Destruction of oral biofilms formed in situ on machined titanium (Ti) surfaces by cold atmospheric plasma

The decontamination of implant surfaces represents the basic procedure in the management of peri-implant diseases, but it is still a challenge. The study aimed to evaluate the degradation of oral biofilms grown in situ on machined titanium (Ti) discs by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). ～ 200 Ti discs were exposed to the oral cavities of five healthy human volunteers for 72?h. The resulting biofilms were divided randomly between the following treatments: CAP (which varied in mean power, treatment duration, and/or the gas mixture), and untreated and treated controls (diode laser, air-abrasion, chlorhexidine). The viability, quantity, and morphology of the biofilms were determined by live/dead staining, inoculation onto blood agar, quantification of the total protein content, and scanning electron microscopy. Exposure to CAP significantly reduced the viability and quantity of biofilms compared with the positive control treatments. The efficacy of treatment with CAP correlated with the treatment duration and plasma power. No single method achieved complete biofilm removal; however, CAP may provide an effective support to established decontamination techniques for treatment of peri-implant diseases.     

果袋颜色对番茄果实微环境及产量和品质的影响

为确定果袋颜色的生态学和生物学效应,以JYK番茄为试材,采用不同颜色果袋进行套袋处理,以不套袋为对照,研究了不同颜色果袋内微环境的变化及其对果实生长发育、产量和品质的影响.结果表明：不同颜色果袋均具有降低光强、提高温度、增加湿度的作用,并均可促进番茄果实膨大,增加单果质量,促进果实提早成熟.其中,以黑色果袋增温促长效果最好,其果实成熟期较对照提早10 d,单果质量增加27.2%;无色、蓝色及红色果袋处理的果实成熟期分别较对照提早8、3和2 d,单果质量分别增加11.8%、6.4%和4.8%.此外,套袋还可促进果实着色,显著提高番茄红素含量,但所有处理的果实硬度及可溶性固形物、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白含量均低于对照.表明番茄套袋虽增加了产量,但降低了其营养品质.     

黄皮果实采后呼吸特性及品质变化

以大鸡心、小鸡心和圆种黄皮三个品种为试材,探讨常温(28±2℃)贮藏条件下,三种黄皮果实呼吸速率、乙烯产生速率和品质的变化。结果表明,采后黄皮好果率、可溶性固形物和Vc含量显著降低;失重率、可溶性果胶和原果胶含量显著上升;可滴定酸含量在前2d内显著下降,2d后则有不同程度回升;黄皮果实贮藏4d后呼吸速率显著上升,但无呼吸峰出现,属非呼吸跃变型果实。贮藏后期大鸡心黄皮呼吸速率明显高于小鸡心和圆种黄皮。乙烯产生速率采后前4d内显著上升,但4d后大鸡心和小鸡心黄皮乙烯产生速率迅速降低,圆种黄皮则持续上升。     

Approximation of ground water quality for microbial and chemical contamination

Present study was designed to obtain estimation about ground water quality of Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. A total of 12 water samples were collected from different localities of study area to analyze for various physicochemical and biological parameters i.e. namely temperature, pH, turbidity, color, odor, taste, electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (Calcium + Magnesium), chloride, arsenic, phosphate, lead, ammonium ion, nitrite, Fecal coliform and Escherichia coli. Results exposed that all ground water samples of study area were grossly contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms like E. coli and Fecal coliform except one water sample that was obtained from community filter plant Samahni Chowk site. Besides it, values of some physicochemical water quality determining parameters also deviated from recommended limits of World Health Organization (WHO). Chloride ion concentration was little below the prescribed limits in almost all water samples. It has been proven that consumption of un-safe drinking water is one of the major cause of prevalence of water borne diseases like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid fever and malaria etc. in study area. Community water supply and sanitation projects should be encouraged; government should provide filter plants in all regions of the country so that people could have easy approach to safe drinking water.     

LED光质对茄子果实品质及抗氧化能力的影响

采用发光二极管(LED)精量调制光质和光强,以白光为对照,研究红光、蓝光和红蓝组合光对‘布利塔’长茄果实品质、抗氧化能力及产量的影响.结果表明: 蓝光处理下,茄子果肉中可溶性蛋白、游离氨基酸和茄皮中花青素含量显著高于其他处理,分别比对照高15.1%、27.2%和73.6%,但果肉中类黄酮、总酚含量及产量显著低于其他处理;红光处理下,茄皮中类黄酮含量显著高于其他处理,但果肉中维生素C(Vc)和可溶性蛋白含量显著低于其他处理;红蓝组合光处理下,果肉中可溶性糖及茄皮中总酚、红色素、黄色素含量、总抗氧化能力以及产量均显著高于其他处理,其中茄皮中总抗氧化能力及产量分别比对照高43.5%和43.4%;而白光处理下,果肉中Vc、类黄酮和总酚含量及总抗氧化能力最高.茄皮中总酚及果肉中Vc含量与其总抗氧化能力呈显著正相关.设施栽培条件下,适当补充蓝光或红光均有利于改善茄子部分品质,红蓝组合光更有利于改善茄皮品质与产量形成.     

