An experiment with non-degradable and degradable soil mulching materials in zucchini cultivation was carried out in 2016 and 2017 in the organic field of the Vegetable Experimental Station, Agricultural University of Kraków. Two kinds of polypropylene (PP) nonwoven of 50 g m-2 were used: PP standard and PP with 0.1% photoactivator. The control treatment were plots without mulching. The marketable yield obtained in 2016 was 21% and 15% higher on the plots mulched with PP nonwoven and PP nonwoven with a photoactivator, respectively, in comparison with the non-covered plots. Mulching the soil with PP nonwoven increased the water resistance index of the soil structure in comparison with the control and photodegradable PP nonwoven mulch. The progress of degradation over a two-month period showed a 40% reduction in the mass of the PP nonwoven with a photoactivator, and at the end of vegetation the mass of the PP nonwoven used was 52% lower than that of a new one. Tensile parameters of the PP nonwovens and their supramolecular structure were measured.

BACKGROUND The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has gained a reputation as a fruit with many health- promoting properties. It is considered to help prevent or treat various disease risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and inflammatory activities. It has been demonstrated that certain components of pomegranates, such as polyphenols, have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects. METHODS Five commercially available (CA) and three homemade (HM) pomegranate (Puni- ca granatum L.) juices were evaluated for their physicochemical properties including titratable acidity (TA), pH and total soluble solids (TSS), as well as antioxidant properties such as anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid content (AA), antioxidant activity (DPPH), total phenolic compounds (TPC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Moreover, the concentrations of 18 different elements (Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Na, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sr, Zn, Al, Cd, Ni, Pb, Hg) were determined using the ICP-OES method, with prior wet mineralization. RESULTS TA was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in homemade than in commercial juices (0.380 and 1.318% citric acid respectively). The TPC and FRAP parameters were about 50% higher in commercial than in homemade juices. Polyphenols were strongly correlated with antioxidant activity measured by FRAP and DPPH tests (r = 0.958 and 0.886 respectively), and a significant correlation for anthocyanins and vitamin C (r = 0.849) was observed. The most common mineral in each tested juice was potassium (132.69–3151.87 mg/dm3) and a high level of magnesium (23.42–123.63 mg/dm3) was found. CONCLUSIONS Obtaining juices from whole fruits (peel and arils), as in commercial production, enhanced the content of polyphenol compounds and the antioxidant activity of the juice. However, a better mineral compo- sition was observed in homemade juices.

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria and yeasts in different grape samples. The samples were collected in September 2017. Used 13 grape samples in this study (9 white and 4 red) were from the local Slovak winemakers. Alibernet, Irsai Oliver, Dornfelder, Blue Frankish, Feteasca regala, Green Veltliner, Pálava, Mūller Thurgau, Rhinriesling, Cabernet Savignon, Pinot Blanc, Savignon Blanc and Welschriesling. Two cultivation media were used for detection of bacteri and yeasts in grape samples. Malt extract agar base (MEA) and Tryptone Soay agar (TSA) were used for the cultivation of bacteria and yeasts. Cultivation was performed by spread plate method. Ethanol/formic acid extraction procedure was used for preparation of samples. MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer (Microflex LT/SH) (Bruker Daltonics, Germany) was used for identification of bacteria and yeasts. In total, 8 genera of yeasts, 8 genera of Gram-negative bacteria and 10 of Gram-positive bacteria were identified. Together 333 isolates, yeasts, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were identified.

