Search Results (35)

This study investigated the effects of Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris) supplementation on the rumen microbiota of Leizhou goats and explored its potential mechanisms. Thirty healthy Leizhou goats of similar weight and age were selected and randomly assigned to five groups (six goats per group) using a completely randomized block design for a 75-day feeding trial. The control group (CONRF) was fed a basal diet, and the Photosynthetic Bacteria Medium (PBMRF) group was fed a basal diet + PBM solution. The low-concentration R. palustris (LRPRF), medium-concentration R. palustris (MRPRF), and high-concentration R. palustris (HRPRF) groups were fed a base diet supplemented with 20.0 mL, 40.0 mL, and 80.0 mL of R. palustris solution, respectively. All supplements were administered by mixing them into the feed. On day 75 of the trial, three goats were randomly selected from each group for slaughter and evisceration. Rumen contents were collected, immediately filtered, aliquoted, quick-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80 °C for subsequent analysis of rumen microbial diversity. Rumen microbial community structure was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that R. palustris enriched unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs), particularly in the LRPRF group. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were dominant; Firmicutes and Euryarchaeota abundance increased, while Bacteroidota decreased in the experimental groups. In addition, Verrucomicrobiota abundance was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Prevotella was predominant, whereas Selenomonas abundance was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, compared to the CONRF, PBMRF, and LRPRF groups, the MRPRF and HRPRF groups exhibited higher relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7 group and Anaeroplasma. LEfSe analysis revealed a greater number of differential taxa in the experimental groups compared with the control, including enrichment of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, which may contribute to optimizing the rumen environment by regulating immune and metabolic functions. Functional prediction indicated that rumen microorganisms were mainly involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, supplementation with R. palustris can beneficially modulate rumen microbial composition and function and promote rumen absorption of nutrients and degradation of crude fiber. This study provides a theoretical basis for green goat farming practices. Full article

Fresh-cut potato slices are prone to browning. Although freezing is an effective method of preserving food, freezing and thawing cause inevitable damage to potato tissues. This study explored the freeze-protective effects of trehalose and sorbitol under atmospheric pressure impregnation and vacuum impregnation by analyzing their influences on the cell structural and textural characteristics of frozen–thawed potato slices. The results showed that both trehalose and sorbitol can significantly improve the quality of frozen–thawed potato slices. Vacuum impregnation resulted in a higher total sugar content in the impregnated potato slices than atmospheric pressure impregnation (p < 0.05). Sorbitol impregnation significantly reduced cell damage and nutrient loss of frozen–thawed potato slices; specifically, under vacuum impregnation conditions, the juice loss rate and relative electrical conductivity decreased to 7.58 ± 0.47% and 32.90 ± 1.83 mS/cm, respectively. Texture analysis showed that sorbitol impregnation resulted in significantly higher puncture hardness and TPA hardness in frozen–thawed potato slices than trehalose impregnation. Furthermore, observations of cell activity and transmission electron microscopy of potato tissues verified sorbitol’s advantages in maintaining cell structure integrity and reducing ice crystal damage. Hence, sorbitol vacuum impregnation is highly recommended as a pretreatment in potato quick freezing processes. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the improvement of the quality of quick-frozen potato products, and for the later processing and manufacturing of frozen potato slices. Full article

The significant decline in amphibians worldwide is demanding the development of reliable techniques to save species and their genetic diversity. Considerable efforts are currently in progress to develop assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), focusing mainly on sperm cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization (IVF). In Xenopus, a simple and efficient transgenesis method based on the intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) of cryoconserved sperm was developed several decades ago, allowing for quick generation of large numbers of transgenic animals, for biological research. Such a methodology could be critical for the recovery of species and their genetic diversity, contributing to amphibian conservation. However, this approach raised the question of whether the sperm preservation method used with ICSI is compatible with long-term storage. To address this question, animals were generated by ICSI using a twenty-year-old cryopreserved sperm preparation. Their development, behavior, and reproduction ability were compared with those of animals obtained using a recently frozen sperm preparation and those of animals obtained via IVF using fresh semen. Although lower than with IVF, we showed that fertilization rates using ICSI after 20 years of cryopreservation are similar to those of a recent preparation, with viable offspring leading to normal F2 generation. This pioneering achievement is proof of concept for long-term sperm cryopreservation using simple and readily available technologies for the conservation of endangered amphibians. Full article

