Effects of calcium lactate on postharvest quality of bitter gourd fruit during cold storage.

This study was aimed to assess the effects of calcium lactate (CL) on quality, shelf-life and storage physiology of bitter gourd. Fruits were dipped in the aqueous solution of CL (50, 75, and 100 mM) and stored at 10 °C and 85-95% relative humidity (RH). The changes in physical, biochemical and enzymological parameters were recorded at five days interval. The results showed that in CL@100 mM treated fruit, physiological loss in weight (PLW) and decay incidence were minimized. Conversely, their firmness, total phenolics, antioxidants and total chlorophyll retained at higher side. The CL @ 75 mM was able to retain higher ascorbic acid up to 20 days while CL@100 mM was effective in controlling pectin methylesterase (PME) activity and increasing the inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Therefore, our observations suggested that by applying CL@100 mM, 5 days extra (20 days) shelf-life of bitter gourd fruit can be achieved with notable retention of biochemical compounds over untreated fruit (15 days with poor retention of important nutrients).

Nutritional and Phytochemical Traits of Apricots (Prunus Armeniaca L.) for Application in Nutraceutical and Health Industry.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a nutritious fruit, rich in bioactive compounds, known for their health benefits. The present study attempts to evaluate nutritional (sugars, organic acids, minerals) and nutraceutical traits (total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidant activity) of six commercial apricot genotypes grown in India. Antioxidant activity was determined using three in-vitro assays, namely CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the genotypes concerning nutritional and nutraceutical traits. Sucrose accounted for more than 60% of total sugars in most genotypes, followed by glucose and fructose. Citric acid accounted for more than 50% of the total organic acids present, followed by malic and succinic acids. Apricot is a good source of potassium (1430.07 to 2202.69 mg/100 g dwb) and iron (2.69 to 6.97 mg/100 g dwb) owing to its mineral composition. Total carotenoids content ranged from 0.44 to 3.55 mg/100 g, with ß-carotene accounting for 33-84% of the total content. The results strongly suggest that genotypes 'CITH-A-1' and 'CITH-A-2', which have high dry matter and carotenoids content, are well suited for drying. 'Roxana' and 'CITH-A-3' are great for fresh consumption, while 'Shakarpara' and 'Gold Cot' are excellent for juice processing.

Ultrasound-assisted development of stable grapefruit peel polyphenolic nano-emulsion: Optimization and application in improving oxidative stability of mustard oil.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) peel (GP) is rich in flavonoids and phenolics which have several proven pharmacological effects. However, their chemical instability towards oxygen, light and heat limits its applications in food industries. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of fabricating grapefruit-peel-phenolic (GPP) nano-emulsion in mustard oil using ultrasonication. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimization revealed that sonication time of 9.5 min at 30% amplitude and 0.52% Span-80 produced the stable GPP nano-emulsion with a droplet size of 29.73 ± 1.62 nm. Results indicate that both ultrasonication and Span-80 can assist the fabrication of a stabilized nano-emulsion. This study is one of its kind where nano-encapsulation of GPP into W/O emulsion was done to stabilize the active compound inside mustard oil and then the nano-emulsion was used to extend oxidative stability of mustard oil. Findings provide a basic guideline to formulate stable nano-emulsions for their use in active food packaging, oils, and pharmaceuticals.

Genotypic variability in nutritional and functional attributes of blueberry varieties grown in northern-western Himalayas.