The work is a continuation of two previous studies in which biomarker fatty acids (12 of 56 FA pools) were analysed in Helix pomatia L. after heterogeneous micro-supplementation of Zn and Cu (administered in five micro-doses in the form of salts and EDTA and lysine chelates). This time, peroxidation (PI) and unsaturation coefficients (UI) as biomarker were analysed. These indices were calculated based on the FA profile in the foot and hepatopancreas of snails. The correlation of frequently used oxidation status indicators of organisms (catalase - CAT, glutathione peroxidase - GPx, selenium-dependent peroxidase - se-GPx, superoxide dismutase - SOD, glutathione transferase - GST, glutathione reductase - GR, glutathione - GSH, carbonyl protein - CP, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) with the rarely used UI and PI ratios was analysed. It was found that the 12-week micro-exposure to Zn and Cu did not inhibit but rather stimulated antioxidative defence at a sufficient level to increase the values of peroxidation/unsaturation indices in comparison to the control groups. Induction of an opposite process to oxidation of fatty acids was demonstrated. Maximum activities and amounts of antioxidants as well as minima of protein and lipid decomposition were recorded in groups supplemented with 0.75 mg/l Zn and 1.0 mg/l Cu. The possibility of a direct use of fatty acids as well as peroxidation/unsaturation indices as sensitive and reproducible biomarkers of exposure and oxidative physiological status in snails was confirmed.

Is it possible to characterize the types of honey based on their chemical composition, their content of bioactive substances, and their physicochemical properties? The objective of this study was a comparative analysis of four types of honey from the Carpathian Foothills area, located in south-east Poland, based on the content of the main phenolic acids and proline, the mineral composition, and selected physicochemical properties. Most analyses, such as those of phenolic acids, sugars, and proline content, in honey samples were performed using chromatographic methods. These experiments demonstrated that honeydew honeys were the richest in phenolic acids, minerals, as well as oligosaccharides, compared to other honeys. Dark-colored honeys were characterized by the highest proline content. The dominant elements in all types of honey were potassium and calcium. The results of the present study show that analyses of specific phenolic acids, minerals, proline, and sugar content, in combination with chemometrics analysis, may successfully differentiate between the biological origins of honey samples and allow the preliminary verification of the samples before performing time-consuming pollen analysis.

Vascular endothelial growth factor down-regulates microRNA-1 (miR-1) in the lung endothelium, and endothelial cells play a critical role in tumor progression and angiogenesis.To examine the clinical significance of miR-1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its specific role in tumor endothelium.miR-1 levels were measured by Taqman assay. Endothelial cells were isolated by magnetic sorting. We used vascular endothelial cadherin promoter to create a vascular-specific miR-1 lentiviral vector and an inducible transgenic mouse. KRASIn two cohorts of patients with NSCLC, miR-1 levels were lower in tumors than the cancer-free tissue. Tumor miR-1 levels correlated with the overall survival of patients with NSCLC. miR-1 levels were also lower in endothelial cells isolated from NSCLC tumors and tumor-bearing lungs of KP mouse model. We examined the significance of lower miR-1 levels by testing the effects of vascular-specific miR-1 overexpression. Vector-mediated delivery or transgenic overexpression of miR-1 in endothelial cells decreased tumor burden in KP mice, reduced the growth and vascularity of Lewis lung carcinoma xenografts, and decreased tracheal angiogenesis in vascular endothelial growth factor transgenic mice. In endothelial cells, miR-1 level was regulated through phosphoinositide 3-kinase and specifically controlled proliferation, de novo DNA synthesis, and ERK1/2 activation. Myeloproliferative leukemia oncogene was targeted by miR-1 in the lung endothelium and regulated tumor growth and angiogenesis.Endothelial miR-1 is down-regulated in NSCLC tumors and controls tumor progression and angiogenesis.

Studies related to selection of molar mass of hyaluronic acid and analysis of rheological properties of hyaluronic acid solutions modified with bioactive substances, used in spinning, were undertaken within the presented work. A cephalosporin group antibiotic, Biofuroxime®, was used, together with the nanoadditives zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydroxyapatite (HAp). Electrospinning studies were performed on selected solutions using a large scale laboratory station, allowing the process to be performed using three nozzles supplying the spinning solution. Optimum electrospinning conditions were selected on the basis of the performed study, which allow fibrous structures made of elementary fibres with diameters below 200 nm to be obtained. Studies showed that the most preferred distance between the nozzle and the collecting manifold was 450 mm and the most preferred applied voltage was 30 kV. The obtained, modified nanofibres of hyaluronic acid comprise structures for use in the production of biomaterials with a wide range of applications in tissue engineering.