Background: It is common for consumers to purchase ultra-processed foods that are perceived to have health risks, and this phenomenon is rarely explained in the existing literature from the perspective of consumers’ responses to the intuitive marketing of flavor labels and the packaging. Methods: This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap and investigated the attention of 920 participants aged 18~59 across China toward fat and sodium content information for six ultra-processed foods (pastry foods, quick-frozen foods, dessert foods, puffed foods, beverages, and sauces) presented in nutrition facts tables based on the theoretical analysis framework for purchasing decisions on ultra-processed foods by using the binary logit model. Results: It was found that the respondent’ s attention to fat and sodium content information was positively influenced by health risk perception levels and levels of knowledge about fat and sodium but negatively influenced by the interaction term between flavor labels (or the packaging) that stimulated the purchase desire and health risk perception levels (or levels of knowledge about fat and sodium). Conclusions: The stimulation of purchase desire by flavor labels and the packaging weakened the consumer’ s increased attention to fat and sodium content information being enhanced by the health risk perception level and the level of knowledge about fat and sodium, especially the probability of attention to such information for dessert foods, puffed foods, quick-frozen foods, and sauces, which dropped the most. Additionally, the attention of females, youth, low-income individuals, those with below-college education, and non-overweight and obese individuals to such information dropped more, and the decrease was the largest for dessert foods, puffed foods, quick-frozen foods, and sauces. Full article

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been gradually applied. It is essential to elucidate the differences between cryopreserved and fresh ovarian tissue and to refine cryopreservation protocols for improved outcomes. To explore the transcriptomic differences between fresh ovarian tissue and tissue cryopreserved with an elevated thawing rate. Ovarian tissue samples were collected and cryopreserved (frozen and thawed) following RNA sequencing and histological evaluation. Three groups were formed: fresh tissue (Group 1), frozen tissue after quick thawing at 100 °C (Group 2), and frozen tissue after slow thawing at 37 °C (Group 3). KEGG analysis showed that in comparison with Group 1, DEGs in Group 2 were mainly enriched in the cortisol synthesis and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways, and DEGs in the cells of Group 3 were mainly enriched in the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. GO analysis showed that compared to cells of Group 2, DEGs in Group 3 were primarily enriched in the SRP-dependent co-translational protein targeting pathway and co-translational protein targeting to the membrane. The results were formulated with a minimal difference in the histological evaluation of cells after quick and slow thawed tissue. Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue by the described method does not decrease follicle production but downregulates the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, reducing estrogen and progesterone secretion. The quick thawing of ovarian tissue increases the proliferation and apoptosis pathways of cells. Full article

Frozen section biopsy, introduced in the early 1900s, still remains the gold standard methodology for rapid histologic evaluations. Although a valuable tool, it is labor-, time-, and cost-intensive. Other challenges include visual and diagnostic variability, which may complicate interpretation and potentially compromise the quality of clinical decisions. Raman spectroscopy, with its high specificity and non-invasive nature, can be an effective tool for dependable and quick histopathology. The most promising modality in this context is stimulated Raman histology (SRH), a label-free, non-linear optical process which generates conventional H&E-like images in short time frames. SRH overcomes limitations of conventional Raman scattering by leveraging the qualities of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), wherein the energy gets transferred from a high-power pump beam to a probe beam, resulting in high-energy, high-intensity scattering. SRH’s high resolution and non-requirement of preprocessing steps make it particularly suitable when it comes to intrasurgical histology. Combining SRH with artificial intelligence (AI) can lead to greater precision and less reliance on manual interpretation, potentially easing the burden of the overburdened global histopathology workforce. We review the recent applications and advances in SRH and how it is tapping into AI to evolve as a revolutionary tool for rapid histologic analysis. Full article

