The use of active compounds to shape the quality of active double-layer films based on furcellaran intended for packaging salad-dressing - Assessment of utilitarian and storage properties.

In order to obtain innovative, high-quality biodegradable packaging, double-layer films based on furcellaran and gelatin, enriched with plant extracts were created. The films were assessed considering their potential utility, applications and environmental impact. The mechanical properties over a period of nine months were studied and it was noted that the passing of time had a beneficial effect on these parameters. The antioxidant properties was also examined, with the highest results obtained using the DPPH and metal chelating activity methods for GE (76.64 % and 9.85 % respectively), while this film showed the lowest FRAP value (5.99 %) compared to the highest obtained for DTE (52.62 %). For the first time, the possibility of using the double-layer active FUR/GEL film as packaging for salad-dressing was evaluated, but no improvement in parameters was observed regardless of the extract used. The environmental impact analysis showed the ability to completely decomposed in vermicompost within several days.

Antioxidant edible double-layered film based on waste from soybean production as a vegan active packaging for perishable food products.

Edible vegan films were obtained on the basis of furcellaran and protein hydrolysates from soybean bran. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using innovative single- and double-layer films with antioxidant properties as packaging materials for vegetarian products. A further objective of the study was to evaluate the degree of biodegradation and potential toxicity with regard to the developed films. The tofu was analysed for changes in physicochemical parameters (weight loss, dry weight texture and colour), microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and moulds, psychotropic bacteria), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS, fatty acid profile). It was found that films undergo almost complete biodegradation within 10 days and do not demonstrate any toxicity for cress seeds during their growth. Films are not effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in tofu samples. Furthermore, they are not efficient in inhibiting the oxidation of tofu lipids. Compared to the control, the tofu samples covered with the innovative biopolymer films showed significantly lower moisture content and higher weight loss as well as hardness during the whole storage period.

Attempt to Extend the Shelf-Life of Fish Products by Means of Innovative Double-Layer Active Biodegradable Films.

In this study, we aimed to produce, innovative and, at the same time, environmentally-friendly, biopolymer double-layer films with fish processing waste and active lingonberry extract as additives. These double-layered films were based on furcellaran (FUR) (1st layer) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with a gelatin hydrolysate (HGEL) (2nd layer). The aim of the study was to assess their impact on the durability of perishable salmon fillets during storage, and to evaluate their degree of biodegradation. The fillets were analyzed for changes in microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and molds, and psychrotrophic bacteria), biogenic amine content (HPLC), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS). The degree of biodegradation includes analysis of film and compost chemical composition solubility, respiratory activity, and ecotoxicity testing. The obtained results allow to suggest that active films are not only bacteriostatic, but even bactericidal when they used to coat fish fillets. Concerning the group of samples covered with the double-layer films, a 19.42% lower total bacteria count was noted compared to the control samples. Furthermore, it can be observed that the applied double-layer films have a potentially strong inhibitory effect on the accumulation of biogenic amines in fish, which is correlated with its antimicrobial effect (the total biogenic amine content for control samples totaled 263.51 mg/kg, while for the double-layer samples, their value equaled: 164.90 mg/kg). The achieved results indicate a high biodegradation potential, however, a too low pH of the film results in limiting seed germination and growth. Despite that, of these, double-layer films are a technology that has applicative potential.

Shelf-life extension of salmon using active total biodegradable packaging with tea ground waste and furcellaran-CMC double-layered films.

In this study, active biopolymer trays, being part of the biodegradable packaging, were developed and characterised. The aim of our research was to determine how active packaging (trays + films) affects the quality of salmon storage. The trays had high antioxidant potential and were biodegradable, however, they limited germination and seed growth, which may have been caused by the low pH of the material. Furthermore, the applied packaging demonstrated a potential possible inhibitory effect on the accumulation of biogenic amines and the growth of microorganisms responsible for the spoilage of salmon fillets. Compared to the control group, fillets stored in the tested pack had a 19% lower total bacteria count on the 6th day of storage. The innovative packing is easily biodegradable and prolongs the shelf-life of salmon fillets, therefore, it shows promise as a packaging material for perishable food products.

Role of Diagnostic Imaging in Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO) in Children: An Observational Study.

The aim of this single-center observational study was to analyze the applicability of various imaging studies to the diagnosis and further evaluation of patients with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). The analysis included the data of 10 patients with CRMO treated between 2016 and 2021. The mean ages of the patients at the first manifestation of CRMO and ultimate diagnosis were 10 years and 7 months and 11 years and 10 months, respectively. Conventional radiography demonstrated focal loss of bone density in only 30% of the patients. Computed tomography showed disseminated foci with non-homogeneous osteolytic/osteosclerotic structure, with a massive loss of cortical layer and strong periosteal reaction. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), most patients presented with multifocal hypodense areas on T1-weighted images, with the enhancement of signal on T-weighted and STIR sequences. The duration of follow-up varied between 3 months and 3 years. In 40% of the patients, both clinical symptoms and the abnormalities seen on MRI resolved completely, whereas another 50% showed partial regression of clinical and radiological manifestations. MRI findings, co-existing with characteristic clinical manifestations, play a pivotal role in establishing the ultimate diagnosis of CRMO. MRI can also be used to monitor the outcomes of treatment in CRMO patients.

