Discrimination and characterization of volatile organic compounds and nutritional values of three varieties of chopped pepper seeds.

Fermented-chopped pepper is a widely consumed condiment in China due to its attractive flavor. Chopped pepper seed (CPS) is the byproduct generated during the production of chopped pepper and is generally discarded as waste. In this study, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nutritional value of three varieties of CPS were investigated. Results indicated that the nutritional compositions of the three CPS varieties exhibited significant differences. All CPS samples contained 17 amino acids and were rich in fatty acids, with unsaturated fatty acids being predominant and accounting for 79 % of the total fatty acids. A total of 53 VOCs were identified by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry, which could be classified into 9 groups, with aldehydes, esters, and alcohols comprising the three largest groups. The three varieties of CPS had remarkably varied aromas whereas there are five key VOCs (i.e., 2-pentylfuran, methional, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, dimethyl disulfide, and nonanal) in all CPS samples. Network correlation analysis revealed that VOCs are closely correlated with amino and fatty acids. Thus, this study provides a useful basis for understanding the nutritional values and flavor characteristics of different CPS varieties, which could be used as an ingredient and might have great potential in the food industry.

Impact of Thrombolysis Time Metrics When Participating in National Stroke Center Construction Project.

Purpose: Intravenous thrombolysis has emerged as an effective approach to improve the long-term survival and functional status of patients with ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a national stroke project on the door-to-needle-time (DNT). Patients and Methods: The patients were divided into pre-construction and construction periods. Construction Measures were performed during the construction period. The DNT and onset-to-needle time (ONT) were compared in two period groups. Results: After participating in the National Stroke Center Project and effective measurements, the thrombolysis treatment metrics were improved significantly. The DNT (IQR) was shortened from 65.0 (54.5,85.0) minutes in the Pre-Construction period to 40.0 (33.0,53.0) minutes in the Construction period (p < 0.001). Similarly, the ONT was reduced from 157.0 (IQR) (115.0,184.0) minutes to 116.0 (87.8,170.0) minutes (p = 0.035). Conclusion: The DNT time and ONT time can be shortened by National Stroke Center Construction projects. More suitable hospitals should be encouraged to participate as the National Stroke Center.