Blueberry fruits are known for their high vitamin C, essential dietary fibre, antioxidant activity and anthocyanin pigments. Different blueberry varieties have been introduced in India but no attempt has been made for their nutritional profiling. Nutritional profiling of varieties helps us to know the unique varietal characters, which serves as a guideline for recommendation of a valuable variety for fresh consumption and/or processing. Therefore, the present study was conducted in eight different blueberry varieties such as 'Misty', 'Sharp Blue', 'Biloxi', 'Jewel', 'Gulf Coast', 'Blue Crop', 'Star', 'Legacy'. The results of the study revealed that all tested varieties differed significantly in physical attributes (10-berry weight, fruit firmness, roundness index, moisture content) and biochemical and functional attributes (ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, total sugars, organic acids) and mineral content. Regression analysis and Principal Component Analysis showed that antioxidant potential of blueberries was mainly contributed by phenolics followed by anthocyanins and ascorbic acid content. However for taste perception, fructose among sugars and succinic acid among sugars were the most influencing factors (p ≤ 0.05). Total phenolics and anthocyanins content were responsible for overall difference in functional attributes among the varieties. The attributes such as high fruit firmness, sensorial score, and appropriate shape and weight make 'Misty', the best variety for marketability and fresh consumption among all tested varieties.

Fruit bagging and bag color affects physico-chemical, nutraceutical quality and consumer acceptability of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils.

Present study aimed to investigate the effect of preharvest bagging and bag colour on physico-chemical, nutraceutical quality and consumer acceptability of pomegranate arils. Fruits of 10-years-old Kandhari variety were covered with 15 × 20 cm three colored single layer cellulosic bags (35 µm thickness, 2700 cm3 24 h-1 GTR, WVTR 28.60 cm3 24 h-1) 60 days after flowering. Fruits were harvested 150 days after anthesis (average TSS 13° brix) and fruits were taken to various physical-biochemical parameters. Red colored bagging minimized fruit cracking (66%) and bacterial blight incidence (78%) over control. Ascorbic acid and total anthocyanin content was found maximum with red colour bagged (18.20 ± 0.87 mg 100 g-1 FW; 73.03 ± 3.97 mg 100 g-1 FW) fruits, while total soluble solids, total sugars and total antioxidant capacity were maximum in control fruits. Total phenols were found maximum in fruits which were bagged with blue colour bags (32.12 ± 1.53 mg GAE 100 g-1 FW). Respiration rate was recorded maximum in the red colored bags (17.93 ± 0.22 mL kg-1 h-1) followed by white, blue and control fruits. Overall acceptability was recorded maximum in the fruits which were covered with red colour bags (8.67) whereas sweetness was reported maximum in control fruits (8.30). For harnessing the benefit of bagging in pomegranate, fruit should be bagged 60 days after flowering with red color cellulosic bags. Red color cellulosic bags are much effective in producing quality fruits except compromising on few quality traits like aril Ca and total phenols content.

Can IL-6 predict the development of fat embolism in polytrauma? A rabbit model pilot experimental study.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies in the literature that correlates the level of IL-6 with fat embolism syndrome (FES). But there is no conclusive correlative evidence of its specific relation to the establishment of FES. Also it is a proven fact that polytrauma due to its associated multiple long bone fracture and/or associated shock can predispose an individual to FES. By hypothesizing that polytrauma induces Fat Embolism in the animal; it was considered worthwhile to study the association of IL-6 in polytrauma induced Fat Embolism (FE) and to compare it with induced FE by injecting fatty acids in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An animal study was conducted in 32 New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were divided into 3 groups: control, fat embolism and polytrauma group. We injected 6 ml of normal saline and 0.2 ml of linoleic acid in the control and fat embolism group respectively. In the polytauma group we created bilateral femur and tibial shaft factures which were stabilized with intramedullary K- wires. Blood was taken before and at 6, 12 and 24 h after the procedure to measure plasma IL-6 levels. The rabbits were euthanized at 24 h and lungs were removed and stained for fat globules. RESULTS: All rabbits in the fat embolism group and around 72.22% rabbits in polytrauma group had fat embolism. The IL-6 levels were raised in all the groups reaching a peak at 6 h after procedure with a decline in the values at 12 h for polytrauma and fat embolism group. IL-6 in the control group was stationary after an initial raise at 6 h. There was no statistically significant difference seen among the groups (p value > 0.05) at 6 h. CONCLUSION: IL-6 is not a specific marker to fat embolism per se or polytrauma who later develop complications like FES. Even though the recent literature says that IL-6 is an early marker of fat embolism, still the diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome is clinical only and can be supplemented by laboratory markers. None of the laboratory markers individually is good enough to predict the development of FES in an individual.