Oxidation of cellulosic materials is required in many fields such as textile processing, natural fiber composites, medical utilization, and so on. The present study was designed to explore the possibility of ozone treatment as a greener oxidation process for jute fibers. Ozone gas was used for the treatment of waste jute fibers for different time periods in a humid atmosphere. Several characterization techniques, namely physical appearance, fiber mechanical properties, the copper number, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, moisture regain percentage and lightness values (L), were used to assess the effect of treatment on jute fibers. Results showed that fiber tensile properties weaken gradually as a function of treatment time, and surface functional groups alter accordingly. Changes in crystallinity after ozone treatment were also observed. Physically the fiber bundles were split into brittle single fibers, and the L value increased from a brownish shade to lighter color.

Harmful cyanobacteria and their toxic metabolites constitute a big challenge for the production of safe drinking water. Microcystins (MC), chemically stable hepatotoxic heptapeptides, have often been involved in cyanobacterial poisoning incidents. A desirable solution for cyanobacterial management in lakes and ponds would eliminate both excess cyanobacteria and the MC that they potentially produce and release upon lysis. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has recently been advocated as an efficient means of lysing cyanobacteria in lakes and ponds, however H2O2 (at least when used at typical concentrations) cannot degrade MC in environmental waters. Therefore, mesocosm experiments combining the cyanobacteria-lysing effect of H2O2 and the MC-degrading capacity of the enzyme MlrA were set up in the highly eutrophic Lake Ludo&scaron, (Serbia). The H2O2 treatment decreased the abundance of the dominant cyanobacterial taxa Limnothrix sp., Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, and Planktothrix agardhii. The intracellular concentration of MC was reduced/eliminated by H2O2, yet the reduction of the extracellular MC could only be accomplished by supplementation with MlrA. However, as H2O2 was found to induce the expression of mcyB and mcyE genes, which are involved in MC biosynthesis, the use of H2O2 as a safe cyanobacteriocide still requires further investigation. In conclusion, the experiments showed that the combined use of H2O2 and MlrA is promising in the elimination of both excess cyanobacteria and their MC in environmental waters.

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy incurs nearly universal dilated cardiomyopathy by the third decade of life, preceded by myocardial damage and impaired left ventricular strain by cardiac magnetic resonance. It has been shown that (1) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy with spironolactone attenuated damage while maintaining function when given early in a mouse model and (2) low‐dose eplerenone stabilized left ventricular strain in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and evident myocardial damage but preserved ejection fraction. We hypothesized that moderate‐dose spironolactone versus eplerenone would provide similar cardioprotection in this first head‐to‐head randomized trial of available mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, the AIDMD (Aldosterone Inhibition in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) trial. Methods and Results This was a multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, noninferiority trial. Subjects were randomized to eplerenone, 50 mg, or spironolactone, 50 mg, orally once daily for 12 months. The primary outcome was change in left ventricular systolic strain at 12 months. Among 52 enrolled male subjects, aged 14 (interquartile range, 12–18) years, spironolactone was noninferior to eplerenone (∆strain, 0.4 [interquartile range, −0.4 to 0.6] versus 0.2 [interquartile range, −0.2 to 0.7]; P =0.542). Renal and pulmonary function remained stable in both groups, and no subjects experienced serious hyperkalemia. Infrequent adverse events included gynecomastia in one subject in the spironolactone arm and facial rash in one subject in the eplerenone arm. Conclusions In boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, spironolactone added to background therapy is noninferior to eplerenone in preserving contractile function. These findings support early mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy as effective and safe in a genetic disease with high cardiomyopathy risk. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 02354352.

This article presents the findings of a laboratory study investigating the stimulation and conditioning of seeds with biochar and the effects observed in the germination and emergence of Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) seedlings. The study shows that biochar, applied as a conditioner added to water in the process of seed hydration, improves their germination capacity. When the processed plant material was added to water at a rate of 5 g (approx. 1250 seeds) per 100 mL, the rate of germination increased to 45.3%, and was 23.3% higher when compared to the control group, and 7.3% higher than in the seeds hydrated without biochar. The beneficial effects of biochar application were also reflected in the increased mass of Virginia mallow seedlings. The mass of seedlings increased by 73.5% compared to the control sample and by 25.9% compared to the seeds hydrated without biochar. Given the low cost of charcoal applied during the hydro-conditioning process, the material can be recommended as a conditioner in large-scale production of Virginia mallow.

