Synergistic bactericidal effect and mechanism of ultrasound combined with Lauroyl Arginate Ethyl against Salmonella Typhimurium and its application in the preservation of onions.

In the present study, the synergistic bactericidal effect and mechanism of ultrasound (US) combined with Lauroyl Arginate Ethyl (LAE) against Salmonella Typhimurium were investigated. On this basis, the effect of US+LAE treatment on the washing of S. Typhimurium on the surface of onions and on the physical and chemical properties of onion during fresh-cutting and storage were studied. The results showed that treatment with US+LAE could significantly (P < 0.05) reduce the number of S. Typhimurium compared to US and LAE treatments alone, especially the treatment of US+LAE (230 W/cm2, 8 min, 71 µM) reduced S. Typhimurium by 8.82 log CFU/mL. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), flow cytometry (FCM), protein and nucleic acid release and N-phenyl-l-naphthylamine (NPN) assays demonstrated that US+LAE disrupted the integrity and permeability of S. Typhimurium cell membranes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays indicated that US+LAE exacerbated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) demonstrated that US+LAE treatment caused loss of cellular contents and led to cell crumpling and even lost the original cell morphology. US+LAE treatment caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the number of S. Typhimurium on onions, but there was no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the color, hardness, weight and ascorbic acid content of onions. This study elucidated the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of US+LAE and verified the feasibility of bactericidal effect on the surface of onions, providing a theoretical basis for improving the safety of fresh produce in the food industry and to propose a new way to achieve the desired results.

[Research status of insect infestation of Chinese medicinal materials during storage].

During the storage process, Chinese medicinal materials are susceptible to insect infestation due to their own nature and external storage factors. Infestation by insects can have varying impacts on the materials. In mild cases, it affects the appearance and reduces consumer purchasing power, while in severe cases, it affects the quality, reduces medicinal value, and introduces impurities such as insect bodies, excrement, and secretions, resulting in significant contamination of the medicinal materials. This study reviewed the rele-vant factors influencing insect infestation in Chinese medicinal materials and the compositional changes that occur after infestation and summarized maintenance measures for preventing insect infestation. Additionally, it provided an overview of detection techniques applicable to identifying insect infestation during the storage of Chinese medicinal materials. During the storage process, insect infestation is the result of the combined effects of biological factors(source, species, and population density of insects), intrinsic factors(moisture, chemical composition, and metabolism), and environmental factors(temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen content). After infestation, there are significant changes in the content of constituents in the medicinal materials. By implementing strict pre-storage inspections, regular maintenance after storage, and appropriate storage and maintenance methods, the occurrence of insect infestation can be reduced, and the preservation rate of Chinese medicinal materials can be improved. The storage and maintenance of Chinese medicinal materials are critical for ensuring their quality. Through scientifically standardized storage and strict adherence to operational management standards, the risk of insect infestation can be minimized, thus guaranteeing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

Co-encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum and bioactive compounds extracted from red beet stem (Beta vulgaris L.) by spray dryer.

Probiotic bacteria and bioactive compounds obtained from plant origin stand out as ingredients with the potential to increase the healthiness of functional foods, as there is currently a recurrent search for them. Probiotics and bioactive compounds are sensitive to intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the processing and packaging of the finished product. In this sense, the present study aims to evaluate the co-encapsulation by spray dryer (inlet air temperature 120 °C, air flow 40 L / min, pressure of 0.6 MPa and 1.5 mm nozzle diameter) of probiotic bacteria (L.plantarum) and compounds extracted from red beet stems (betalains) in order to verify the interaction between both and achieve better viability and resistance of the encapsulated material. When studying the co-encapsulation of L.plantarum and betalains extracted from beet stems, an unexpected influence was observed with a decrease in probiotic viability in the highest concentration of extract (100 %), on the other hand, the concentration of 50 % was the best enabled and maintained the survival of L.plantarum in conditions of 25 °C (63.06 %), 8 °C (88.80 %) and -18 °C (89.28 %). The viability of the betalains and the probiotic was better preserved in storage at 8 and -18 °C, where the encapsulated stability for 120 days was successfully achieved. Thus, the polyfunctional formulation developed in this study proved to be promising, as it expands the possibilities of application and development of new foods.

Standards for Collection, Preservation, and Transportation of Fecal Samples in TCM Clinical Trials.

