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Advances in cryobiology techniques commonly target either the cooling or the warming cycle, while little thought has been given to ≪repair≫ protocols applicable during cold storage. In particular, crystallization is the dominant threat to cryopreserved samples but proceeds from small nuclei that are innocuous if further growth is forestalled. To this end, we propose a laser editing technique that locally heats individual crystals above their melting point by a focused nanosecond pulse, followed by amorphization during rapid resolidification. As a reference, we first apply the approach to ice crystals in cryoprotected solution and use Raman confocal mapping to study the deactivation of crystalline order. Then, we examine dimethyl sulfoxide trihydrate crystals that can germinate at low temperatures in maximally freeze concentrated regions, as commonly produced by equilibrium cooling protocols. We show how to uniquely identify this phase from Raman spectra and evidence retarded growth of laser-edited crystals during warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION This study investigates the effect of microemulsions of 0.8% Ocimum basilicum essential oil (MOBO) on the cooking quality and shelf life of snakehead fillets using different impregnation methods (air environment treatment, vacuum impregnation, ultrasonic impregnation and vacuum impregnation with ultrasonic‐assisted). Basil essential oil, recognized for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, is utilized in a microemulsion form to enhance its efficacy and application in food preservation.The findings of the study demonstrated that MOBO markedly enhanced the cooking quality, flavor and overall acceptability of snakehead fillets. The incidence of microbial growth was markedly diminished in the MOBO‐treated fillets in comparison to the control group. On day 9, a reduction in the total viable count of a minimum of 1.7 lg CFU/g was observed in comparison to the control group. The treated group exhibited an extended shelf life, with an increase of 3–9 days in comparison to the control group. However, there was a higher cooking weight loss in the treated group compared to the control group. This is from the findings regarding moisture content. The digestibility of the MOBO‐treated fillets was enhanced by up to 4.13% in comparison to the control group, while the particle size was reduced by up to 40 nm. MOBO reduced the production of bitter amino acids and thiobarbituric acid.Incorporating MOBO in the marination process effectively enhances the cooking quality and extends the shelf life of snakehead fillets. These results indicate the potential of basil essential oil microemulsion as a natural and efficient food preservation method, offering significant benefits for the food industry in terms of product quality and safety improvement. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inoculants of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) propagated by the in vitro culture system is important in scientific research; however, the long-term storage reduces the spore germination rate. The propagules of AMF consist of three components, including spores, hyphae and colonized root fragments. It is well known that cold storage can improve the germination rate of AMF spores, with limited investigations on the germination of other propagules. In this study, AMF inoculants were stored at 25°C or at 4°C (cold storage) to investigate the effect of cold storage on the propagule viability of the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM197198. The germination rate of propagules (spores, hyphae, root fragments) and their colonization ability were determined at 3 and 6 months after storage. The results showed that the spore germination rate remained unchanged after storage for 0 and 1 month at 25°C, but decreased rapidly after storage for 3 months. Furthermore, we investigated the hyphal germination rate for the first time. The germination rates of spores, hyphae and root fragments were significantly higher under cold storage compared to those at 25°C. Additionally, we classified the germ tubes of hypha into two types: long-type (L-type) and short type (S-type). The germination rate and the proportion of L-type germ tubes of hyphae significantly increased with cold storage time, which was conducive to colonization. The results of mycorrhizal colonization confirmed that cold storage significantly increased the colonization of hypha compared with 25°C treatment. Cold storage may break the dormancy of AMF propagules and activate related enzymes to promote the germination and colonization of propagules, which needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) 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.)

Practical Application The lipoxygenase (LOX) activity of major tropical fish used for surimi production, including threadfin bream (TB), lizardfish (LZ), and goatfish (GF), was measured in the gills, skin, and muscle. The highest LOX activity was observed in the LZ samples (p < 0.05), with the gills exhibiting the greatest activity at 376.56 U/mg (p < 0.05). The highest peroxide value was detected in the TB samples, particularly in the gills (p < 0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids in all the tissues and surimi. The total lipid and DHA contents of washed mince reduced considerably after the screw press process. Although LOX activity decreased during surimi production, a residual activity of 21.33 U/g was observed in the finished surimi. LOX was partially purified and characterized from LZ gills. The purification was conducted using two successive chromatographic steps, Sephacryl S‐200 and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)–sepharose, resulting in a 3.52% yield and a 22.43‐fold increase in purity. The optimum activity was found at 25°C and pH 7.5, with pH stability between 6.0 and 8.5. The relatively high thermal stability at 4°C–10°C suggested that LOX might contribute to fish lipid oxidation during cold storage. The enzyme was thermally inactivated at 60°C. The preferred substrate was EPA. LOX from the LZ gills was inhibited by 1 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and activated by 1 mM Fe2+, Na+, and Ca2+.Elucidating lipoxygenase activity and lipid oxidation in various tropical fish tissues, as well as understanding the characteristics of LOX, can help take appropriate postharvest actions to afford high‐quality surimi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The adoption of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has increased in recent years for the treatment of pancreatic head tumors and periampullary lesions. Some potential benefits seem to be demonstrated; however, obtaining specimens through this method can potentially compromise the diagnosis depending on the timing of the specimen retrieval, and the impact of longer perioperative time on ischemia and autolysis of the surgical specimen has not been analyzed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histological changes associated with timing of specimen retrieval during robotic PD. Methods: A review of histopathology files was performed for all pancreatic specimens collected at our hospital from January 2022 to March 2024. Both warm ischemia time (WIT) and cold ischemia time (CIT) were collected. Histological features related to ischemic damage were evaluated in normal duodenal and pancreatic parenchyma as well as pancreatic tumor, and were graded as: absent, mild, moderate and severe. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine which variables were associated with moderate and severe ischemic changes. Results: Sixty surgical specimens were analyzed: 20 open PD, 17 robotic PD with cold ischemia, and 23 robotic PD. Median total WIT was 182 min (open PD 57 min vs. RPD 190 min vs. RPD-CI 198 min; p < 0.001). Median CIT was 760 min (740–835) in samples stored at 4ºC. Univariate analysis showed that longer intraoperative time, male gender and cold ischemia were associated with pancreatic tissue ischemic changes. In multivariate analysis, cold ischemia was the only independent factor associated with normal pancreatic tissue and tumor tissue moderate and severe ischemic changes. Conclusions: Prolonged ischemia time, especially in the case of cold storage, has a strong effect on the degradation of normal and tumor tissue without affecting pathological evaluation. Operative teams should aim to optimize both the duration and efficiency of the surgical procedure, ensuring minimal ischemic time. Simultaneously, pathology departments must be equipped to process pancreatic specimens promptly, with protocols in place to minimize the time between resection and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GA-based coatings applied to 'African Delight™' plums in a commercial packhouse. • GA 10 % delayed softening, color changes, and acidity loss in plums during export. • Coated plums retained microbial safety and extended shelf life with less ripe profiles. • The study supports GA coatings as a sustainable alternative to HDPE bags. This research evaluated the commercial viability of using different concentrations of gum Arabic (GA) based edible coatings on 'African Delight™' plums in a commercial packhouse environment. The coatings tested were GA 2 %, GA 5 %, GA 10 %, GA 5 % with pomegranate seed oil, and GA 5 % with ascorbic acid. The postharvest quality was tracked during a simulated export scenario, including six weeks of cold storage at −0.5 ± 2 °C and 90 ± 5 % RH, followed by a 15-day shelf life at 20 ± 2 °C and 80 ± 5 % RH. GA 10 % was the most effective among the formulations, significantly (p < 0.05) delaying physicochemical changes such as fruit softening, acidity reduction, and peel colour darkening. Sensory analysis showed that plums coated with GA 10 % retained unripe to semi-ripe characteristics at 5 days of shelf life, while control plums were classified as ripe to overripe. This indicates that GA 10 % can extend the commercial shelf life of plums beyond the current 5-day limit. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the potential of these coatings as an eco-friendly alternative to HDPE bags. However, the effectiveness of edible coatings was limited by their moisture barrier properties, requiring further optimization for wider commercial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portable ex vivo lung perfusion during lung transplantation is a resource‐intensive technology. In light of its increasing use, we evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of ex vivo lung perfusion at a low‐volume lung transplant center in the USA. Methods: Patients listed for lung transplantation (2015–2021) in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. Quality‐of‐life was approximated by Karnofsky Performance Status scores 1‐year post‐transplant. Total transplantation encounter and 1‐year follow‐up costs accrued by our academic center for patients listed from 2018 to 2021 were obtained. Cost‐effectiveness was calculated by evaluating the number of patients attaining various Karnofsky scores relative to cost. Results: Of the 13 930 adult patients who underwent lung transplant in the United Network for Organ Sharing database, 13 477 (96.7%) used static cold storage and 453 (3.3%) used ex vivo lung perfusion, compared to 30/58 (51.7%) and 28/58 (48.3%), respectively, at our center. Compared to static cold storage, median total costs at 1 year were higher for ex vivo lung perfusion ($918 000 vs. $516 000; p = 0.007) along with the cost of living 1 year with a Karnofsky functional status of 100 after transplant ($1 290 000 vs. $841 000). In simulated scenarios, each Karnofsky‐adjusted life year gained by ex vivo lung perfusion was 1.00–1.72 times more expensive. Conclusions: Portable ex vivo lung perfusion is not currently cost‐effective at a low‐volume transplant centers in the USA, being 1.53 times more expensive per Karnofsky‐adjusted life year. Improving donor lung and/or recipient biology during ex vivo lung perfusion may improve its utility for routine transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, regulations focus on the energy use of cold chain units and not on their food preservation performance. Our hypothesis is that this reflects a lack of practical/science-based assessment protocols which is addressed in this work. About 3 million time–temperature values for fish fillets stored in the bottom drawer independently set at 0.0 °C and a peer-reviewed predictive model were used to assess the microbial preservation performance of a residential refrigerator operating at 5.0 °C. The temperature effect on the exponential growth rate of Pseudomonas spp. on fish fillets was used to generate a refrigerator preservation indicator (RPI) with values < 1, ~ 1, and > 1 describing excellent, acceptable, or poor microbial preservation performance, respectively. Experimental effects evaluated were refrigerator technology (single/variable speed compressor, SS/VS), ambient temperature (21.1/32.2 °C, LT/HT), refrigerator load (22.5/39 kg, RL/HL), and emulation of door openings during meal preparation. Deterministic RPI estimations for the VS compressor ranged from 1.28 to 1.71, while those for SS ranged from 1.13 to 1.24. Probabilistic estimations yielded confidence intervals also exceeding the desirable 1.0 value. Mean comparisons through Tukey's HSD identified p-values < 0.05 for all main effects; nonetheless, compressor technology was the most influential factor since the compressor × ambient temperature interaction was significant for both compressors and the compressor × food load interaction was significant for VS compressors. It is concluded that users of cold chain units would benefit from regulations covering energy use and preservation performance with the latter assessed by RPI determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of slurry ice (SI) in physicochemical changes, water migration, myofibrillar protein characterisation, and extended shelf life during cold storage of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus). SI provided faster cooling rate, better structural stability of muscle tissue, and a significant reduction in total viable count (TVC). In addition, the use of SI treatment resulted in a considerable reduction in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and pH. The results of the texture profile analysis (TPA) demonstrated that SI had a significant inhibitory effect on the reduction of hardness, springiness, resilience, and chewiness. In addition, SI treatment better maintained a well‐structured myofibrillar protein stabilising the tertiary structure. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that SI treatment could retard the water migration. Furthermore, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that SI treatment of pufferfish effectively slowed down the degradation of their myofibrillar protein fraction throughout the cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blueberries are vulnerable to chilling injury (CI). This can lead to limited longevity when they are subjected to cold storage conditions. This study investigated the effectiveness of a preharvest spray containing 0.02% hexanal in reducing CI and improving the postharvest storage quality of 'Star' and 'Biloxi' blueberries. The blueberries were stored for a period of 5 weeks at 2 °C and in 90% relative humidity (RH). The findings revealed that the preharvest hexanal spraying of both cultivars delayed senescence by mitigating CI, as evidenced by the bolstering of the antioxidant defense system through increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity. The treated fruit also maintained elevated levels of total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and vitamin C, demonstrating enhanced free radical scavenging capacity (FRSC), while exhibiting reduced polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and H2O2 content in comparison with the control group. The preharvest hexanal treatment also suppressed fruit softening by maintaining greater firmness and higher membrane stability index (MSI) scores, inhibiting the activity of polygalacturonase (PG), pectinmethylesterase (PME), xylanase, and α‐amylase, and reducing microbial counts (MC) and incidence of decay (DI) in comparison with the control. Preharvest hexanal treatment also improved the overall storage quality by reducing weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and the TSS/acid ratio, while increasing titratable acidity (TA) in comparison with the control during cold storage. The findings suggest that hexanal, as a preharvest application, delays senescence effectively and preserves overall quality by enhancing cold tolerance through antioxidant defense mechanisms in blueberry storage under cold conditions. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The evaluation of refrigeration systems due to the presence of malfunctions in their components was conducted through thermoeconomic methodology. • This methodology used splits physical exergy into its thermal and mechanical terms, in addition to using the fictitious term of negentropy. • A prognosis of system behaviour was derived, enabling utilization in maintenance scheduling and facilitating comprehensive energetic and exergetic analyses of both the refrigeration system and its individual components. In recent years, it has been possible to observe a significant expansion of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Considering that food refrigeration systems (blast chilling or freezing, cold storage, retail display, etc.) and air conditioners are large energy consumers, this work presents a methodology for evaluating the performance and behaviour of these systems using the thermoeconomic diagnosis concept. The thermoeconomic model used allowed the definition of the condenser and expansion device products, which is not trivial for these components. With that, the thermoeconomic diagnosis was used to evaluate the degradation of refrigeration system components, together with the influence of individual component degradations on efficiency, cooling capacity, operating parameters, and power consumption of the whole system. Through this analysis, a prognosis of system behaviour was obtained, which can be used for maintenance scheduling, as well as for the comprehensive energetic and exergetic analysis of a refrigeration system and each of its components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Condiment is the property of China Condiment 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 Andean–Patagonian forests of South America offer a great variety of wild edible mushrooms, many with ancestral use and others linked to new mycogastronomic offers. However, their sensory properties and detailed characterizations have not yet been deeply explored and described, nor have their alterations due to cold storage. The aims of this work were to perform a sensory characterization through a trained panel evaluation, perform target volatile compounds analysis and evaluate post-harvest preservation methods effects on nine species of wild edible mushrooms with different trophic habits (Cortinarius magellanicus, Panus dusenii, Fistulina antarctica, F. endoxantha, Gloeosoma vitellinum, Grifola gargal, Lepista nuda, Ramaria patagonica, and Cyttaria hariotii). The sensory description of dehydrated specimens through quantitative descriptive analysis showed that panelists were a significant source of variation; F. antarctica and R. patagonica registered distinct sweet flavor/spice odor and wood/sweet flavor, respectively, and different textures. Refrigeration produced a rapid loss of sensory characteristics, whereas freezer conservation satisfactorily maintained the characteristics in F. anctartica, R. patagonica, G. vitellinum, and C. hariotti for at least four months. A total of 60 target volatile organic compounds were detected, corresponding to grass, mushroom, alkane, and pungent odors in F. anctartica, R. patagonica, and G. vitellinum. The detailed sensory characterization and post-harvest conservation options of these novel products constitute crucial information to promote their sustainable use and local development through innovative activities linked to tourism, such as mushroom gastronomy and mycotourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing post-harvest losses of strawberries, which quickly spoil after harvest and have a limited storage life, is crucial in minimizing product wastage. The research aimed to investigate the impact of spermidine application at varying concentrations (0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM) on post-harvest fruit quality characteristics and biochemical composition. Spermidine application protected the fruits by preventing changes in weight loss, decay rate, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), pH ratios and respiration rate. Malic acid was dominant in strawberry fruits, and that the application of 2 mM spermidine (559.80 mg/100 g) compared to the control group (483.55 mg/100 g) largely preserved malic acid content. Chlorogenic acid was phenolics compound that had the highest content, and spermdine doses significantly preserved chlorogenic acid during storage. The study revealed that 2 mM spermidine application was the most effective dose and that it could be used at this concentration to preserve post-harvest fruit quality and reduce biochemical changes in strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effects of combined treatment with hyperbranched poly-L-lysine (HBPL) and chitosan (CS) on the storage quality of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) at 4℃ for 15 days. The results demonstrated that HBPL-CS treatment effectively preserved the sensory quality of shiitake mushrooms, which remained satisfactory even after 15d of storage. After 15 days of storage, the rot degree, browning degree, and mass loss of shiitake mushrooms in HBPL-CS treatment group were 0.57, 3.85, and 9.31%, respectively, which were significantly lower than other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the contents of reducing sugar, vitamin C, soluble protein, and total phenolic in HBPL-CS treatment group were 2.76 mg/g, 3.71 mg/100 g, 3.89 mg/g, and 0.42 mg/g, significantly higher than other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, HBPL-CS treatment effectively suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and decreased relative electrolyte leakage in shiitake mushrooms (p < 0.05). Additionally, HBPL-CS treatment enhanced catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) activities while inhibiting peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities in shiitake mushrooms. In conclusion, HBPL-CS treatment exhibited remarkable potential for preserving membrane integrity, delaying browning occurrence, and extending the shelf life of shiitake mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Fuji' and 'Hanfu' apples, genetically related major cultivars grown in China, lacked a systematic comparison regarding their storage potential despite their importance. This study aimed to address this gap by analyzing the physicochemical, textural, and aroma properties of 'Fuji' and 'Hanfu' apples under different storage conditions, including fresh, cold storage (0.5 ± 0.3 °C, 85 ± 5% RH for 10 months), and 1-MCP (1.0 µL L− 1) treatment combined with cold storage. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were applied to distinguish the two cultivars. The results showed that 'Hanfu' apples exhibited significantly higher vitamin C (VC) content compared to 'Fuji' apples, with fresh 'Hanfu' (Fresh-HF) containing 13.69 mg 100 g− 1, stored 'Hanfu' (Stored-HF) 28.07 mg 100 g− 1and 1-MCP treated (1-MCP-HF) 'Hanfu' 16.96 mg 100 g− 1, versus 10.78 mg 100 g− 1, 11.71 mg 100 g− 1 and 12.46 mg 100 g− 1 for 'Fuji', respectively, which could be used to distinguish the two cultivars. In general, the textural properties of fresh 'Fuji' apples (Fresh-FJ) were better than those of Fresh-HF, and there was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in aroma properties. Moreover, stored 'Fuji' apples (Stored-FJ) had better textural properties while Stored-HF had better aroma properties. The opposite result was observed in the 1-MCP treated apples, indicating that 1-MCP could maintain the quality of 'Hanfu' apples, but the effect on 'Fuji' apples was not significant. 