Agitation-dependent biomechanical forces modulate GPVI receptor expression and platelet adhesion capacity during storage

Background Continuous agitation during storage slows down the platelet storage lesions. However, in special circumstances, manual-mixing can be alternatively used to store products for short time periods without compromising platelet quality. Based on this finding, and given the role of shear stress in modulating receptor expression, we were interested in comparing the levels of platelet adhesion receptor, GPVI and platelet adhesion capacity under each storage condition. Methods Platelet concentrates (PCs) were divided into three groups: continuously-agitated PCs (CAG-PCs) with or without PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor) and manually-mixed PCs (MM-PCs). Platelet count/MPV, swirling, GPVI and P-selectin expression, GPVI shedding, platelet adhesion/spreading to collagen were examined during 5 days of storage. Results While MM- and CAG-PCs showed similar levels of P-selectin expression, GPVI expression was significantly elevated in MM-PCs with lower GPVI shedding/expression ratios, enhanced platelet adhesion/spreading and swirling in manually-mixed PCs. Of note, CAG-PCs treated with PP2 also demonstrated lower P-selectin expression and GPVI shedding, higher GPVI expression and attenuated swirling and spreading capability. Conclusion Given the comparable platelet activation state in MM and CAG-PCs as indicated by P-selectin expression, enhanced platelet adhesion/spreading in MM-PCs, along with relatively higher GPVI expression here, supports previous studies demonstrating a role for biomechanical forces in modulating GPVI-dependent function. Thus, lower GPVI expression in CAG-PCs may be due to shear forces induced by agitation, which keeps this receptor down-regulated while also attenuating platelet adhesion/spreading capacities during storage. Low platelet function in PP2-CAG-PCs also highlights the importance of Src-kinases threshold activity in maintaining platelets quality.

Biological Control of soft rot bacteria of onion in Bangladesh

An investigation was conducted to search antagonistic bacteria as biological control agents of soft rotting bacterial pathogen of onion (Allium cepa L.) in vitro and in storage. Antibacterial activity of previously isolated 91 bacterial isolates was tested in vitro against onion soft rot bacteria Burkholderia cepacia O-15. Two isolates namely, R-15 and E-37 were found antagonistic against onion soft rot bacteria. Isolate R-15 was identified as the genus Bacillus and the isolate E-37 to Lactobacillus sp. Isolate R-15 proved to be a strong antagonist against onion soft rot bacteria was selected for bio-control of onion in storage. That was also effectively reduces the soft rot disease of onion in storage condition. Percentage of disease reduction (PDR) due to treatment with antagonistic bacteria was 72.4% compared to untreated control. It is therefore suggested that this isolate could be exploited as biocontrol agent for onion soft rot in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(4), 231-240, 2021

Phytochemical Screening of Selected Botanicals and their Effectiveness Against Maize Weevil (Sitophilus Zeamais Motsch.) at Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal

Laboratory experiment was done to perform the phytochemical screening of six locally available botanicals (Azadirachta indica Juss, Artemisia dubia Wall, Lantana camara L, Parthenium hysterophorus L, Justicia adhatoda Linn. and Moringa oleifera L.) and their effectiveness to control the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) at Agriecology lab of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal. Seven treatments (leaf extract of A. indica, A. dubia, L. camara, P. hysterophorus. J. adhatoda and M. oleifera and distilled water as control) applied at 3 different doses (0.5, 1 & 2g/50g seeds) were arranged in CRD design with 3 replications. Result of mortality test of maize weevil revealed that, at highest concentration of L. camara powder (T17- 2g/50 gm seeds) mortality of maize weevil was observed up to 85% at 45 DAT. Whereas number of damaged grain was lowest in T17 (L. camara powder- 2g/50 gm seeds). The effectiveness of botanicals was found to increase with increasing the concentration. Besides that, Justicia adhatoda (2g/50g seeds) and Artemisia dubia (1g/50g seeds) were also found as good candidates to use for the control of Sitophilus zeamais. Qualitative tests done for the presence of various phytochemicals showed that Azadirachta indica Juss and Artemisia dubia Wall. were found to contain most of the tested metabolites among all botanicals. Most of those phytochemicals were extracted by the aqueous solution rather than other 3 menstrums used (acetone, methanol and petroleum ether). Similarly, quantitative test revealed that percentage of alkaloid was found 18.01%, 17.78%, 17.75%, 11.58%, 8.20%, 6.78% and flavonoid15.32%, 13.63%, 12.86%, 11.36%, 7. 51% 2.85% respectively in L. camara L. P. hysterophorus L., J. adhatoda Linn., M. oleifera L., A. indica Juss. and A. dubia Wall. Leaf extract of L. camera found to contain highest botanicals extract reach in alkaloid and flavonoid mayhave insecticidal property and could be use as grain protectant percentage of alkaloid (18.01%) as well as flavonoid (15.32%) So, it was concluded that the locally available against the maize weevil at storage condition in cost effective and eco-friendly manner; however, application at proper dose is necessary to maintain the efficacy at higher level.