Background: Unlike chemical drugs with a single or a few kinds of active compounds, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs)uses herbal formulas composed of numerous kinds of chemical constituents. Therefore, TCM clinical trials require unique and stricter standards for collecting, preserving, and transporting fecal samples than those used for chemical drugs. Unfortunately, there are no special standards for processing fecal samples in TCM clinical trials. Methods: We invited interdisciplinary experts within TCM clinical trials and gut microbiome research to help formulate this standard. After more than a year's in-depth discussion and amendments, we achieved a standard via expert interviews, literature research, questionnaire surveys, and public opinion solicitation. This standard has been reviewed and approved by the Standards Office of China of the Association of Chinese medicine. Results: We established a sample information processing method prior to TCM clinical sample collection, which is adapted to the unique features of TCM. The method formulates detailed processing requirements for TCM information in addition to the factors that may disturb the gut microbiome. We also constructed a set of methods for collecting, preserving, and transporting fecal samples that meet the characteristics of TCM. These methods formulate detailed operating specifications on the collection approaches, storage conditions, transportation requirements, and management of fecal samples. Conclusions: This standard guides the information processing prior to sample collection and the standard operating procedures for the collection, preservation, and transportation of fecal samples in TCM clinical trials, which also can be used as a reference by clinicians and researchers in modern medicines.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Great Changes in Nonvolatile Metabolites of Oolong Teas during Long-Term Storage.

As a semifermented tea, oolong is exceedingly popular worldwide for its elegant, flowery aroma and mellow, rich taste. However, recent marketing trends for old oolong teas and their chemical quality largely remain unexplored. In this study, we applied widely targeted metabolomics using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combined with multivariate analysis to investigate the chemical change of oolong teas in the aging process. With the increasing of store time, most nongalloylated catechins; tannins, including TFs and proanthocyanidins; flavonols and glycosylated flavonols; amino acids and their derivatives; nucleotides and their derivatives; and lots of alkaloids and phospholipids declined, while most fatty acids and organic acids increased, and galloylated catechins, GA, and caffeine were almost stable. The result also suggested that approximately seven years (but not an infinite extension) was a special period for oolong tea storage, which brings about excellent taste.

Environmental DNA preserved in marine sediment for detecting jellyfish blooms after a tsunami.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be a powerful tool for detecting the distribution and abundance of target species. This study aimed to test the longevity of eDNA in marine sediment through a tank experiment and to use this information to reconstruct past faunal occurrence. In the tank experiment, juvenile jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) were kept in flow-through tanks with marine sediment for two weeks. Water and sediment samples from the tanks were collected after the removal of fish. In the field trial, sediment cores were collected in Moune Bay, northeast Japan, where unusual blooms of jellyfish (Aurelia sp.) occurred after a tsunami. The samples were analyzed by layers to detect the eDNA of jellyfish. The tank experiment revealed that after fish were removed, eDNA was not present in the water the next day, or subsequently, whereas eDNA was detectable in the sediment for 12 months. In the sediment core samples, jellyfish eDNA was detected at high concentrations above the layer with the highest content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, reflecting tsunami-induced oil spills. Thus, marine sediment eDNA preserves a record of target species for at least one year and can be used to reconstruct past faunal occurrence.

Unique chemical parameters and microbial activity lead to increased archaeological preservation at the Roman frontier site of Vindolanda, UK.

Waterlogged burial conditions impact upon artefact preservation. One major determinant of preservation is presence and behaviour of microorganisms, however, unravelling the mechanisms, especially in waterlogged conditions is challenging. In this study, we analysed elemental composition, bacterial diversity and community structure from excavation trenches at the Roman Site of Vindolanda, Northumberland, UK, using pXRF and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Excavation trenches provide information of different occupation periods. The results indicated that microbial communities were dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria at a phylum level. Samples which also had visible vivianite presence showed that there were marked increases in Methylophilus. Methylophilus might be associated with favourable preservation in these anaerobic conditions. More research is needed to clearly link the presence of Methylophilus with vivianite production. The study emphasises the need for further integration of chemical and microbiome approaches, especially in good preservation areas, to explore microbial and chemical degradation mechanisms.

Chemometric Analysis of Fatty Acid Composition of Raw Chicken, Beef, and Pork Meat with Plant Extract Addition during Refrigerated Storage.