'Fuji' and 'Hanfu' apples could be distinguished obviously using PCA and OPLS-DA. The application of 1-MCP was considered to have potential prospects in postharvest preservation of 'Hanfu' apples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples are preserved in cold storage within standard size crates to avoid injury during handling and are stacked in a specific manner to promote adequate air circulation. This research builds an air flow and heat transfer model of a cold room (5.75 m × 3.83 m × 3.75 m) with apple filled crates (0.55 m × 0.37 m × 0.3 m) modeled as a porous media and uses CFD simulation to study how alternate stacking impacts airflow distribution and product temperature. The conventional arrangement of crates, termed CS1, was simulated, and the resulting temperature distribution data were used to validate the model with published experimental data, a root mean square error of 1.13 °C indicates good match. The model is extended to examine temperature distribution for two additional arrangements of crates (CS2 and CS3) with changed orientations and spacing, in accordance with a specific strategy. CS3, featuring larger spacing along the z-direction, showed higher average air velocity compared to CS2 and CS1 by 7.4% and 3.7% respectively. CS3 also improved cooling rate by 25.2% and increased the number of chilled crates by 20% within 40 h, along with a reduced temperature heterogeneity (3.59 °C). The model could predict hot spots in various stacking configurations, aiding in optimal arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Starch‐based food is easy to retrograde during cold storage after gelatinization, which leads to quality fission and a relatively short shelf life. Some lipids can effectively enhance the storage stability of starch gels by the formation of starch–lipid complexes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glyceryl monopalmitate (GMP) on gelatinization, rheological and retrogradation properties of Japonica rice starch (JS) at different conditions and to analyze the correlation between the physical‐chemical properties and structural characteristics of the JS–GMP complex.The addition of GMP to JS could retard the process of starch gelatinization through forming JS–GMP complexes. The resulting JS–GMP pastes were typical pseudoplastic fluids with shear thinning, and their solid‐like properties were prominent (tan δ < 1). In addition, the retrogradation of JS–GMP complex was more inhibited during storage at −18 than at 4 °C. The added amount of GMP was negatively and highly associated with the minimum viscosity, consistency coefficient, hardness and elasticity, whereas it was positively and highly correlated with the breakdown value, fluid characteristic index and relative crystallinity. The relative crystallinity of JS was affected by GMP in an approximate dose‐dependent manner.The addition of GMP can influence the gelatinization properties, rheological properties and retrogradation characteristics of JS, and the formation of JS–GMP complex could improve the quality and storage stability of starch gel, which provides ideas for the quality control of starch‐based food. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effect of Persian gum (PG) and microbial transglutaminase enzyme (MTGase) on some physicochemical and microstructural characteristics of low‐fat ultrafiltrated Iranian white cheese during 60 days of cold storage. To manufacture the low‐fat cheese samples, PG (0%, 0.25%, and 0.5%) and MTGase (0, 0.5 and 1 U/g of protein) were used and cheeses (low‐ and full‐fat) without PG and MTGase were considered as controls. The obtained results revealed that the treated samples with PG had a higher titratable acidity, moisture content, and moisture‐to‐protein ratio (M:P), but a lower protein content as compared to the low‐fat control (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the cheese samples treated with the higher level of MTGase (i.e., 1 U/g of protein) had a higher protein and fat content (p ≤ 0.05). Methyl palmitate (C16:0) and methyl oleate (C18:1) were found to be the most abundant fatty acids in the tested cheeses. Additionally, scanning electron micrographs revealed that addition of PG and MTGase improved the microstructure of the samples, so that the sample containing 0.5 U enzyme and 0.5% gum was more similar to its full‐fat counterpart and obtained the highest overall acceptance score among the cheeses. Therefore, our findings revealed that with incorporation of PG and MTGase, a low‐fat ultrafiltrated white cheese could be produced with an appropriate functional, physicochemical, and microstructural characteristics comparable to the full‐fat product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. present challenges in clinical and veterinary settings because effective antimicrobial agents are limited. Phage-encoded peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme, endolysin, is expected to be a novel antimicrobial agent. The enzymatic activity has recently been shown to be influenced by the linker between functional domains in the enzyme. S6_ORF93 (ORF93) is one of the endolysins derived from previously isolated Staphylococcus giant phage S6. The ORF93 was speculated to have a catalytic and peptidoglycan-binding domain with a long linker. In this study, we examined the influence of linker shortening on the characteristics of ORF93. We produce wild-type ORF93 and the linker deletion mutants using an Escherichia coli expression system. These mutants were designated as ORF93-Δ05, ORF93-Δ10, ORF93-Δ15, and ORF93-Δ20, from which 5, 10, 15, and 20 amino acids were removed from the linker, respectively. Except for the ORF93-Δ20, ORF93 and its mutants were expressed as soluble proteins. Moreover, ORF93-Δ15 showed the highest yield and bacteriolytic activity, while the antimicrobial spectrum was homologous. The cold storage experiment showed a slight effect by the linker deletion. According to our results and other studies, linker investigations are crucial in endolysin development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ber fruit is highly perishable, with a storage life of only 3–5 days under ambient conditions, which makes it difficult to transport the fruit even to domestic markets. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of postharvest treatment with sodium nitroprusside (50, 100 and 150 µM) on the storage life, quality attributes, bioactive composition and antioxidant enzyme contents of ‘Umran’ ber fruit. The treated fruit were stored for 28 days to investigate the effects of sodium nitroprusside after 7 days of cold storage at 7.5°C and 90–95% RH. It was found that fruit treated with 100 μM sodium nitroprusside experienced lower fruit weight loss and spoilage, maintained fruit firmness, and had a higher sensory quality, phenolic content, carotenoid content, soluble solids content, sugar content, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity than the control. Furthermore, the activities of the cell wall degrading enzymes polygalacturonase, polyphenol oxidase, pectin methyl esterase and catalase were lower, while the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were higher in the treated fruit. Therefore, treatment with 100 μM sodium nitroprusside shows high potential for improving the storage life and maintaining the quality attributes of ber fruit for up to 21 days under cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal was to investigate biochars' potential as carrier for commercial Trichoderma-based biopesticides, facilitating their application in soil or growing media. Thirty-five biochars produced from various feedstocks and pyrolysis temperatures were chemically characterized. Incubation and cold storage tests using a commercial Trichoderma-based biopesticide were done. Properties leading to good Trichoderma carrier capacity (TCC) are wood-based feedstocks and low pyrolysis temperatures (p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression showed that TCC = exp (23.0 (± 2.21)–1.03 (± 0.25) *pH-H2O–0.94 (± 0.32) *inorganic carbon–0.10 (± 0.02) *total phosphorus + 0.0005 (± 0.0002) *water-soluble carbon). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Vine tea extract (VTE), from the traditional Chinese herbal tea, was added to reconstituted skimmed milk; the mixture was fermented with Lacticaseibacillus casei, and fermentation characteristics, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity (AOC), and viability of L. casei were measured. 