Optimization of S-Nitrosocaptopril Monohydrate Storage Conditions Based on Response Surface Method

From unstable crystals to relatively stable monohydrate crystals, many researchers have been working on S-nitrosocaptopril for more than two decades. S-nitrosocaptopril monohydrate (Cap-NO·H2O) is a novel crystal form of S-nitrosocaptopril (Cap-NO), and is not only a nitric oxide (NO) donor, but also an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI). Yet, a method for long-term storage has never been reported. In order to determine the optimal storage conditions, Plackett–Burman (PB) design was performed to confirm the critical factors. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to determine the optimal Cap-NO·H2O storage condition, based on the rough interval determined by the path of steepest ascent experiment. The optimized storage condition was denoted as nitrogen purity of 97%, temperature of −10 °C and 1.20 g deoxidizer. In this case, a final preservation rate of 97.91 ± 0.59% could be obtained. In specific storage conditions, Cap-NO·H2O was found to be stable for at least 6 months in individual PE package, procreating a potentially applicable avenue.

Effect of Bio-Pesticides on Mortality of Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella L.

Galleria mellonella larvae feed on wax, pollen, honey and damage the combs with in active bee colonies and storage condition. Galleria mellonella larvae can bore tunnel and feed around the midrib base of the wax comb. Larvae produce silk fibers that can trap bee brood cells. Comb is completely covered with webbing and extracted matter of the larvae condition described as “Galleriasis”. The study was carried out at Apiculture Lab of RVSKVV-ZARS-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morena (M.P.) during 2019-20. Different three concentration of bio-pesticides viz., Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki (1, 1.5 and 2%), custard apple seed extract (2, 4and 6%) and Neem Oil (1, 2 and 3%) were used against the Galleria mellonella to assess the effect of larval mortality at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after treatment. There was no significant effect showed in all the treatments after 24 hours. The maximum mortality of Galleria mellonella larvae was recorded in Bacillus thuringiensis Kurstaki 2.0 percent concentration (46.67, 87.08 and 96.67%) after 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively and it was at par with custard apple seed extract 6.0 percent concentration (45.83, 85.0 and 93.75%). Neem oil 3.0 percent concentration expressed 38.33, 75.42 and 87.50 percent larval mortality after 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively. Whereas minimum mortality was noticed in Neem oil 1.0 percent at 48 hours (22.08%), at 72 hours (37.08%) and at 96 hours (56.25%) among the treatments. The higher concentration of all the three bio-pesticides was proved effectiveness against Galleria mellonella during investigation.

Implications of Seed Vault Storage Strategies for Conservation of Seed Bacterial Microbiomes

Global seed vaults are important, as they conserve plant genetic resources for future breeding to improve crop yield and quality and to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the impact of standard storage procedures, such as seed drying and cold storage on the seed bacterial community, and the ability to recover seed-associated bacteria after storage. In this study, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds were analyzed to characterize changes in the bacterial community composition and culturability under varying storage conditions. The G. max bacterial microbiome was analyzed from undried seed, dried seed, and seed stored for 0, 3, 6, and 14months. Storage temperatures consisted of −20°C, 4°C, and room temperature (RT), with −20°C being commonly used in seed storage vaults globally. The seed microbiome of G. max was dominated by Gammaproteobacteria under all conditions. Undried seed was dominated by Pantoea (33.9%) and Pseudomonas (51.1%); however, following drying, the abundance of Pseudomonas declined significantly (0.9%), Pantoea increased significantly (73.6%), and four genera previously identified including Pajaroellobacter, Nesterenkonia, env.OPS_17, and Acidibacter were undetectable. Subsequent storage at RT, 4, or −20°C maintained high-abundance Genera at the majority of time points, although RT caused greater fluctuations in abundances. For many of the low-abundance Genera, storage at −20°C resulted in their gradual disappearance, whereas storage at 4°C or RT resulted in their more rapid disappearance. The changes in seed bacterial composition were reflected by cultured bacterial taxa obtained from the stored G. max seed. The main taxa were largely culturable and had similar relative abundance, while many, but not all, of the low-abundance taxa were also culturable. Overall, these results indicate that the initial seed drying affects the seed bacterial composition, suggesting that microbial isolation prior to seed drying is recommended to conserve these microbes. The standard seed storage condition of −20°C is most suitable for conservation of the bacterial seed microbiome, as this storage temperature slows down the loss of seed bacterial diversity over longer time periods, particularly low-abundance taxa.