Fungi, quality and safety issues in fresh fruits and vegetables

The role of moulds in the spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables is discussed. Although the major problems are economic with a significant loss of useful food materials, there are a few examples implicating a role for mycotoxins in the safety of fresh fruits. The significance of the mycotoxins patulin, ochratoxin and tenuazonic acid will be reviewed.     

Pesticide handling practices,health risks,and determinants of safety behavior among Iranian apple farmers

Common safety practices in pesticide use were assessed among apple farmers in Ardabil Province, Iran. With reference to the place of storing pesticides, most farmers (60%) stated that they store the pesticides in stalls and warehouses, while 8.5% stated that they store the pesticides in their houses. The majority of the farmers (71.5%) stated that they prepare the pesticide sprays in the orchards or next to irrigation wells. Almost one out of three farmers (32.8 %) reported that they dump the empty containers in the orchard fields and almost an equal proportion (30.2%) reported that they usually bury the empty containers. Irritating (burning) eyes and blurred vision were symptoms that the majority of respondents had experienced. Most farmers used trousers, long-sleeved blouses/shirts, and gloves when spraying, but coveralls and goggles were rarely used. Age and farming experience negatively affected PPE use and safety behavior, namely old and experienced farmers did not follow safety rules. On the contrary, education, information about pesticides, and farming as the main profession promoted safety behavior. Overall, significant levels of exposure among farmers can be concluded due to pesticide use. The extension services should aim human safety in relation to pesticide use in agriculture.     

地菍果实成熟过程中品质及种子油脂肪酸组分的变化

对地菍果实不同成熟期品质的研究表明,成熟时的地菍果实,维生素C、总糖含量达最高值,酸度则降至最低。此期风味最好,软硬适宜,色泽甚佳,为地菍鲜食的最佳采收期。对不同成熟期的种子油脂肪酸分析表明,种子油以不饱和脂肪酸为主,尤其是亚油酸含量很高,达84%;果实成熟过程中脂肪酸各级分的含量变化趋势不明显。     

Mass spectrometric approach for identifying putative plasma membrane proteins of Arabidopsis leaves associated with cold acclimation

Although enhancement of freezing tolerance in plants during cold acclimation is closely associated with an increase in the cryostability of plasma membrane, the molecular mechanism for the increased cryostability of plasma membrane is still to be elucidated. In Arabidopsis, enhanced freezing tolerance was detectable after cold acclimation at 2 degrees C for as short as 1 day, and maximum freezing tolerance was attained after 1 week. To identify the plasma membrane proteins that change in quantity in response to cold acclimation, a highly purified plasma membrane fraction was isolated from leaves before and during cold acclimation, and the proteins in the fraction were separated with gel electrophoresis. We found that there were substantial changes in the protein profiles after as short as 1 day of cold acclimation. Subsequently, using matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), we identified 38 proteins that changed in quantity during cold acclimation. The proteins that changed in quantity during the first day of cold acclimation include those that are associated with membrane repair by membrane fusion, protection of the membrane against osmotic stress, enhancement of CO2 fixation, and proteolysis.     

Effects of water stress and rootstocks on fruit phenolic composition and physical/chemical quality in Suncrest peach

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of water stress and different rootstocks on the quality indices and nutritional characteristics of peach fruit, cv. Suncrest. The results show how pre‐harvest factors, such as the type of rootstock and water stress, can influence the quality indices and nutritional properties of peach fruits. Rootstocks type influenced both quality indices such as flesh firmness (FF) and soluble solid content (SSC), but it is unclear how rootstock exerted its influence. Also water stress induced changes in quality indices of peach fruit grafted on GF 677 and Montclar whereas minor effects were recorded when water stress was applied on Penta. The content of hydroxycinnamic acids was similar in control fruits of GF677, Montclar and Penta and it increased significantly only in fruit of trees grafted on GF 677 following water stress. Anthocyanins content in fruit of control plants was higher in Montclar in comparison with the fruit grafted on the other two rootstocks while procyanidin content was higher in fruit of control plants grafted on Penta. Following the water stress an increase in total anthocyanins was observed in GF 677 and Penta whereas no significant differences were found for Montclar. Water stress induced a significant decrease in procyanidin content in Penta. In conclusion in fruits of trees grafted on Penta following water stress quality indices did not show changes but significant variations in some phytochemicals, i.e. anthocyanins and procyanindins were observed. The results suggest that the regulation of water management is an important factor to maintain a good quality of the fruits. In fact, if irrigation stress can induce a higher biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds and an increase of SSC, at the same time, it can change fruit quality traits, such as a lower FW in Montclar, a higher titratable acidity (TA) in GF 677 and Penta and a lower FF in Gf 677 and Montclar.     