Aqueous ozone controls decay and maintains quality attributes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.).

Investigations were made on the changes in physical and biochemical attributes, fruit decay and storage life of 'Winter Dawn' strawberry fruits in response to aqueous ozone dip treatment for different exposure times. Fruits were subjected to 0.1 ppm aqueous ozone for different time intervals (1-4 min). The treated strawberries were air dried and stored under ambient (25 ± 2 °C and 45-50% RH) and low temperature (2 ± 1 °C and 90% RH) conditions. Results revealed that treatment of strawberry fruits with aqueous ozone @ 0.1 ppm for 2 min resulted in 21% lower weight loss, 16% higher firmness and 15% lesser change in fruit colour during 2 days in ambient storage. Under low temperature storage, 2 min ozone treated fruits exhibited ~ 21% lower PLW, 19% higher firmness and 46% lesser colour change as compared to control fruits during 14 days of storage. Fruit decay reduced significantly under both low and cold storage conditions. Thus, it can be concluded that application of aqueous ozone for 2 min was able to retain the strawberry fruit quality and extend its storage life till 14 days under low temperature storage and 2 days under ambient storage conditions.

Chemical and nutritional evaluation of major genotypes of nectarine (Prunus persica var nectarina) grown in North-Western Himalayas.

Nectarine is an important stone fruit after plum and peach. The area under peach cultivation is now getting replaced by nectarine due to its fuzzless nature and high nutritive value. Nectarines are juicy, delicious fruits having low calorific value and have high antioxidant capacity. In India, its cultivation is confined to North-Western and North-Eastern Himalayas. In this study, five major nectarine cultivars growing in India namely, 'Silver Queen', 'Red Gold', 'Spring Bright', 'Independence' and 'Missourie' were harvested at commercial maturity and analyzed for various chemical and nutritional aspects. Our results showed that there were quantitative differences among the genotypes in different parameters analyzed. The predominant sugar in nectarine was fructose which was highest in 'Silver Queen' (14.48 mg 100 g-1 FW) and lowest in 'Independence' (9.04 mg 100 g-1 FW). Major organic acids were malic, succinic, citric and acetic acid. The highest malic acid content was recorded in 'Independence' (1.13 mg 100 g-1 FW) and lowest in 'Red Gold' (0.61 mg 100 g-1 FW). Nectarine genotypes chiefly contained phloridizin dihydrate and chlorogenic acid as the phenolic component. However, chlorogenic acid was highest in 'Spring Bright' (17.63 µg g-1 FW) and lowest in 'Red Gold' (3.67 µg g-1 FW). Similarly, a wider variability was recorded in major and minor mineral concentrations among the genotypes. Based on these observations, it can be concluded that among the major nectarine varieties cultivated in India, 'Silver Queen' have higher mineral nutrients than other varieties, and 'Spring Bright' have higher phenolics and antioxidants.

Improving the shelf life of fresh-cut 'Royal Delicious' apple with edible coatings and anti-browning agents.

The objective of this study was to monitor overall quality and to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apple wedges. Fresh-cut apple wedges were treated with anti-browning agents and edible coatings alone as well as in combination and packed in polypropylene trays. Packed apple wedges were stored at 5 ± 2 °C and monitored for physical (colour, physiological loss in weight and firmness), bio-chemical (ascorbic acid, total antioxidant, phenol, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes) and microbial quality. In general carboxymethyl cellulose and aloe vera coatings along with anti-browning agents helped in preserving quality of apple slices during storage. Microbial load was significantly low for wedges coated with carboxymethyl cellulose and aloe vera. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzyme activity was also low in the coated samples. Firmness of the uncoated apple wedges declined more rapidly than the coated ones during storage. The results showed that carboxymethyl cellulose and aloe vera coating in combination with anti-browning agents improved the quality of stored apple wedges.