During the shelf-life, meat undergoes a number of processes that negatively affect the quality of the product, including fatty acid composition. The application of various plant extracts in meat could affect the changes of fatty acids during storage. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various spice and herb extracts on fatty acid composition in raw pork, beef, and chicken meat when stored at 4 °C for 13 days. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, two datasets were extracted from each type of meat. One dataset included samples with allspice, bay leaf, black seed, cardamom, caraway, clove, and nutmeg with the high share of total MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) in chicken and pork meat and high MUFA and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) contribution in beef meat after storage. The second dataset included basil, garlic, onion, oregano, rosemary, and thyme with high PUFA share in chicken and pork meat and high SFA (saturated fatty acids) contribution in beef meat. From the regression analysis, a significant effect of time on fatty acid composition in meat was reported. Generally, the rates of fatty acid changes were dependent on the plant extract incorporated into the meat. The most visible effect of plant extracts was obtained in chicken meat. In chicken meat with plant extracts, the rates of SFA and PUFA changes with time were slower compared to the control sample. In summary, the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat varied during storage, and the addition of plant extracts significantly affected the rate of these changes, which was dependent on the meat matrix.

16S rRNA gene-based microbiome analysis identifies candidate bacterial strains that increase the storage time of potato tubers.

In the past, the potato plant microbiota and rhizosphere have been studied in detail to improve plant growth and fitness. However, less is known about the postharvest potato tuber microbiome and its role in storage stability. The storage stability of potatoes depends on genotype and storage conditions, but the soil in which tubers were grown could also play a role. To understand the ecology and functional role of the postharvest potato microbiota, we planted four potato varieties in five soil types and monitored them until the tubers started sprouting. During storage, the bacterial community of tubers was analysed by next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The potato tubers exhibited soil-dependent differences in sprouting behaviour. The statistical analysis revealed a strong shift of the tuber-associated bacterial community from harvest to dormancy break. By combining indicator species analysis and a correlation matrix, we predicted associations between members of the bacterial community and tuber sprouting behaviour. Based on this, we identified Flavobacterium sp. isolates, which were able to influence sprouting behaviour by inhibiting potato bud outgrowth.

Biological preservation of mayonnaise with Lactobacillus plantarum LBRZ12, dill, and basil essential oils.

In this study, different variants of egg-free mayonnaise containing free and immobilized Lactobacillus plantarum LBRZ12 cells and essential oils taken from basil and dill were prepared. The composition and antimicrobial properties of essential oils were investigated. The main constituents of basil oil were methyl chavicol (36.81%), methyl eugenol (20.40%), ß-linanool (14.35%), eugenol (10.55%), and L(-)-carvone (39.05%), whereas dill oil contained mostly d-limonene (21.11%) and α-phellandrene (22.68%). The essential oils exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all test-microorganisms. The mayonnaise variants were kept refrigerated for 40 days and changes in pH, concentration of viable cells of lactobacilli, microbiological, and organoleptic characteristics were monitored. The pH decreased from 6.5 to 4.5 over the period of storage. The number of undesired microflora in mayonnaise preserved with lactobacilli and essential oils decreased significantly (0 after the 20th day) indicating their effectiveness as biological preservatives. The mayonnaise variants demonstrated pleasant organoleptic characteristics, thus meet customers' requirements.

Alginate-, Carboxymethyl Cellulose-, and κ-Carrageenan-Based Microparticles as Storage Vehicles for Cranberry Extract.

This study discusses the relationship between the structural properties of the selected polysaccharides (low (ALGLV) and medium viscosity (ALGMV) sodium alginate, 90 kDa (CMC90) and 250 kDa (CMC250) carboxymethyl cellulose, and κ-carrageenan (CARκ)) and their abilities to serve as protective materials of encapsulated large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit extract (CE) from losing its health beneficial activities during long-term storage. The microparticles were characterized in terms of their encapsulation efficiency (UV-Vis and FTIR), morphology (SEM) and the physical stability in various environments (gravimetry). The microparticles' size and encapsulation efficiency were 46-50 µm and 28-58%, respectively, and the microparticles were physically stable. CMC90 and ALGMV most efficiently protected the plant extract from losing its biological activity after 18 months, while the plant extract stored outside the particles had lost its activity. CE was intended for oral administration, thus CE release from the microparticles was monitored in vitro under gastrointestinal conditions. In vitro gastrointestinal release studies revealed that the ALGMV-, CMC90-, and CMC250-based particles exhibited the desired intestinal release pattern. This result supports the suitability of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose for the safe delivery of CE to the intestines while maintaining its biological properties and improving long-term storage stability.

Quantifying archaeo-organic degradation - A multiproxy approach to understand the accelerated deterioration of the ancient organic cultural heritage at the Swedish Mesolithic site Ageröd.

