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Journal of Food Protection Mar 2021Cucumbers found in retail markets are often waxed to improve visual appeal and retard moisture loss. This waxing may affect bacterial survival, and the waxing process...
ABSTRACT
Cucumbers found in retail markets are often waxed to improve visual appeal and retard moisture loss. This waxing may affect bacterial survival, and the waxing process may facilitate cross-contamination between cucumbers. This study assessed the survival of Salmonella on waxed and unwaxed cucumbers and the potential for Salmonella cross-contamination during the waxing process. Fresh waxed or unwaxed cucumbers were spot inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella enterica strains. Three different wax coatings (mineral oil, vegetable oil, or petroleum wax) were manually applied to unwaxed cucumbers using polyethylene brushes. Salmonella transfer from inoculated cucumbers to the brush or to uninoculated cucumbers was quantified. Higher Salmonella concentrations were observed on waxed cucumbers during the first 3 days of storage, but the final concentration on unwaxed cucumbers was higher than on waxed cucumbers at the end of storage, regardless of storage temperature. The wax formulation did affect the survival of Salmonella inoculated directly into waxes, with a significant decline in Salmonella populations observed in vegetable-based wax coating but with populations unchanged over 7 days at 7 or 21°C in mineral oil-based and petroleum-based waxes. Salmonella cells could transfer from inoculated unwaxed cucumbers to brushes used for waxing and then to uninoculated cucumbers during waxing. A significantly higher log percentage of transfer to brushes was observed when cucumbers were waxed with vegetable oil (0.71 log percent, P = 0.00441) than with mineral oil (0.06 log percent) or petroleum (0.05 log percent). Transfer to uninoculated cucumbers via brushes was also quantified (0.18 to 0.35 log percent transfer). Salmonella remaining on contaminated cucumbers after waxing could be detected for up to 7 days, and Salmonella survived better on cucumbers treated with a petroleum-based wax. These findings should be useful in managing the risk of Salmonella contamination in cucumbers during postharvest handling.
Topics: Colony Count, Microbial; Cucumis sativus; Food Handling; Food Microbiology; Salmonella; Salmonella enterica; Temperature; Waxes
PubMed: 33125056
DOI: 10.4315/JFP-20-375 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2021Mineral oil has been chosen as an insulating liquid in power transformers due to its superior characteristics, such as being an effective insulation medium and a great...
Mineral oil has been chosen as an insulating liquid in power transformers due to its superior characteristics, such as being an effective insulation medium and a great cooling agent. Meanwhile, the performance of mineral oil as an insulation liquid can be further enhanced by dispersing nanoparticles into the mineral oil, and this composition is called nanofluids. However, the incorporation of nanoparticles into the mineral oil conventionally causes the nanoparticles to agglomerate and settle as sediment in the base fluid, thereby limiting the improvement of the insulation properties. In addition, limited studies have been reported for the transformer oil as a base fluid using Aluminum Oxide (AlO) as nanoparticles. Hence, this paper reported an experimental study to investigate the significant role of cold plasma treatment in modifying and treating the surface of nano-alumina to obtain a better interaction between the nano-alumina and the base fluid, consequently improving the insulation characteristics such as breakdown voltage, partial discharge characteristics, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of the nanofluids. The plasma treatment process was conducted on the surface of nano-alumina under atmospheric pressure plasma by using the dielectric barrier discharge concept. The breakdown strength and partial discharge characteristics of the nanofluids were measured according to IEC 60156 and IEC 60270 standards, respectively. In contrast, the viscosity and thermal conductivity of the nanofluids were determined using Brookfield DV-II + Pro Automated viscometer and Decagon KD2-Pro conductivity meter, respectively. The results indicate that the 0.1 wt% of plasma-treated alumina nanofluids has shown the most comprehensive improvements in electrical properties, dispersion stability, and thermal properties. Therefore, the plasma treatment has improved the nanoparticles dispersion and stability in nanofluids by providing stronger interactions between the mineral oil and the nanoparticles.