Effects of alternating exposure to cold and heat for 14 days on cold tolerance in winter

People are exposed to heat regularly due to their jobs or daily habits in cold winter, but few studies have reported whether parallel heat and cold exposure and diminish cold acclimation. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alternating exposure to cold and heat on cold tolerance in eight young males. A daily acclimation program to cold and heat, which consisted of 2-h sitting at 10 °C air in the morning and 2-h running and rest at 30 °C air in the afternoon, was conducted for 14 consecutive days. Eight male subjects participated in a cold tolerance test (10 °C [ ± 0.3], 40%RH[ ± 3]) before (PRE) and after (POST) completing the alternating exposure program. During the cold tolerance test, subjects remained sitting upright on a chair for 60 min. Rectal temperature (T_re) was lower in POST than in PRE during the 60-min cold tolerance test (P = 0.027). During the cold tolerance test, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures in POST were lower than those in PRE (P = 0.006, P = 0.005, and P = 0.004). No significant differences in skin temperatures between PRE and POST were found for the cold tolerance test. There were no significant differences in energy expenditure during cold exposure between PRE and POST. Subjects felt less cold in POST than in PRE (P = 0.013) whereas there was no significant difference in overall thermal comfort between PRE and POST. These results suggest that cold adaptation can still occur in the presence of heat stress.     

Applications of nonthermal plasma technology on safety and quality of dried food ingredients

Cold plasma technology is an efficient, environmental-friendly, economic and noninvasive technology; and in recent years these advantages placed this novel technology at the centre of diverse studies for food industry applications. Dried food ingredients including spices, herbs, powders and seeds are an important part of the human diet; and the growing demands of consumers for higher quality and safe food products have led to increased research into alternative decontamination methods. Numerous studies have investigated the effect of nonthermal plasma on dried food ingredients for food safety and quality purposes. This review provides critical review on potential of cold plasma for disinfection of dried food surfaces (spices, herbs and seeds), improvement of functional and rheological properties of dried ingredients (powders, proteins and starches). The review further highlights the benefits of plasma treatment for enhancement of seeds performance and germination yield which could be applied in agricultural sector in near future. Different studies applying plasma technology for control of pathogens and spoilage micro-organisms and modification of food quality and germination of dried food products followed by benefits and current challenges are presented. However, more systemic research needs to be addressed for successful adoption of this technology in food industry.     

The role of low-level ozone exposure and mycorrhizas in chemical quality and insect herbivore performance on Scots pine seedlings

The effects of low‐level ozone exposure and suppression of natural mycorrhizas on the above‐ground chemical quality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles and insect herbivore performance were studied in a two‐year field experiment. Seedlings were fumigated with the ozone doses 1.5–1.7 times the ambient, and natural mycorrhizal infection level was about 35% reduced in roots with fungicide propiconazole. On ozone‐exposed seedlings the mean relative growth rate (MRGR) of Lygus rugulipennis Popp. nymphs was lower than on ambient ozone seedlings, but Gilpinia pallida Klug sawfly larvae grew better on elevated ozone seedlings than on ambient ozone seedlings. MRGR of Schizolachnus pineti Fabr. and Cinara pinea L. aphid nymphs or Neodiprion sertifer Geoffr. sawfly larvae or the oviposition of L. rugulipennis and N. sertifer were not affected by ozone exposure. Although ozone exposure did not affect total phenolics, total terpene, total or individual resin acid, total free amino acid, nutrient or sugar concentrations in needles, MRGR of L. rugulipennis positively correlated with total terpenes and MRGR of G. pallida positively with total amino acids. In addition, ozone exposure increased serine and proline concentration and marginally also starch concentration in needles. When mycorrhizas were reduced with fungicide, only MRGR of L. rugulipennis nymphs increased, but performance of other insect herbivores studied was not changed. However, number of L. rugulipennis eggs correlated positively with mycorrhizal infection level and also with total sugars. Reduction of mycorrhizas did not strongly affect the concentrations of analysed compounds in needles, because only phosphorus and potassium and some individual resin acids were reduced by fungicide treatment. These results suggest that low‐level ozone exposure and moderately declined mycorrhizal infection do not drastically affect either the above‐ground chemical quality of Scots pine seedlings or performance of studied insect herbivores.