Despite a growing body of evidence concerning accelerated organic degradation at archaeological sites, there have been few follow-up investigations to examine the status of the remaining archaeological materials in the ground. To address the question of archaeo-organic preservation, we revisited the Swedish, Mesolithic key-site Ageröd and could show that the bone material had been subjected to an accelerated deterioration during the last 75 years, which had destroyed the bones in the areas where they had previously been best preserved. To understand why this has happened and to quantify and qualify the extent of the organic degradation, we here analyse the soil chemistry, bone histology, collagen preservation and palaeobotany at the site. Our results show that the soil at Ageröd is losing, or has already lost, its preservative and buffering qualities, and that pH-values in the still wet areas of the site have dropped to levels where no bone preservation is possible. Our results suggest that this acidification process is enhanced by the release of sulphuric acid as pyrite in the bones oxidizes. While we are still able to find well-preserved palaeobotanical remains, they are also starting to corrode through re-introduced oxygen into the archaeological layers. While some areas of the site have been more protected through redeposited soil on top of the archaeological layers, all areas of Ageröd are rapidly deteriorating. Lastly, while it is still possible to perform molecular analyses on the best-preserved bones from the most protected areas, this opportunity will likely be lost within a few decades. In conclusion, we find that if we, as a society, wish to keep this valuable climatic, environmental and cultural archive, both at Ageröd and elsewhere, the time to act is now and if we wait we will soon be in a situation where this record will be irretrievably lost forever.

Instant Controlled Pressure Drop as Blanching and Texturing Pre-Treatment to Preserve the Antioxidant Compounds of Red Dried Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.).

Red beetroot is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, betaxanthins, betacyanins, among others. According to selected processing methods, the bioaccessibility of these compounds could be either enhanced or decreased. This study evaluated the effect of four different drying conditions: (1) Traditional Drying (TD), (2) Swell Drying (SD), (3) DIC Blanching + Traditional Drying (BTD), and (4) DIC Blanching + Swell Drying (BSD) on the antioxidant content and the antioxidant activity of red beetroots. Obtained results showed that in all the cases, by comparing to Traditional Drying (TD), the coupling of a DIC Blanching pre-treatment to a Swell Drying treatment (BSD) maintained or enhanced the preservation of the Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), the Total Flavonoids Compounds (TFC), the Betanin Concentration (BC), the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and the Free Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH (IC50) of red beetroots. Various studies have shown that thanks to the expanded and porous structure triggered by the Swell Drying process, it has been possible to achieve better antioxidants extraction and better whole quality. Hence, by coupling DIC as a blanching-steaming pre-treatment, it was possible to preserve better the antioxidant content and the antioxidant activity of red dried beetroots.

Biodiversi-TEA-A quick and easy handling method for arthropod trap material in ethanol.

A quick and easy handling method for ethanol-preserved arthropods is presented, based on tea filter bags and holders. The method is especially suitable for short term storage of specimens resulting from Malaise traps, yellow pan traps and pitfall traps and can be used directly in the field, for subsequent transport and processing of specimens in the laboratory.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Cell-Free Therapy.

In recent years, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have widely been considered as therapeutic tools in basic researches and clinical trials. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that MSCs perform their therapeutic roles in paracrine manner especially through trophic factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Compared to cells, EVs have several advantages to be used as therapeutic agents, such as they lack self-replicating capabilities, dangers of ectopic differentiation, and tumor formation, genetic instability, and cellular rejection by the immune system. Since the MSC-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) appear to exert similar therapeutic effects of their parent cells, such as ability to arrive themselves to the site of injury and immunomodulatory properties, MSC-EVs have been widely studied in many animal models, including kidney, liver, cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological diseases. Regarding this, MSC-EVs look to be a novel and interesting approach to be studied in clinical trials of different inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the properties and applications of MSC-EVs in different diseases.

Generation of fruit postharvest gene datasets and a novel motif analysis tool for functional studies: uncovering links between peach fruit heat treatment and cold storage responses.