2 mg/mL VTE promoted L. casei growth and 8 mg/mL VTE inhibited growth, an effect consistent with observed pH changes. Total flavonoid content and AOC increased with increasing VTE dosage. Dihydromyricetin was partially metabolized during fermentation and accounted for most of the antioxidant function of VTE. 2 mg/mL VTE was optimal for maintenance of probiotic culture and pH stability during cold storage and improved AOC during product shelf life. VTE has the potential to increase the health benefits of probiotic dairy products, and the resulting mixture may be suitable to use as a daily milk‐based health drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of fat type and mango peel powder (MP) on the physicochemical properties of cooked beef patties during cold storage and after in vitro digestion. Beef patties were prepared with saturated beef fat (BF) and pre‐emulsified avocado oil (AO) or pre‐emulsified safflower oil (SO). MP was added at 0% or 1%. The treatments were as follows: T1 (BF, no added MP), T2 (AO, no added MP), T3 (SO, no added MP), T4 (BF + 1%MP), T5 (AO + 1%MP), and T6 (SO + 1%MP). Substituting saturated fat with AO and SO improved the fatty acid profile of beef patties. The addition of pre‐emulsified oils increased (p < 0.05) the L∗, a∗, and b∗ values. Moreover, the incorporation of MP in the meat formulation decreased (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation during cold storage. Adding MP to the meat formulation decreased (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation before and after in vitro digestion. Replacement of saturated fat with vegetable oils and incorporation of MP may be an alternative strategy to improve the quality of beef patties during cold storage and decrease lipid oxidation after in vitro digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The augmentative release of the parasitoid species Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is essential for managing the recent invasion of litchi stink bugs (Tessaratoma papillosa (Drury)) (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae) in Taiwan. The mass release program in the spring targets this univoltine pest's reproduction cycle. Low-temperature storage for the host eggs and parasitoids is required to maximize the production for the annual release program. This study aimed to enhance the shelf life of Samia cynthia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) eggs using the combination of refrigeration and individual quick freezing (IQF) as a storage treatment. Storage of A. japonicus in the IQF-treated S. cynthia eggs was evaluated to determine the optimal production process during the short preparation window before the release. Results: The influences of cold storage and IQF treatment on the host eggs were evaluated for different storage durations. The host quality was determined according to the emergence rate and female ratio of A. japonicus. The study's results demonstrated that the host quality of S. cynthia eggs did not change significantly compared to the control group after 28 d of refrigeration at 7 °C. IQF treatment extended S. cyathia's shelf life to 5 months without significantly affecting the host quality. Applying IQF at different developmental stages of the host eggs affected the parasitism rates of A. japonicus. Significantly higher emergence rates of A. japonicus were recorded in the eggs treated during the initial development (D0 to D2). However, storing parasitoids in the IQF-treated eggs under the current storage condition for one month at 12 °C significantly impacted the parasitoid's emergence rate. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the potential benefits of the individual quick freezing technique. This technique didn't alter the egg quality of S. cynthia, a crucial factor for the mass production of A. japonicus. The IQF treatment extends the shelf life of the host eggs to 5 months when stored at − 20 °C, a significant improvement compared to the 4-week shelf life without IQF treatment. This technology offers a promising and efficient approach for the mass production of A. japonicus and supports field releases. The treatment allowed for the stockpiling of host eggs during the off-season, which can help expedite the mass production of A. japonicus to fit an eight-week production window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative strategies are being utilised to extend the storage ability and preserve the quality of crops including bitter gourd. The present study was conducted to assess the potential of beeswax (BW) and lemongrass oil (LO) on the shelf life and Alternaria alternata disease of bitter gourd during cold storage. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) distilled water (control), (2) BW 5%, (3) BW 10%, (4) BW 5% + LO 0.5%, and (5) BW 10% + LO 0.5%. The bitter gourds were stored at 25°C for 15 days. The results revealed that BW 10% + LO 0.5% proved to be the best treatment followed by BW 5% + LO 0.5% and BW 10%. The BW 10% + LO 0.5% treatment exhibited inhibitory effects on mycelium growth, spore germination, disease incidence, and disease severity. It also reduced weight loss and ion leakage and conserved higher contents of titratable acidity, firmness, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content of bitter gourd. Overall, these results revealed that beeswax and lemon grass oil can be effectively utilised to inhibit Alternaria alternate disease and prolong the storage ability of bitter gourd fruit in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions To evaluate the effectiveness of the Paragonix SherpaPak cardiac transport system (PSP) compared to the standard ice‐cold storage (ICS) in extended‐criteria donor grafts implanted in high‐risk recipients.Data of all HTx at the University Centers of Udine and Bologna, between January 2020 and December 2023, employing extended‐criteria donors in high‐risk HTx conditions were retrospectively analyzed. Patient outcomes and complications after HTx were assessed. Endomyocardial biopsies were performed in donor hearts immediately after retrieval (T0), before implantation (T1) and at reperfusion (T2) to evaluate signs of myocardial damage.Overall, 90 patients who had heart transplantation (HTx) with a donor graft preserved with either ICS (n = 60) or PSP (n = 30) were included in the study. The 30‐day mortality was 3% in both groups (p = 0.99), and 1‐year survival 90% and 88% (p = 0.89) for recipients transplanted with PSP and ICS preserved grafts. Rates of moderate‐to‐severe graft dysfunction and bradi‐arrhythmias for PSP and ICS groups were 7% versus 20% (p = 0.08), and 3% versus 15% (p = 0.09). Histologically, severe degrees of cellular and endothelial damage were absent in all PSP grafts while severe degree of contraction bands were higher in ICS hearts at T2.In high‐risk donor–recipient matching, donor heart preservation with PSP seems to show a tendency toward better graft protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department 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.)

Cold temperature storage (lower than 10 °C) has been used as a management strategy to extend marketability and reduce potato storage losses. However, cold temperatures may result in dark-colored chips through a process known as cold-induced sweetening (CIS). 'Dakota Crisp' and 'Dakota Diamond' are two North Dakota State University potato breeding program cultivar releases selected for cold-chipping ability with high tuber yield potential. Two-year storage trials were conducted to examine sugar development and tuber processing quality of four cultivars grown at three nitrogen rates under irrigated and non-irrigated field conditions. The two-way interaction between storage period and storage temperature was significant for sucrose content, glucose content, visual chip color, and Agtron values, indicating a difference in sugar development for each storage temperature profile. Among the four cultivars evaluated under both irrigated and non-irrigated production conditions, 'Dakota Pearl' accumulated significantly less sucrose and glucose compared to other cultivars under the same storage conditions. 'Dakota Crisp' produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C after long term storage, while 'Dakota Diamond' produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C for up to 6 months of storage. These results emphasize the importance of developing cultivar-specific management profiles including storage and the informational need for producers and processors in determining the best practices for individual cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interest in Lonicera caerulea production has grown significantly because of its nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits, leading to rapid expansion in its cultivation. L caerulea var. emphyllocalyx is a lesser-known botanical variety. Due to differences between plants of the Lonicera genus and the lack of scientific reports on micropropagation, it is necessary to determine the possibilities of in vitro propagation. The aim of this study was to elaborate a micropropagation protocol of two new breeding clones of Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx: '21–17' and '139–24'. The experiments were carried out on in vitro cultures grown on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg·dm−3 BA or 1 mg·dm−3 mT. Two types of explants were used during the experiment: nodal fragments (NFs) and shoot-tips (STs). Before acclimatisation, some rooted microshoots were subjected to cooling at 4 °C for 4 weeks. Significantly more ST explants than NF explants started to grow at the proliferation stage. The application of BA resulted in much better proliferation and health of cultures. Cold storage of micropropagated '139–24' plantlets significantly increased their survival in acclimatisation in contrast to '21–17' plantlets but weakened further growth of the plants. In future in vitro studies on L. caerulea var. emphyllocalyx, BA can be used as the primary growth regulator due to its effectiveness and low cost. Nodal fragments should be considered as the main propagation material since they promote better growth rates. Additionally, further research is required to explore the effects of low-temperature storage on the growth and physiology of these plants. The results obtained in this research may contribute to the development of micropropagation technology in the future for L. caerulea var. emphyllocalyx. [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.)