PubMed: 34203364
DOI: 10.3390/ma14133610 -
F1000Research 2017Mineral hydrocarbons consist of two fractions, mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). MOAH is a potential public health...
Evaluation of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in pure mineral hydrocarbon-based cosmetics and cosmetic raw materials using H NMR spectroscopy.
Mineral hydrocarbons consist of two fractions, mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). MOAH is a potential public health hazard because it may include carcinogenic polycyclic compounds. In the present study, 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was introduced, in the context of official controls, to measure MOSH and MOAH in raw materials or pure mineral hydrocarbon final products (cosmetics and medicinal products). Quantitative determination (qNMR) has been established using the ERETIC methodology (electronic reference to access concentrations) based on the PULCON principle (pulse length based concentration determination). Various mineral hydrocarbons (e.g., white oils, paraffins or petroleum jelly) were dissolved in deuterated chloroform. The ERETIC factor was established using a quantification reference sample containing ethylbenzene and tetrachloronitrobenzene. The following spectral regions were integrated: MOSH δ 3.0 - 0.2 ppm and MOAH δ 9.2 - 6.5, excluding solvent signals. Validation showed a sufficient precision of the method with a coefficient of variation <6% and a limit of detection <0.1 g/100 g. The applicability of the method was proven by analysing 27 authentic samples with MOSH and MOAH contents in the range of 90-109 g/100 g and 0.02-1.10 g/100 g, respectively. It is important to distinguish this new NMR-approach from the hyphenated liquid chromatography-gas chromatography methodology previously used to characterize MOSH/MOAH amounts in cosmetic products. For mineral hydrocarbon raw materials or pure mineral hydrocarbon-based cosmetic products, NMR delivers higher specificity without any sample preparation besides dilution. Our sample survey shows that previous methods may have overestimated the MOAH amount in mineral oil products and opens new paths to characterize this fraction. Therefore, the developed method can be applied for routine monitoring of consumer products aiming to minimize public health risks.
PubMed: 28721203
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.11534.2 -
Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica 2011Alginate based mineral oil entrapped emulsion gel (MOEG) buoyant beads of domperidone were prepared by emulsion gelation technique. The prepared beads were evaluated for... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Alginate based mineral oil entrapped emulsion gel (MOEG) buoyant beads of domperidone were prepared by emulsion gelation technique. The prepared beads were evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, buoyancy, actual drug content and entrapment efficiency. Effect of different oils (castor oil, olive oil and linseed oil) and oil concentrations (10%, 15% and 20%, w/w) on uniformity, homogeneity and integrity of the beads was also studied. Density of the formulated beads was found to be ranging between 0.101 and 0.182 g/cm3. The results of the in vitro drug release indicated that linseed oil showed to be good release retardant compared to castor oil and olive oil. Moreover, the beads formulated using 15%, w/w linseed oil were more uniform in shape, exhibited maximum buoyancy and minimal oil leakage. Diffusion exponent (n) value varied from 0.4855 to 0.7710 indicating anomalous drug release behavior involving swelling, diffusion and/or erosion of the polymer matrix.
Topics: Alginates; Castor Oil; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Diffusion; Domperidone; Dopamine Antagonists; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Emulsions; Gels; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Kinetics; Linseed Oil; Mineral Oil; Olive Oil; Particle Size; Plant Oils; Solubility; Surface Properties; Technology, Pharmaceutical
PubMed: 21485710
DOI: No ID Found -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023The enhancement of the thermal properties of insulating oils has positively reflected on the performance of the electrical equipment that contains these oils....
The enhancement of the thermal properties of insulating oils has positively reflected on the performance of the electrical equipment that contains these oils. Nanomaterial science plays an influential role in enhancing the different properties of liquids, especially insulating oils. Although a minimum oil circuit breaker (MOCB) is one of the oldest circuit breakers in the electrical network, improving the insulating oil properties develops its performance to overcome some of its troubles. In this paper, 66 kV MOCB is modeled by COMSOL Multiphysics software. The internal temperature and the internally generated heat energy inside the MOCB during the making process of its contacts are simulated at different positions of the movable contact. This simulation is introduced for different modified insulating oils (mineral oil and synthetic ester oil) with different types of nanoparticles at different concentrations (0.0, 0.0025, 0.005, and 0.01 wt%). From the obtained results, it is noticed that the thermal stress on the MOCB can be reduced by the use of high thermal conductivity insulating oils. Nano/insulating oils decrease internal temperature and generate heat energy inside the MOCB by about 17.5%. The corresponding physical mechanisms are clarified considering the thermophoresis effect.
