Quality and nutritional property changes in stored dried apricots fumigated by sulfur dioxide

WOS: 000354216000010Apricots are grown in many countries and are marketed as dried or fresh. Sulfur fumigation is preferred as a low-cost pre-treatment to maintain apricot color. This study aims to determine the effect of sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentration on quality and nutritional properties of dried apricot fruits during storage. Apricot fruits were treated with different concentrations of SO2 (1,250, 2,000, and 3,500 mg center dot kg(-1)) and then stored at 20A degrees C under 50-65% relative humidity conditions for 18 months. Fruit SO2 concentration decreased rapidly during the initial stage and then decreased at a slower rate. Fruit color darkening became more pronounced after 12 months, especially in the fruit treated with 1,250 and 2,000 mg center dot kg(-1) SO2. After 18 months of storage, total phenolic content (839-890 mg GAE 100 g(-1) dry weight), antioxidant activity (9.4-11.6 mu mol TE g(-1) dry weight), and beta-carotene levels (42.7-47.6 mg center dot kg(-1)) of all treatments varied only slightly, despite lower values overall. Therefore, SO2 levels must be chosen based on the expected storage conditions and length of the storage period.Aegean Exporters' AssociationsEge UniversityThis research is funded by the Aegean Exporters' Associations

Reducing the Burden of Influenza-Associated Complications with Antiviral Therapy

INTRODUCTION: Influenza imposes an annual burden on individuals, society, and healthcare systems. This burden is increased by the development of complications that are often more severe than the primary infection. Here, we examine the main complications associated with influenza and review the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in reducing the incidence of such events. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The content of this review is taken from the study of the authors' extensive collection of reference materials, examination of the bibliographical content of relevant papers, and the results of Medline searches. RESULTS: The most commonly encountered complications in adults are sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and, particularly in the elderly, bacterial pneumonia. Such complications may exacerbate pulmonary complaints. Children are particularly prone to post-influenza croup and otitis media. Complications involving the central nervous system, heart, or skeletal muscle also occur in influenza patients. Influenza-associated complications impose sizeable healthcare costs in terms of outpatient contacts, hospitalizations, and antibiotic use. Vaccination is the primary prevention strategy for influenza and its complications, but has limitations. Neuraminidase inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the incidence of influenza-associated complications in populations with different ages and risks. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza complications place a large burden on healthcare providers and society. Neuraminidase inhibitors can reduce the incidence of such complications, particularly in high-risk groups