MAIN CONCLUSION: A survey of developed fruit gene-specific datasets and the implementation of a novel cis-element analysis tool indicate specific transcription factors as novel regulatory actors under HT response and CI protection. Heat treatment (HT) prior to cold storage (CS) has been successfully applied to ameliorate fruit chilling injury (CI) disorders. Molecular studies have identified several HT-driven benefits and putative CI-protective molecules and mechanisms. However, bioinformatic tools and analyses able to integrate fruit-specific information are necessary to begin functional studies and breeding projects. In this work, a HT-responsive gene dataset (HTds) and four fruit expression datasets (FEds), containing gene-specific information from several species and postharvest conditions, were developed and characterized. FEds provided information about HT-responsive genes, not only validating their sensitivity to HT in different systems but also revealing most of them as CS-responsive. A special focus was given to peach heat treatment-sensitive transcriptional regulation by the development of a novel Perl motif analysis software (cisAnalyzer) and a curated plant cis-elements dataset (PASPds). cisAnalyzer is able to assess sequence motifs presence, localization, enrichment and discovery on biological sequences. Its implementation for the enrichment analysis of PASPds motifs on the promoters of HTds genes rendered particular cis-elements that indicate certain transcription factor (TF) families as responsible of fruit HT-sensitive transcription regulation. Phylogenetic and postharvest expression data of these TFs showed a functional diversity of TF families, with members able to fulfil roles under HT, CS and/or both treatments. All integrated datasets and cisAnalyzer tool were deposited in FruitGeneDB (https://www.cefobi-conicet.gov.ar/FruitGeneDB/search1.php), a new available database with a great potential for fruit gene functional studies, including the markers of HT and CS responses whose study will contribute to unravel HT-driven CI-protection and select tolerant cultivars.

Bioactive food packaging based on starch, citric pectin and functionalized with Acca sellowiana waste by-product: Characterization and application in the postharvest conservation of apple.

Innovative biodegradable packaging with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties was developed, and functionalized with Acca sellowiana waste by-product (feijoa peel flour, FPF). Physicochemical, morphological, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and in situ application in the postharvest conservation of apple were conducted with the packaging produced. The results obtained demonstrate that FPF addition had a positive influence on the packaging characteristics, for all the parameters tested. The high concentration of antioxidant compounds in the films with FPF promoted antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The packaging produced maintained the quality of apples during storage, with constant weight after 5 days of storage. Based on our results, the bioactive, antioxidant and antimicrobial packaging functionalized with Acca sellowiana waste by-product may be considered as a new alternative to packaging in food systems.

Direct evidence for eudicot pollen-feeding in a Cretaceous stinging wasp (Angiospermae; Hymenoptera, Aculeata) preserved in Burmese amber.

Angiosperms and their insect pollinators form a foundational symbiosis, evidence for which from the Cretaceous is mostly indirect, based on fossils of insect taxa that today are anthophilous, and of fossil insects and flowers that have apparent anthophilous and entomophilous specializations, respectively. We present exceptional direct evidence preserved in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, 100 mya, for feeding on pollen in the eudicot genus Tricolporoidites by a basal new aculeate wasp, Prosphex anthophilos, gen. et sp. nov., in the lineage that contains the ants, bees, and other stinging wasps. Plume of hundreds of pollen grains wafts from its mouth and an apparent pollen mass was detected by micro-CT in the buccal cavity: clear evidence that the wasp was foraging on the pollen. Eudicots today comprise nearly three-quarters of all angiosperm species. Prosphex feeding on Tricolporoidites supports the hypothesis that relatively small, generalized insect anthophiles were important pollinators of early angiosperms.

Simple and inexpensive long-term preservation methods for Phytophthora infestans.

Phytophthora infestans is one of the most notorious pathogen among Phytophthora species causing potato late blight disease. Stable and long-term preservation of this pathogen is essential for biological research and fungicide screening. The aim of this study was to find a suitable long-term preservation method for P. infestans. We adjusted the storage temperature, made a slight modification to the rye seed method, and compared the influence of four preservation methods (the mineral oil method, the sterile water method, the rye seed method, and the modified rye seed method) on survival, growth and virulence of four isolates of P. infestans. The results showed that all four methods maintained high viability of the tested P. infestans isolates, but the two rye seed methods were the best ways to maintain 100% viability of the P. infestans isolates without contamination. The four preservation methods did not significantly influence growth or morphological characteristics of the P. infestans isolates. The impacts of the four methods on the virulence of the four P. infestans isolates were isolate-specific. For isolates YF3 and 64093, all four methods were suitable for maintaining their virulence. Whilst for isolate HQK8-3, the rye seed and sterile water methods were more suitable to maintain its virulence than the other two methods. For isolate 32835, storage under mineral oil was the best method for maintaining its virulence. In view of these results, it is recommended P. infestans should be stored by several different storage methods to ensure the safety and stability of the isolates.