Frameworks for limiting ecosystem exposure to excess nutrients and acidity require accurate and complete deposition budgets of reactive nitrogen (Nr). While much progress has been made in developing total Nr deposition budgets for the U.S., current budgets remain limited by key data and knowledge gaps. Analysis of National Atmospheric Deposition Program Total Deposition (NADP/TDep) data illustrates several aspects of current Nr deposition that motivate additional research. Averaged across the continental U.S., dry deposition contributes slightly more (55%) to total deposition than wet deposition and is the dominant process (> 90%) over broad areas of the Southwest and other arid regions of the West. Lack of dry deposition measurements imposes a reliance on models, resulting in a much higher degree of uncertainty relative to wet deposition which is routinely measured. As nitrogen oxide (NO(x)) emissions continue to decline, reduced forms of inorganic nitrogen (NH(x) = NH(3) + NH(4)(+)) now contribute > 50% of total Nr deposition over large areas of the U.S. Expanded monitoring and additional process-level research are needed to better understand NH(x) deposition, its contribution to total Nr deposition budgets, and the processes by which reduced N deposits to ecosystems. Urban and suburban areas are hotspots where routine monitoring of oxidized and reduced Nr deposition is needed. Finally, deposition budgets have incomplete information about the speciation of atmospheric nitrogen; monitoring networks do not capture important forms of Nr such as organic nitrogen. Building on these themes, we detail the state of the science of Nr deposition budgets in the U.S. and highlight research priorities to improve deposition budgets in terms of monitoring and flux measurements, leaf- to regional-scale modeling, source apportionment, and characterization of deposition trends and patterns.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of chicken thighs after treatment by fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oil, stored under vacuum packaging (VP) at 4 &plusmn, 0.5 &deg, C for a period of 16 days. The following treatments of chicken thighs were used: Air-packaging control samples (APCS), vacuum-packaging control samples (VPC), vacuum-packaging (VP) control samples with rapeseed oil (VPRO), VP (vacuum-packaging) with fennel essential oil at concentrations 0.2% v/w (VP + F), and VP with savory essential oil at concentration 0.2% v/w (VP + S). The quality assessment of APCS, VPC, VPRO, VP + F and VP + S products was established by microbiological analysis. The microbiological parameters as the total viable counts of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Pseudomonas spp. were detected. Bacterial species were identified with the MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The combination of essential oils and vacuum packaging had a significant effect (p &lt, 0.05) on the reduction of total viable counts (TVC) compared with control group without vacuum packaging and the untreated control group. Though 15 genera and 46 species were isolated with scores higher than 2.3 from the chicken samples.

The first laser spectroscopic determination of the change in the nuclear charge radius for a five-electron system is reported. This is achieved by combining high-accuracy ab initio mass-shift calculations and a high-accuracy measurement of the isotope shift in the $2{s}^{2}2p\text{ }\text{ }{^{2}P}_{1/2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2{s}^{2}3s\text{ }\text{ }{^{2}S}_{1/2}$ ground state transition in boron atoms. Accuracy is increased by orders of magnitude for the stable isotopes $^{10,11}\mathrm{B}$ and the results are used to extract their difference in the mean-square charge radius $⟨{r}_{c}^{2}{⟩}^{11}\ensuremath{-}⟨{r}_{c}^{2}{⟩}^{10}=\ensuremath{-}0.49(12)\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{fm}}^{2}$. The result is qualitatively explained by a possible cluster structure of the boron nuclei and quantitatively used to benchmark new ab initio nuclear structure calculations using the no-core shell model and Green's function Monte Carlo approaches. These results are the foundation for a laser spectroscopic determination of the charge radius of the proton-halo candidate $^{8}\mathrm{B}$.