Nutritional characterization of apple as a function of genotype.

Twenty two apple cultivars grown in Himachal Pradesh, India were harvested at commercial maturity and analysed for different physical (fruit weight, fruit dimensions, firmness, color) and nutritional attributes (ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, total carotenoid, sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds and minerals). Cultivar 'Oregon Spur II' was found to have maximum fruit size and weight while the least was observed for cultivar 'Starkrimson'. Quantitative differences were found in the nutritional profile among the cultivars with respect to all the above attributes. The ascorbic acid content ranged between 19.38 mg 100 g-1 ('Well Spur') and 32.08 mg 100 g-1 ('Starkrimson') while the antioxidant activity varied between 2.64 µmol Trolox equivalent g-1 ('Granny Smith') and 13.20 µmol Trolox equivalent g-1 ('Silver Spur'). The highest total carotenoid was found in 'Red Chief' (147.06 mg kg-1) while in 'Early Red-I' the total carotenoid was only 29.03 mg kg-1. HPLC analysis for individual sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds was carried out. Fructose (average 50.79 g L-1) was the most abundant sugar. Malic acid (average 6.03 mg L-1) predominated among the individual organic acids. Potassium (average 795.14 mg 100 g-1) and iron (average 2.04 µg g-1) were the predominant macro and micro elements, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was the major constituent among phenolic compounds.

Edible coatings influence the cold-storage life and quality of 'Santa Rosa' plum (Prunus salicina Lindell).

Plum is a perishable fruit with a very short shelf life of 3-4 days. Several studies have suggested the possible use of edible coatings on maintaining quality and prolonging storage life of fresh horticultural produce. Hence, different edible coatings, namely, lac-based (2:3), Semperfresh™ (1:3) and Niprofresh® (1:5) were selected to observe their efficacy on quality retention of 'Santa Rosa' plums. The effects of these coatings on the physical, physiological and biochemical attributes were studied under cold storage conditions (2 ± 1 °C and 85-90% relative humidity). Our results revealed that all the coatings, especially the lac-based significantly reduced the weight loss and maintained higher firmness throughout the storage period. These surface coatings modified the respiration and ethylene rates of the plums and slowed down their metabolism as shown by the retention of texture of the tissue and delayed colour development. At the end of 35 days of cold storage, lac-based coating helped to retain nearly 55% higher fruit firmness and 21% higher antioxidant activity in fruits as compared to uncoated ones. However, the changes in total anthocyanin content were found to be suppressed by 13% in lac-based coated fruits. Overall, the results suggested that lac-based coating of plum fruits was most effective to extend the storage life of 'Santa Rosa' plums over other coatings and uncoated fruits under low temperature storage conditions.

Antioxidant degradation kinetics in apples.

The effect of shelf storage under ambient conditions of cut apple dices on degradation of bioactive compounds such ascorbic acid, total phenols, antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition) and PPO activity were investigated. The results indicated that antioxidant activity declined significantly over 80 min storage of diced apples at ambient temperature. Similar trend was observed for ascorbic acid, total phenols and PPO activity. Ascorbic acid, total phenols and antioxidant activity degradation followed first-order kinetics where the rate constant (k) was found to be in range for all the thirteen cultivars, though initial ascorbic acid and phenol content varied in different apple cultivars. The reaction rate constant (k) for first order degradation ranged from 1.16 to 1.97, 0.89 to 1.29 and 0.37 to 1.54 for antioxidant activity, total phenols and ascorbic acid, respectively. This explains that antioxidant activity degrades at higher rate than total phenols and ascorbic acid, which also corroborates that antioxidant activity is affected by both total phenols and ascorbic acid content. In general, total antioxidant activity for apple dices kept for 80 min under ambient conditions exhibited lower values as compared to control.