Factors influencing chemical quality of composted poultry waste.

The need for organic recycling is justified in the case of poultry waste because after ensuring hygienization there is a chance of obtaining a compost with substantial fertilizer value. Organic recycling of slaughter waste has its justification in sustainable development and retardation of resources. In the research being described, composting of hydrated poultry slaughterhouse waste with maize straw was carried out. Combinations with fodder yeast and postcellulose lime were also introduced in order to modify chemical and physicochemical properties of the mixtures. The experiment was carried out within 110 days in 1.2 × 1.0 × 0.8 m laboratory reactors. Temperature of the biomass was recorded during composting, and the biomass was actively aerated through a perforated bottom. Composting of substrates selected in such a way caused losses of some elements in gaseous form, an increase in concentration of other elements, and changes in relationships between elements. The ability to select substrates influences compost quality. This ability is determined by chemical indicators. Among other things, compost evaluation based on carbon to nitrogen ratio shows the intensity of the composting process and possible nitrogen losses. The addition of slaughter waste to maize straw reduced the content of individual fractions of carbon in the composts, whereas the addition of postcellulose lime intensified that process. The addition of fodder yeast significantly increased the phosphorus content in the compost. Since iron compounds were used in the processing of poultry carcasses, composts that were based on this material had an elevated iron content. The applied postcellulose lime significantly increased the copper, zinc, chromium, nickel, and lead contents. Proper selection of substrates for composting of hydrated poultry slaughterhouse waste allows to obtain a compost with chemical properties that create favorable conditions for natural application of that compost. Addition of large quantities of postcellulose lime to the composting process leads to obtaining an organic-mineral substratum for cultivation or to obtaining an agent that improves soil properties.

The effect of low-temperature transformation of mixtures of sewage sludge and plant materials on content, leachability and toxicity of heavy metals.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the process of low-temperature transformation and the addition of plant material to sewage sludge diversifying the content of mobile forms of heavy metals and their ecotoxicity. The experimental design included: sewage sludge+rape straw, sewage sludge+wheat straw, sewage sludge+sawdust, sewage sludge+bark and sewage sludge with no addition. The mixtures were subjected to thermal transformation in a chamber furnace, under conditions without air. The procedure consisted of two stages: the first stage (130°C for 40 min) focused on drying the material, whereas in the second stage (200°C for 30 min) proper thermal transformation of materials took place. Thermal transformation of the materials, caused an increase in total contents of heavy metals in comparison to the material before transformation. From among elements, the cadmium content changed the most in materials after thermal transformation. As a result of thermal transformation, the content of water soluble form of the heavy metals decreased significantly in all the prepared mixtures. Low toxicity of the extracts from materials for Vibrio fischeri and Lepidium sativum was found in the research, regardless of transformation process. L. sativum showed higher sensitivity to heavy metals occurring in the studied extracts from materials than V. fischeri, evidence of which are the positive significant correlations between the content of metals and the inhibition of root growth of L. sativum.

Assessment of respiration activity and ecotoxicity of composts containing biopolymers.

The research was conducted to determine if introducing biodegradable polymer materials to the composting process would affect selected biological properties of mature compost. Determination of biological properties of composts composed of testing their respiration activity and toxicity. Respiration activity was measured in material from the composting process by means of OxiTop Control measuring system. The ecotoxicity of composts was estimated by means of a set of biotests composed of three microbiotests using five test organisms. Introduction of polymer materials caused a decrease in respiration activity of mature compost. Similar dependencies as in the case of mass loss were registered. Compost to which a biodegradable polymer with the highest content of starch was added revealed the smallest difference in comparison with organic material composted without polymers. Lower content of starch in a polymer caused lower respiration activity of composts, whereas microorganism vaccine might have accelerated maturing of composts, thus contributing to the smallest respiration of compost. In composts containing biopolymers the following were observed: an increase in germination inhibition--2.5 times, roots growth inhibition--1.8 times, growth inhibition of Heterocypris incongruens--four times and luminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri--1.6 times in comparison with the control (compost K1). Composts containing biopolymers were classified as toxicity class III, whereas the compost without polymer addition as class II.

Effect of Polonite used for phosphorus removal from wastewater on soil properties and fertility of a mountain meadow.

Reactive filter materials used for phosphorus (P) removal from wastewater can be disposed of as soil amendments after treatment, thus recycling P and other macro- and micro-nutrients to plants. In addition, materials with a high pH and Ca content, such as Polonite, are potential soil conditioners, which can be particularly beneficial for acid soils. Polonite previously used for on-site wastewater treatment was applied as a soil amendment to a mountain meadow. The amendment significantly increased soil pH and decreased the hydrolytic acidity, thus reducing Al toxicity risks. The effects were comparable to those of liming. No difference in yield and P uptake by meadow plants was observed. The uptake of metals was lower for amended soils, especially the uptake of Mn. Using Polonite after wastewater treatment as a soil amendment is thus a viable disposal alternative that can replace liming, when necessary, being capable of recycling P and other nutrients to meadow plants.