Introduction: The frozen section intra-operative consultation is a pathology procedure that provides real-time evaluations of tissue samples during surgery, enabling quick and informed decisions. In the pre-analytical phase, errors related to sample collection, transport, and identification are common, and tools like failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis help identify and prevent risks. This study aims to enhance patient safety and diagnostic quality by analyzing risks and optimizing sample management. Materials and Methods: The failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis was conducted by a multidisciplinary team to analyze the workflow of frozen section sample handling from collection in the operating theater to acceptance at the pathology lab. Six steps were identified, each assigned tasks and responsibilities, with risks assessed through the risk priority number, calculated from severity, occurrence, and detectability. Severity was classified based on the WHO framework, ranging from “No Harm” to “Death”, to prioritize risks effectively. Results: The study identified 12 failure modes across 11 sub-processes, prioritized by risk. Key failures included missing patient identification, incorrect sample retrieval, missing labels, misdirected samples, and samples sent to the wrong lab. Discussion: Pre-analytical errors in pathology pose risks to diagnosis and patient care, with most errors occurring in this phase. A multidisciplinary team identified key issues, such as sample mislabeling and delays due to staff unavailability, and implemented corrective actions, including improved signage, staff re-training, and sample tracking systems. Monitoring and regular checks ensured ongoing adherence to protocols and reduced the risks of misidentification, transport delays, and procedural errors. Conclusions: The frozen section intra-operative consultation is vital in surgical pathology, with the pre-analytical phase posing significant risks due to potential errors in sample handling and labeling. Failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis has proven effective in identifying and prioritizing these failures, despite resource demands, by allowing corrective actions that enhance patient safety and healthcare quality. Full article

Canada is a leading producer of wild lowbush blueberries, most of which are mechanically harvested, washed, individually quick frozen (IQF), and bulk packaged. Still, some berries are harvested by more gentle methods and sold as fresh-packed products. These berries do not undergo a wash step, nor are subjected to antimicrobial treatments. The purpose of this study was to conduct a microbiological survey of berries harvested in the province of Nova Scotia to assess their potential for harborage of bacterial foodborne pathogens. A combination of standardized plate count methods and 3M-Petrifilm protocols were used to enumerate total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC), yeasts and molds (YMC), coliforms, and generic E. coli, the latter being an indicator of fecal contamination. Overall, APC and YMC levels were 1.2 and 0.5 log greater, respectively, for berries collected early in the harvest season versus those acquired late season and varied significantly (p < 0.05) between farm (location) and harvest practices used. Berries harvested by our team using sanitized hand rakes (SH) had consistently lower APC and YMC levels than those harvested by farm crews. Yet, when gentle harvesting (GH) methods (hand-raking, walk-behind or modified mechanical harvesters) were employed on farms, lower numbers were generally observed compared to berries harvested by traditional tractor-mounted mechanized harvesters (MH). The presence of coliforms (and their levels) was also impacted by the harvest method, with detection rates of ~29%, 73%, and 92% in SH, GH, and MH samples, respectively. Mean counts were < 2.5 log₁₀ CFU/g for both SH and GH berries, but significantly higher (p < 0.05) on MH berries (3.6 log₁₀ CFU/g). Although ~56% of all berry samples collected (n = 350) contained coliforms, only 12 were positive for E. coli, 9 of which were MH samples. Only the latter had numbers > 2 log₁₀ CFU/g, but none tested positive for Shiga toxin-producing serotype O157 (STEC O157) or Salmonella spp. when using internationally recognized selective enrichment and plating methods. ATP luminescence was used to assess the general hygiene of processing lines, whereby “hot spots” for microbial activity were identified, even after cleaning., Standard selective enrichment and plating methods were used for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes on 61 swab samples taken from berry totes or conveyor belts at different times during processing; 4 swabs tested positive for L. monocytogenes. However, the pathogen could not be detected by direct plating on selective agar without prior enrichment; this indicated its numbers were low. The results from this work demonstrated that alternative gentle harvest methods can reduce microbial numbers on wild blueberries. Although the frequency of fecal contamination in berry samples appeared to be low and targeted human pathogens were not detected; this represents a single study conducted over one harvest season. Therefore, it would be prudent for processors to seek effective antimicrobial technologies prior to packaging, while consumers should use caution and thoroughly wash produce before consumption. Where sporadic detection of L. monocytogenes was observed on environmental samples from the processing line, processors must ensure that effective sanitation programs are implemented to avoid potential food safety risks. Full article