Randomized Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of Intra-Arterial Infusion of Autologous Stem Cells in Subacute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke is a debilitating illness for which treatment window is limited. Most patients present to the healthcare facility beyond that window. Autologous stem cells have shown some promise for this group of patients. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of intra-arterial infusion of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells in patients with middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-end point study was performed from July 2015 to June 2016. Of 229 patients with acute stroke who presented to the hospital during this period, 20 patients who satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included and randomized into the control and intervention groups. Intra-arterial stem cell infusion into the ipsilateral MCA was performed in the patients in the intervention group at 8-15 days post-stroke ictus. Final analysis at 6 months was performed for primary (safety) and secondary outcomes (efficacy). RESULTS: When we compared the primary end point of the study, no procedure-related mortality, complication, new infarct, or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was seen in the intervention group. When we compared the secondary end point of good clinical outcome, 8 (80%) patients in the intervention group showed good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score < 2) with 4 (40%) patients in the control group achieving this (95% confidence interval for good outcome in patients with stem cell infusion, 49.03-94.3, and without stem cell infusion, 16.82-68.73; P = .068). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-arterial infusion of stem cells can be carried out safely in the subacute stage of ischemic stroke. Improved clinical outcomes were observed with intra-arterial stem cell therapy; however, studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate the results.

Influence of 1-MCP on texture, related enzymes, quality and their relative gene expression in 'Amrapali' mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits.

The mango fruits remain biologically active even after harvest as they continue respiration, transpiration and other bio-chemical processes. Being highly perishable, the fruit quality deteriorates fast under ambient conditions (30 ± 5 °C and 50 ± 5% RH), rendering them unmarketable within 5-6 days. In order to extend the shelf-life of 'Amrapali' mango fruits, we have treated them with three different concentrations (500, 750 and 1000 ppb) of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) @ 20 °C and stored at ambient conditions. Among all the treatments, 1000 ppb was found to be an effective in extending shelf-life till twelfth day with minimum physiological loss in weight (19.24%), maximum firmness (10.43 N), highest retention of quality parameters such as soluble solid concentrates (27.88 °B), ascorbic acid (28.49 mg 100 g-1 FW) and total antioxidant activity (675.41 µmol Trolox g-1 FW) compared to untreated mango fruits (21.79%, 5.45 N, 23.17 °B, 19.55 mg 100 g-1 FW and 265.41 µmol Trolox g-1 FW, respectively). Gene expression studies have revealed that the texture related gene expansin was significantly repressed till fifth day of storage with increasing concentrations of 1-MCP.

Postharvest treatment of antioxidant reduces lenticel browning and improves cosmetic appeal of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits without impairing quality.

The present study reports the usefulness of ascorbic acid for reducing lenticels browning (LB) in mango, which impairs the cosmetic appeal and thereby the export. Postharvest dip treatment of ascorbic acid at different concentrations (100, 150 and 200 ppm) was given to four varieties of mango (Indian-'Dashehari', 'Langra'; Exotic-'Sensation', 'Eldon'). After treatment, fruits were stored at ambient conditions (35 ± 4 °C and 65 ± 5 % RH) for 10 days. At the end of storage period, observations were recorded on several parameters. Our results revealed that fruits of 'Langra' mango exhibited 100 % LB, followed by 'Dashehari' (52.8 %), 'Sensation' (42.9 %) and 'Eldon' (38.3 %). All concentrations of ascorbic acid reduced the LB to greater extent and improved the cosmetic appeal of fruits of all the varieties significantly over untreated fruits but the best results were obtained with 200 ppm concentration for LB (4.8, 1.6, 3.7, 3.2 %, respectively) and other attributes, non-significantly followed by 150 ppm concentration. All concentrations of ascorbic also reduced the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and lipoxigenase enzymes, and also reduced respiration rate and ethylene evolution rate but without impairing eating quality attributes (soluble solids concentrates and total carotenoids). It can be concluded that postharvest dip application of ascorbic acid at 150 ppm reduced LB and improve face value without impairing fruit quality.