This study investigates the efficiency of cold storage warehouses and contributes to sustainable supply chain management by integrating eco-friendly practices into storage operations. In facilities for milk and its derivatives, unregulated order handling significantly increases energy consumption due to frequent door openings in the cooler. To address this challenge, we developed a novel mathematical model aimed at optimizing order sequences and minimizing energy costs, addressing a previously unexplored gap in the literature. A genetic algorithm (GA) was employed to solve this model, with careful consideration of carbon emissions generated during the algorithm's execution. We utilized the Yates notation, an experimental design technique, to systematically optimize the GA's parameters, ensuring robust and statistically valid results. This methodology enabled a thorough analysis of the factors influencing energy consumption. The findings enhance energy efficiency in cold storage warehouses, leading to reduced carbon dioxide emissions and fostering sustainable practices within supply chain management. Ultimately, this study successfully integrates green practices into cold storage operations, supporting broader sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of clove extract (CE: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) on the viscoelasticity, viscosity, syneresis, texture, sensory quality, and antioxidant properties of set yogurt up to 21 days in cold storage. The addition of CE enlarged the total suspended solids (TSS) and mineral contents while reducing whey separation. On the other hand, CE existence dropped the consistency index (k) and elastic modulus (G') of yogurt gels and further lessening was observed with prolonged storage period. Moreover, the textural firmness remained unaffected whereas gels that are more cohesive were attained with integration of CE. Similarly, total phenolics and free radical scavenging activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) by CE supplementation, and amplified lipid oxidation was observed with increased storage time. Addition of CE lowered the lightness (L*) index and manipulated the organoleptic properties whereas the sample with 1% CE showed improvement in texture and flavor; however, the overall acceptability reduced for samples with higher concentration of CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical analysis showed that pH, b* values, myosin turbidity, carbonyl content, and surface hydrophobicity elevated in hooked, trawl‐net, and radar‐net hairtail (Trichiurus haumela, HH, TH, and RH) muscles with the prolonged cryopreservation time (‐18℃, 120 d). In contrast, L*, a* values, textural properties, and myosin solubility existed decreasing trends. Microstructural results showed that freezing resulted in disordered myofibrils, decreased collagen fibers, widened myofibrillar space, and increased fragmentation in hairtail muscles. Furthermore, volatile flavor analysis suggested that aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and amines were the key factors for the overall flavor formation in hairtails during cold storage. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed that the color, texture, and protein oxidation had close correlations with VOCs. Among the three different kinds of hairtail, fresh RH fillets exhibited an attractive aroma with high economic value, long‐term frozen TH muscle tissues were prone to deterioration in texture, microstructure, and flavor, and the HH samples presented stable quality characteristics and storage performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of probiotics in providing health benefits may be related to their ability to survive at a sufficient concentration of 106 CFU/g during storage in food and colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Microencapsulation is a viable method to improve the survivability of probiotics under harsh environmental conditions. In this research, microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MLR) was produced by a two‐layer extrusion technique with sodium alginate and wild sage (Salvia macrosiphon) mucilage (SMM) in varying concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 0.8% as the first and second wall materials, respectively. The microencapsulation efficiency and second layer diameter of beads increased significantly with the increase in SMM concentrations. Microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR) maintained its minimal concentration (6 log CFU/g) during 9 min at 72°C. The MLR‐date yogurt (DY) sample had the lowest pH, highest acidity, and highest survival rate among the others at the end of storage. In simulated gastrointestinal conditions (SGC), the survival rates of free LR (FLR) and MLR were 45% and 47% on the 14th day of storage, respectively. In sensory properties, MLR had the highest score in odor and texture parameters but not in others. The MLR viscosity (666.3 mPa·s−1) and SEM images show a relatively denser structure for MLR. In conclusion, this study emphasized the potential of using double‐layered beads to protect probiotics, providing valuable inspiration for developing new functional foods with higher survival ability in harsh conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible flowers are becoming increasingly popular as food products, since they give aroma, color, and visual appeal and are also health-promoting compounds. However, they are a highly perishable product, thus post-harvest technologies are needed to extend their marketability. In this study, active (N2: 100%) and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technologies were applied to three edible flower species, namely Begonia grandiflora 'Viking', Tropaeolum majus, and Viola cornuta, stored at 4 °C. Even if the flowers' quality decay occurred differently according to the species, active MAP better maintained petal colors and slowed down the edible flowers' decay than passive MAP by decreasing flower respiration in all three species and sugars consumption in begonia; there was weight loss in nasturtium, and better preserved total phenolic content in begonia and viola. Coupling cold storage with active MAP can be an effective method to extend edible flowers' post-harvest life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour cherry is a non-climacteric fruit that quickly loses its quality after harvest, so effective storage and packaging are essential to minimize postharvest decay. Our study aimed to (i) evaluate fruit decay incidence during shelf-life for both freshly harvested and six-week-cold-stored sour cherry fruits, comparing normal atmospheric conditions with modified atmosphere packaging across three sour cherry cultivars ('Érdi bőtermő', 'Újfehértói fürtös', and 'Petri'); and (ii) assess postharvest fruit decay incidence across the following three production systems: conventional, integrated pest management (IPM), and reduced IPM, for the cultivar 'Érdi bőtermő'. The results showed that modified atmosphere packaging effectively preserved or slightly increased fruit firmness (ranging from 27.1 to 46%) compared to control fruits across all cultivars. Fruit weight loss (ranging from 1.18 to 26.1%) was also significantly reduced under modified atmosphere packaging compared to normal atmospheric storage. Over a 14-day period, the decay incidence of harvested fruits consistently increased, with major losses from day 6 onward (ranging from 17.7 to 77.0% at shelf-life day 14) across all cultivars and years. After six weeks of normal atmospheric