PubMed: 37446466
DOI: 10.3390/nano13131951 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Aug 2019To investigate the stability of osmolality in non-humidified and humidified incubators for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
PURPOSE
To investigate the stability of osmolality in non-humidified and humidified incubators for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
METHODS
Drops of three single-step culture media (media A, B, and C) were incubated for 5 or 6 days covered with four different mineral oils (oils A, B, C, and D) in non-humidified incubator A, non-humidified incubator B, or humidified incubator C to investigate the effects of incubator environment (humidification), drop volume, culture media, and mineral oil on the stability of osmolality in microdrops.
RESULTS
A significant and linear increase was shown in the osmolality of 50-μL and 200-μL microdrops covered with mineral oil during 5 days incubation in non-humidified benchtop incubators. The maximum increase was 20 mOsm/kg, and the extent of the increase was affected by microdrop volume and possibly by the type of mineral oil used to cover the drops. In contrast, the osmolality of 50-μL and 200-μL microdrops did not change during 5 days incubation in a humidified benchtop incubator.
CONCLUSIONS
Mineral oil alone may not adequately prevent gradual changes in the osmolality of low-volume microdrops during extended in vitro culture of human embryos in non-humidified incubators. As a result, the osmolality may increase to high enough levels to stress some human embryos and adversely affect clinical outcomes. We therefore recommend that the stability of osmolality should be given more consideration to ensure optimal culture conditions for ART.
Topics: Culture Media; Embryo Culture Techniques; Embryo, Mammalian; Embryonic Development; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Humidity; Incubators; Mineral Oil; Osmolar Concentration
PubMed: 31267335
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01515-9 -
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO Apr 2015To investigate the therapeutic effects of mineral oil (MO) and hyaluronic acid (HA) mixture eye drops on the tear film and ocular surface in a mouse model of...
PURPOSE
To investigate the therapeutic effects of mineral oil (MO) and hyaluronic acid (HA) mixture eye drops on the tear film and ocular surface in a mouse model of experimental dry eye (EDE).
METHODS
Eye drops consisting of 0.1% HA alone or mixed with 0.1%, 0.5%, or 5.0% MO were applied to desiccating stress-induced murine dry eyes. Tear volume, corneal irregularity score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining scores were measured at 5 and 10 days after treatment. Ten days after treatment, goblet cells in the conjunctiva were counted after Periodic acid-Schiff staining.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the tear volume between desiccating stress-induced groups. The corneal irregularity score was lower in the 0.5% MO group compared with the EDE and HA groups. The 0.5% and 5.0% MO groups showed a significant improvement in TBUT compared with the EDE group. Mice treated with 0.1% and 0.5% MO mixture eye drops showed a significant improvement in fluorescein staining scores compared with the EDE group and the HA group. The conjunctival goblet cell count was higher in the 0.5% MO group compared with the EDE group and HA group.
CONCLUSIONS
The MO and HA mixture eye drops had a beneficial effect on the tear films and ocular surface of murine dry eye. The application of 0.5% MO and 0.1% HA mixture eye drops could improve corneal irregularity, the corneal fluorescein staining score, and conjunctival goblet cell count compared with 0.1% HA eye drops in the treatment of EDE.