Kombinasi pengemasan vakum dan iradiasi untuk memperpanjang masa simpan ikan kayu (Keumamah)

Keumamah, or dried fish, is one of Aceh Province's traditional delicacies whose ingredient is mackerel tuna. The making of dried fish (Keumamah) is a method of preserving fish to prolong its shelf life. The study aimed to measure the storage time of dried fish (Keumamah) using vacuum packaging and irradiation. The study used an experimental design through the Randomized Control Trial (RCT) method. Statistically analyzed using ANOVA and advanced Duncan test with Confidence Interval (CI) of 95%. This study showed that vacuum irradiation could significantly preserve the colour, taste, flavour, and texture characteristics of the dried fish (p < 0,01) for all variables. The Total Plate Count (TPC) test and water, protein, and fat content analysis suggest a significantly better post-storage condition of the dried fish using a vacuum and irradiation combination. Meanwhile, the analysis of ash content did not show a significant difference between treatment and control groups (p= 0,386). In conclusion, the packaging with a combination of vacuum and irradiation could prolong the shelf life of dried fish

Effect of Storage Conditions and Cooking Methods on Chlorophyll, Glucosinolate, and Sulforaphane Content in Broccoli Florets

The effects of storage conditions and cooking methods on chlorophyll, glucosinolate (GSL), and sulforaphane content in broccoli florets were investigated in this study. For the storage experiment, fresh broccoli florets were stored for 2, 4, and 6 days at 10, 4, and 0 °C with or without 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment. For the cooking experiment, fresh broccoli florets were cooked for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 min under three cooking methods, namely, steaming, microwaving, and boiling. Results showed that the contents of chlorophyll, aliphatic GSL, indole GSL, and sulforaphane in broccoli florets of two cultivars decreased with prolonged storage time. The retained contents of chlorophyll, GSLs, and sulforaphane under 0 °C storage condition were significantly higher than those under 10 °C storage condition after 6 days of storage. The sulforaphane content was increased by 1-MCP treatment but differed among varieties. The cooking experiment showed that aliphatic GSL content decreased with increased cooking time under three cooking methods, and indole GSL and sulforaphane contents had a fluctuating trend with increasing cooking time after steaming and microwaving. Sulforaphane content increased by 17.15–50.16% relative to that in fresh broccoli florets and was considerably affected by cooking time. The highest level of sulforaphane content was retained for 7 min during steaming or 5 min during microwaving. Therefore, the combination of 1-MCP treatment and 0 °C storage condition had the best performance in preserving chlorophyll, GSLs, and sulforaphane. Moreover, steaming for 7 min or microwaving for 5 min is a more effective method for preserving the quality and increasing the sulforaphane content of broccoli florets than boiling.

Understand the difference between clinical measured ultrafiltrationand real ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis

Background It has been noticed for years that ultrafiltration (UF) is important for survival in peritoneal dialysis. On the other hand, precise and convenient UF measurement suitable for patient daily practice is not as straight forward as it is to measure UF in the lab. Both overfill and flush before fill used to be source of measurement error for clinical practice. However, controversy finding around UF in peritoneal dialysis still exists in some situation. The current study was to understand the difference between clinical measured UF and real UF. The effect of evaporation and specific gravity in clinical UF measurement were tested in the study. Methods Four different brands of dialysate were purchased from the market. The freshest dialysate available in the market were intentionally picked. The bags were all 2 L, 2.5% dextrose and traditional lactate buffered PD solution. They were stored in four different conditions with controlled temperature and humidity. The bags were weighted at baseline, 6 months and 12 months of storage. Specific gravity was measured in mixed 24 h drainage dialysate from 261 CAPD patients when they come for their routine solute clearance test. Results There was significant difference in dialysate bag weight at baseline between brands. The weight declined significantly after 12 month’s storage. The weight loss was greater in higher temperature and lower humidity. The dialysate in non-PVC package lose less weight than PVC package. The specific gravity of dialysate drainage was significantly higher than pure water and it was related to dialysate protein concentration. Conclusion Storage condition and duration, as well as the type of dialysate package have significant impact in dialysate bag weight before use. Evaporation is likely to be the reason behind. The fact that specific gravity of dialysate drainage is higher than 1 g/ml overestimates UF in manual exchanges, which contributes to systemic measurement error of ultrafiltration in CAPD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03864120 (March 8, 2019) (Understand the Difference Between Clinical Measured Ultrafiltration and Real Ultrafiltration).