Background: Freeze-tolerant animals undergo significant physiological and biochemical changes to overcome challenges associated with prolonged whole-body freezing. In wood frog Rana sylvatica (now Lithobates sylvaticus), up to 65% of total body water freezes in extracellular ice masses and, during this state of suspended animation, it is completely immobile and displays no detectable brain, heart, or respirometry activity. To survive such extensive freezing, frogs integrate various regulatory mechanisms to ensure quick and smooth transitions into or out of this hypometabolic state. One such rapid and reversible regulatory molecule capable of coordinating many aspects of biological functions is microRNA. Herein, we present a large-scale analysis of the biogenesis and regulation of microRNAs in wood frog liver over the course of a freeze–thaw cycle (control, 24 h frozen, and 8 h thawed). Methods/Results: Immunoblotting of key microRNA biogenesis factors showed an upregulation and enhancement of microRNA processing capacity during freezing and thawing. This was followed with RT-qPCR analysis of 109 microRNA species, of which 20 were significantly differentially expressed during freezing and thawing, with the majority being upregulated. Downstream bioinformatics analysis of miRNA/mRNA targeting coupled with in silico protein–protein interactions and functional clustering of biological processes suggested that these microRNAs were suppressing pro-growth functions, including DNA replication, mRNA processing and splicing, protein translation and turnover, and carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that this enhanced miRNA maturation capacity might be one key factor in the vital hepatic miRNA-mediated suppression of energy-expensive processes needed for long-term survival in a frozen state. Full article

Home exercise programs are beneficial in managing frozen shoulder (FS), yet adherence remains challenging. This pilot study introduces the remote app, Defrozen, designed for home exercises and assesses its feasibility and clinical outcomes in FS patients undergoing intra-articular and sub-acromial corticosteroid treatment. Over a four-week period, patients used the Defrozen-app, engaging in guided exercises. The feasibility of the intervention was assessed through several measurement scales, including adherence, the Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and User Satisfaction and Engagement (USE). Clinical outcomes included pain scale, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) Score, and passive range of motion. The TAM2 results indicated high perceived usefulness (4.5/5), ease of use (4.8/5), and intention to use (4.4/5); the SUS score was high at 81.7/100, complemented by USE scores reflecting ease of learning (4.9/5) and satisfaction (4.3/5). Clinical outcomes showed significant pain reduction, improved shoulder function, reduced shoulder-related disability, and increased shoulder range of motion. These findings suggest the Defrozen-app as a promising solution for FS, significantly improving adherence and showing potential to enhance clinical outcomes. However, these clinical outcome results are preliminary and necessitate further validation through a large-scale randomized controlled trial to definitively confirm efficacy and assess long-term benefits. Full article

Vitamin D (Vit D) is a fat-soluble molecule acting like a hormone, and it is involved in several biological mechanisms such as gene expression, calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, immune modulation, viral protection, and neuromuscular functions. Vit D deficiency can lead to chronic hypocalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and many other pathological conditions; in this context, low and very low levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) were found to be associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and the likelihood of many severe diseases. For all these reasons, it is important to quantify and monitor 25-OH-D levels to ensure that the serum/blood concentrations are not clinically suboptimal. Serum concentration of 25-OH-D is currently the main indicator of Vit D status, and it is currently performed by different assays, but the most common quantitation techniques involve immunometric methods or chromatography. Nevertheless, other quantitation techniques and instruments are now emerging, such as AFIAS-1^® and AFIAS-10^® (Boditech and Menarini) based on the immunofluorescence analyzer, that guarantee an automated system with cartridges able to give quick and reliable results as a point-of-care test (POCT). This work aims to compare AFIAS-1^® and AFIAS-10^® (Boditech and Menarini) Vit D quantitation with Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry that currently represents the gold standard technique for Vit D quantitation. The analyses were performed in parallel on 56 samples and in different conditions (from fresh and frozen plasma) to assess the reliability of the results. Any statistically significant differences in methods, the fixed error, and the error proportional to concentration were reported. Results obtained in all conditions showed a good correlation between both AFIAS^® instruments and LC-MS/MS, and we can affirm that AFIAS-1^® and AFIAS-10^® are reliable instruments for measuring 25-OH-D with accuracy and in a fast manner. Full article