cold storage, decay incidence remained low (ranging from 0 to 9.4%) and was comparable across all cultivars. Both normal atmospheric and modified atmosphere packaging storage maintained sour cherry quality during cold storage, but the shelf-life of the fruits was significantly shorter at room temperature, regardless of the storage methods. Fruit decay incidence at harvest was highest in the reduced IPM system (ranging from 3.2 to 6.4%), significantly exceeding those observed in the conventional and IPM systems. In post-MAP cold storage, decay incidence followed the following order: conventional < IPM < reduced IPM, with significant differences observed only between the conventional and reduced IPM systems. In conclusion, our results suggest that sour cherries produced under conventional or IPM systems and stored in modified atmosphere packaging offer an effective postharvest strategy for preserving fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobanks are becoming ubiquitous infrastructures in zoology and other non-human life sciences. They promise to store frozen research samples for the long term for future use. That use remains speculative but nevertheless needs to be anticipated. Following the establishment of a physical and digital infrastructure for frozen samples in an animal biobanking project, this article explores how the future is anticipated to remember the past, and how frozen objects are shaped accordingly. Situating the biobank between mundane freezing routines in a research lab and the 'dry' and 'wet' collections of natural history museums, I argue that frozen research objects need to be conserved in two separate ways. The unavailability of cryo-objects in cold storage forces researchers to store materials independently of metadata, while retaining a link between them that allows for their reunion after thawing. The result is a split object, leading a double life at sub-zero and room temperature, linked only through the surface of special plastic containers. Following the making of such split objects, this article offers an elaboration of Radin's 'planned hindsight' as well as a reflection on the universality and particularity of biobanks as standardized scientific memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevines constitute a very important crop in Greece and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination of grapes is one of the most serious problems. The main aim of this study was to investigate the fungicidal activity of the fungicide Switch 62.5WG (37.5% v/v cyprodinil + 25% v/v fludioxonil) and Rhapynal (80% rhamnolipids) to reduce the black Aspergillus spp. (section Nigri) population and OTA contamination of grapes grown in Greece. Applications with the above products were conducted both at the harvesting stage and after cold storage. The results showed that pre-harvest applications with Switch 62.5WG or Switch 62.5WG + Rhapynal generally reduced the black Aspergillus spp. population, but not the OTA contamination of grapes. However, a repeated application after cold storage further reduced the black Aspergillus spp. population and significantly reduced the OTA contamination of grapes. Generally, this study showed that it is possible to reduce the black Aspergillus spp. population, but not the ochratoxin A contamination of grapes by spray applications with the fungicide Switch 62.5WG. However, fungicide application to grapes immediately after cold storage (2 months) could reduce ochratoxin A contamination of grapes and further reduce the black Aspergillus spp. population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypothermic Oxygenated machine PErfusion (HOPE) can reduce ischemic reperfusion injury and improve outcomes for liver transplant recipients. However, the effect of HOPE on high‐risk extended criteria donor (ECD) and donation after circulatory death determination (DCDD) grafts is incomplete, despite the expectation that this cohort benefit maximally from HOPE. Accordingly, this paper aims to characterize the effect of HOPE on ECD and DCDD grafts. Methods: This study includes all papers comparing HOPE to static cold storage for high‐risk ECD and DCDD grafts. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Scopus were completed using the terms "HOPE" OR "hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion" AND "liver transplantation". Data were extracted and analyzed using IBM SPSS to perform the meta‐analysis. Results: A total of 2286 records were identified, with 10 meeting the inclusion criteria. Overall, the quality of evidence is heterogenous with many papers relying on retrospective controls. However, pooled analysis demonstrates HOPE to significantly reduce the rate of early allograft dysfunction, 12‐month graft failure, re‐transplantation, total biliary complications, and non‐anastomotic strictures for high‐risk grafts. Conclusions: There is good evidence that HOPE improves outcomes following liver transplantation across a number of biochemical and clinical endpoints for high‐risk grafts. Of note, the reduction in biliary complications and re‐transplantation is particularly significant given the morbidity associated with these endpoints. However, further, high‐quality prospective trials with contemporary controls and clinically relevant primary endpoints are needed to better define the impact of HOPE for this cohort of grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sardines and anchovies are the most important small pelagic species throughout the Mediterranean, caught mainly by purse-seiners. Their rapid bacterial degradation after capture and storage limits their commercial use and shelf life. Gills are the most vulnerable tissue in fish, harboring bacterial communities which have not been previously investigated in these species. This study examined cultivable bacteria from gills of harvested sardines and anchovies, tanks in which they are stored aboard, and fishing nets on four occasions (twice for both warm and cold seasons). A total of 471 bacteria were isolated, belonging to 74 genera and 163 species by MALDI-TOF MS identification. A number of genera and species identified from fish and surfaces occurred only in the warm or cold season, but a fraction occurred in both seasons. Sardine gills harbored most of the isolated bacteria (254), belonging to 53 genera and 111 species, as opposed to anchovy with 120 strains, belonging to 30 genera and 64 species. A diverse cultivable bacterial community consisting of 17 species was isolated exclusively from the polyethylene surfaces of nets and tanks. This finding is significant regarding their potential migrations between planktonic and sessile lifestyles. Possible contamination and cross-contamination are likely to increase with the rise in ambient and seawater temperature during the hauling and sorting of fish in the tanks. The food safety risks stem from pathogens and fish spoilage bacteria on both the fish and the surfaces of fishing nets and storage tanks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Food marketers desire residue‐free fresh grapes although grapes have a short postharvest life. This study was performed to determine the influences of pre‐ and/or postharvest chitosan (Ch) coatings on postharvest quality of minimally processed (stem‐detached) organic 'Crimson Seedless' berries. Berries were sorted as: (a) control (untreated berries); (b) preharvest Ch (dipping the clusters on the vine into 1% Ch 10 days before harvest at 20% soluble solid content (SSC)); (c) postharvest Ch (dipping the stem‐detached berries into 1% Ch); and (d) pre + postharvest Ch. Berries were stored in 12 × 15 cm rigid polypropylene cups for up to 42 days at 1.0 ± 0.5 °C. RESULTS: Pre‐ and/or postharvest Ch coating reduced weight loss during storage. Pre‐ + postharvest Ch was the best treatment for restricting polygalacturonase (PG) activity, extending the visual quality, color features (L*, C and h°), skin rupture force, biochemical (SSC, titratable acidity, maturity index and pH) and bioactive (total phenol content, antioxidant activity) features. Pre‐ or postharvest Ch was also significantly effective in maintaining many quality features. CONCLUSION: Pre‐ and/or postharvest 1% Ch coatings effectively maintained the quality of minimally processed grape berries of organically produced 'Crimson Seedless' grapes by delaying weight loss and PG activity and keeping the postharvest physical, biochemical and bioactive features for 42‐day cold storage at 1.0 ± 0.5 °C. The combined use of pre‐ and postharvest Ch found to be more effective than single treatment. Thus, pre‐ + postharvest 1% Ch coating could be recommended as an ecofriendly sustainable methodology for extending the postharvest quality of minimally processed fresh grapes. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This work investigated the effect of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs)‐gelatin (GelA)/cinnamon essential oil (CEO) emulsion coatings (BCNCs‐GelA/CEO) on the shelf‐life extension of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). CEO loadings between 1200 and 2400 μL/L were used in the coatings applied on the mushrooms' surface. The overall quality of coated mushrooms was monitored over 15 days of cold storage (4 ± 0.5 °C). Regardless of the storage time, using the highest amount of CEO within the coating formulation minimised the impact on tested parameters (weight loss, firmness, percentage of opened caps, total soluble solids, content of ascorbic acid and soluble protein, PPO/POD enzymatic activity) as compared to control samples. Interestingly, a linear relationship (R2 = 0.96 on average) between CEO concentration and the respiration rate of coated mushrooms was disclosed. Overall, this study pinpointed the capability of BCNCs‐GelA/CEO coatings to delay the aging process of button mushrooms under cold storage. Our findings could be applied to address the issue of food losses, highlighting the positive role of coating technology in enhancing the efficiency of the early stages of the food supply chain, especially in the case of button mushrooms. However, an assessment of the impact of the concentration of other coating components (BCNC and fish gelatin) on the shelf‐life extension of button mushrooms, as well as an evaluation of the coating's effectiveness in prolonging the shelf‐life of other food items, particularly non‐respiring products, is necessary to widespread the applicability of the proposed technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The red color of the dragon fruit pulp and peel is due to the accumulation of betacyanins. • The betacyanin accumulated calli were encapsulated using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. • The synseeds were cold stored for 6 months at 4.0 °C temperature. • The synseeds were germinated and calli formed on nutrient media. • The betacyanin-loaded synseeds could be stored, transported, and directly used as inoculum for cell cultures to produce betacyanin. The red color of dragon fruit pulp and peel is due to the accumulation of betacyanins. In the present study, callus cultures were established using in vitro germinated seedlings of the white dragon fruit plant (Selenicereus undatus). Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 2.0 mg/L was used to induce red-colored friable callus (92.0 % response). The betacyanin accumulated calli were harvested and encapsulated using sodium alginate (NaC 6 H 7 O 6) and calcium chloride (CaCl 2). These synseeds were cold stored for 6 months at 4.0 °C temperature. The stored synseeds were germinated on 2.0 mg/L BAP in the medium. The highest germination rate (88 %) of synseeds was achieved with 3 % sodium alginate polymerized with 75 mM calcium chloride, resulting in firm, uniform, and round synseeds. The betacyanin-loaded synseeds could be stored, transported, and directly used as inoculums for the extensive proliferation of calli and cell cultures for the commercial production of betacyanin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry is still dependent on plastics for packaging materials, primarily due to their effectiveness in safeguarding products from external factors, such as moisture, light, and gas. However, traditional plastic packaging lacks the ability to actively preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of food. To address this challenge, various methods are currently being developed through surface modifications and the incorporation of active compounds. In most cases, studies on the modification of active film using low-pressure plasma (LPP) use different parameters, including time, pressure, and power, without a systematic optimization process. Therefore, this study aims to determine the optimum parameters for the combination of LPP treatment and Pickering emulsion (PE) of nutmeg essential oil (NEO) using Taguchi's orthogonal assay design (OAD) to produce LDPE-active film. The results showed that the optimum conditions were 15 W LPP power, 30 s LPP duration time, and 1.5% PE-NEO concentration. These results showed a 50% improvement in power and time efficiency. LDPE film–loaded PE-NEO was then applied to tilapia fillets in cold storage. The results showed that the TBARS and TBVN values of the samples after the treatment were lower than those of the control by 12.11% and 16.74%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Composite PCM with sub-zero phase change temperature was developed. • Eutectic dodecane-hexadecane (DD-HD) with optimal mass ratio of 80:20 was obtained. • Composite of DD-HD and expanded graphite (EG) was optimized with 10 wt% EG. • DD-HD/EG shows high latent heat, thermal conductivity and thermal reliability. Utilization of phase change materials (PCMs) for cold energy storage has garnered increasing attention. This study focuses on the development of a composite PCM by integrating a novel eutectic dodecane-hexadecane (DD-HD) PCM into expanded graphite (EG), to cater to the demands of sub-zero cold energy storage applications, such as cold chain logistics. The study identified the optimal mass ratio of DD-HD as 80:20. A series of DD-HD/EG composites were fabricated through a combination of high-speed emulsification and physical adsorption methods. The adsorption capacity of EG for the eutectic PCM mixture was evaluated by examining the impact of EG fraction on the leakage of the composite PCM, revealing that the optimum EG fraction is 10 wt%. The composite PCM displayed a sub-zero phase change temperature of -12.09 ℃, a high melting enthalpy of 178.75 kJ/kg, and a high thermal conductivity of 5.18 W/(m•K). The thermal conductivity of the composite was enhanced by 22.52 times compared to the base PCM. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the decomposition temperature of DD-HD/EG was significantly higher than that of the base PCM. The composite demonstrated outstanding thermal reliability, as evidenced by thermal cycle tests. With its impressive thermal characteristics, this composite shows great potential for various cold energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of marginal grafts is very challenging and is associated with post-reperfusion syndrome and early allograft dysfunction. The outcomes of machine perfusion for the preservation of marginal grafts have been compared with that of static cold storage, with studies reporting a reduced risk of ischemic cholangiopathy and graft loss. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes of machine perfusion of liver grafts to static cold storage (SCS) of liver grafts during liver transplantation. Two independent researchers thoroughly searched for literature in the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies (CENTRAL), clinical trial registry, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Scopus (ELSEVIER) databases (last search: November 2023). The search terms used were: "dynamic perfusion," "normothermic perfusion," "hypothermic perfusion," "liver transplantation," "static cold storage," "NMP," "HOPE," "extended criteria grafts," "marginal grafts," "RCTs," "randomized controlled trials," "warm ischemia," and "cold ischemia." Eight RCTs published between 2019 and 2023 were included in the data synthesis and meta-analysis. The primary outcome considered was the overall incidence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) between the two methods of graft perfusion after liver transplantation. The secondary outcome considered was the rate of retransplantation. Our meta-analysis revealed that SCS is associated with more EAD when compared with machine perfusion, with a p-value of <0.00001. We also found that the rate of retransplantation is higher among patients who received a liver preserved by SCS, with a p-value of 0.02. The use of machine perfusion in the preservation of liver grafts showed a significant reduction in early allograft dysfunction and retransplantation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Duzce University Journal of Science & Technology 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.)