Topics: Animals; Conjunctiva; Cornea; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Combinations; Dry Eye Syndromes; Emollients; Female; Goblet Cells; Hyaluronic Acid; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mineral Oil; Ophthalmic Solutions; Tears; Viscosupplements
PubMed: 25829831
DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2015.29.2.131 -
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology... Jan 2023Mineral oils (food grade white oil or liquid paraffin) have historically been safely used in a number of sensitive end-uses, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food.... (Review)
Review
Mineral oils (food grade white oil or liquid paraffin) have historically been safely used in a number of sensitive end-uses, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food. Recent concern that certain mineral hydrocarbons (branched and cyclo-alkanes) may accumulate in human tissues has prevented European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) from deriving guidance values for food exposures. Analysis of human and animal tissue indicate that an unresolved cloud of mostly highly branched alkanes and alkylated cycloalkanes within the C20-C35 range is consistently present in all tissues. This critical review thoroughly assesses the retention of "mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons" (MOSH) in human and animal tissues and evaluates if the presence of MOSH is considered adverse and appropriate to use for risk assessment, generation of guidance values for food exposure and/or generation of derivation of health-based guidance values. An adversity framework was utilized to perform an in-depth weight of the evidence analysis, and it was concluded that mere presence of MOSH does not translate to hazard identification, and is not considered adverse. In light of this conclusion, it would not be appropriate to utilize this endpoint as the point of departure to calculate a health guidance value.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mineral Oil; Hydrocarbons; Cosmetics; Food Safety; Alkanes; Food Contamination
PubMed: 36402242
DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105284 -
Poultry Science Dec 2014This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effects of mineral oil application on eggshells and the use of plastic packages with lids on the...
This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effects of mineral oil application on eggshells and the use of plastic packages with lids on the physical-chemical and microbiological quality and biogenic amine contents of eggs stored under refrigeration for up to 125 d. A total of 1,920 eggs from 46-wk-old Hyline W36 laying hens were randomly distributed into 4 groups soon after classification: (i) 480 eggs were stored in pulp carton tray packages; (ii) 480 eggs were stored in plastic packages with lids; (iii) 480 eggs were stored in carton packages after the application of mineral oil; and (iv) 480 eggs were stored in plastic packages with lids after the application of mineral oil. The internal quality was measured by Haugh units, by the counts of mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms, by the most probable number of total and thermal-tolerant coliforms, by the counts of molds and yeasts, by the analysis of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp., and by the levels of biogenic amines in the egg yolk and albumen. The application of mineral oil to the eggshell resulted in higher Haugh unit values throughout storage, and the use of plastic packages altered the internal quality. The application of mineral oil and the use of packaging had no effects on the microbiological and biogenic amine results. Microbiological analyses showed the absence of Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, thermal-tolerant coliforms, and fungi. However, the highest counts of mesophilic (1.1 × 10(7) cfu/g) and psychrotrophic (6.7 × 10(7) cfu/g) microorganisms were recorded. The highest values of biogenic amines detected and quantified were putrescine (2.38 mg/kg) and cadaverine (7.27 mg/kg) in the egg yolk and putrescine (1.95 mg/kg), cadaverine (2.83 mg/kg), and phenylethylamine (2.57 mg/kg) in the albumen. Despite these results, the biogenic amine levels recorded were considered low and would not be harmful to consumer health.
Topics: Animals; Biogenic Amines; Chickens; Eggs; Female; Food Handling; Mineral Oil; Time Factors
PubMed: 25306463
DOI: 10.3382/ps.2014-04268 -
Current Research in Microbial Sciences 2022Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis worldwide distributed reaching hyperendemic proportions in Brazil. Many isolates from patients with sporotrichosis are preserved...
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis worldwide distributed reaching hyperendemic proportions in Brazil. Many isolates from patients with sporotrichosis are preserved in culture collections by different methods around the world. The preservation methods are used to maintain the viability and the morphophysiological and genetic characteristics of isolates for long periods. In this study, we evaluated 34 isolates, previously, identified as by a classical identification method, initially preserved by periodical subcultures and then under mineral oil at culture collection of Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, to re-identify them by polyphasic identification. Our results showed that seven isolates remained viable for 34 to 64 years under oil, one isolate lost the ability to sporulate which was reverted by using a medium culture supplemented with rosebush branches and all of them were identified as by morphological, physiological, partial β-tubulin gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
PubMed: 35909610
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100128