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a kind of green leaf vegetable with a large consumption demand in the food industry. It is a commonly used material in quick-frozen food stuffing such as dumplings and steamed stuffed. Fresh celery leaf blades and petioles are rich in photosynthetic pigments including chlorophyll and carotenoid, their contents are closely related to the quality of celery and its products. In order to explore the effects of freezing and thawing temperature and thawing time on the degradation of photosynthetic pigments in celery leaf blades and petioles, the changes in photosynthetic pigments during thawing storage were measured under different freezing and thawing temperatures. The results showed that lower freezing and thawing temperatures were beneficial to the preservation of photosynthetic pigments in celery leaf blades and petioles, and the loss of photosynthetic pigments enhanced with the increase in thawing temperature and thawing time. Under the cold storage condition of −80 °C, the loss rate of pigment substances can be reduced by nearly 20% compared with that of −18 °C, and −80 °C and 4 °C could be the best temperature combination of freezing and thawing. The content and degradation rate of photosynthetic pigments in celery leaf blades were higher than that in petioles during thawing, with a total chlorophyll loss rate reaching 35% during 6 to 12 h after thawing. The increase in temperature difference between freezing and thawing could aggravate the damage to the cell structure and the degradation of the pigment, as chlorophyll is more sensitive to temperature changes, and the degradation rate is significantly higher than that of carotenoids. From the perspective of delaying the degradation of photosynthetic pigments, the results of this study will provide potential references for the reasonable configuration of freezing and thawing temperatures in the process of storage and transportation of celery products. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inulin incorporation and three different freezing treatments (static, air blast, and individual quick frozen; IQF) on some quality characteristics of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.). Frozen foodstuffs expose undesired changes during storage, such as enzyme activity, and after thawing, such as drip loss. To overcome such issues, inulin, which is known for its cryoprotectant attributes, was added to sour cherry samples by an ultrasound-assisted vacuum impregnation method prior to different freezing treatments. Inulin addition decreased the drip loss (13–18%) in all sample groups, while the pectin methylesterase activity was reduced in samples frozen by air blast and IQF methods. On the other hand, gradual reductions were observed in the total phenolic and monomeric anthocyanin contents, along with antioxidant capacities, by the DPPH and ABTS methods compared to the control groups, except for sour cherry samples subjected to air blast freezing. Among freezing techniques, IQF outshined others yielding conserved nutritional and quality characteristics. The results of this study indicate that inulin can be utilized to maintain or improve the quality characteristics of frozen foods. In conclusion, rapid freezing technologies such as IQF may enable the prevention of several problems widely encountered in frozen sour cherry fruits. Full article

The edible parts of artichokes (Cynara scolymus L.) are usually preserved in brine due to the short harvest season; however, this is less preferred by both retail sales and the catering sector since the high amount of salt is harmful to health. Freezing is an alternative method in terms of providing longer shelf life. The final quality of frozen foods can vary with the rate of freezing and the structure, size and distribution of ice crystals formed during the freezing process. The formed ice crystals directly affect the cellular structure and thus resilience of the overall tissue. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three different freezing methods, i.e., static, air-blast and individual quick freezing (IQF), on the quality characteristics of globe artichokes. In this context, globe artichokes were frozen until reaching a center temperature of −20 °C, then thawed at 4 °C to analyze the amount of ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (with DPPH and ABTS method), color difference value, texture and microstructure. The findings showed that a moderate quick-freezing method or air-blast resulted in the most-conserved DPPH antioxidant capacity result. While the total phenolic content and hardness values were the lowest in static frozen samples, the ascorbic acid was found to be highest in this method. No significant difference was evidenced in the color difference values of the samples (ΔE = 7.9–8.4). When the microstructures were examined, larger ice crystals were formed in the static frozen artichoke samples, followed by the air-blast and IQF processes. It can be concluded that smaller and homogeneously dispersed ice crystals in the artichoke samples frozen by IQF could better preserve the cellular structure. Full article

Dumplings are a traditional Chinese food welcomed by Chinese people. Research has indicated that process of quick-frozen wheat cultivars and their gliadins are all related to the quality and shelf-life of dumplings. Therefore, the effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the textural properties and microscopic characteristics of two types of quick-frozen dumpling wrappers (Zhaomai and Wenmai 19) and conformation of their gliadins were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that Wenmai 19 dumpling wrappers had apparent damage after the first cycle, but Zhaomai wrappers did not reveal significant changes until the fourth cycle. The particle size distribution in the starch granules of Wenmai 19 wrappers varied in terms of mechanical damage, but Zhaomai delayed or avoided such effects. FT-IR found a loose protein structure of the gliadins. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that gliadins of Wenmai 19 degenerated more than those of Zhaomai. The crosslinking of gliadin and glutenin maintained a high-quality gluten network, thus protecting the gliadin stability from ice crystals. In turn, the gliadin maintained the strength of the gluten network. Therefore, raw flours with high-quality protein networks are more suitable for frozen dumplings. Freeze–thaw cycles dramatically decreased the textural characteristics of dumpling wrappers and the microscopic characteristics of their gliadin proteins. Concerning wheat cultivars with weak gluten, flours with high-quality protein networks are more suitable as raw materials for frozen dumplings. Full article