Ambient Temperature Storage Research Articles

Stability of Sodium Pentobarbital 5w/v% Aqueous Solution During Short-Term Chilled and Ambient-Temperature Storage.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to obtain pharmaceutical-grade injectable anaesthetics used in animal experiments in Japan. To address this problem, it is worth the effort to evaluate whether the use of non-pharmaceutical-grade sodium pentobarbital (PBNa) water solution can be an alternative one from the perspective of stability, physicochemical properties, bioavailability and so on. In this article, as a first step, we examined the stability of PBNa 5w/v% aqueous solution (PBNa 5% AS). PBNa 5% AS sample was prepared simply by dissolving non-pharmaceutical-grade PBNa into water and was stored at 25°C and 5°C for 15 days. Visual appearance, pH, osmolality and assay (contents of PBNa and related substances) were tested. The stability test results indicated that there was no profound change in these test items of the PBNa 5% AS under either storage condition, suggesting that the formulation was sufficiently stable in such a short term. The only observable change was an increase of an impurity under 25°C storage; however, it was at a negligible level. Moreover, as the pH of the formulation remained <10.0 throughout the storage period in both conditions, the irritant level of the pH is considered to be acceptable. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the stability and physicochemical properties, PBNa 5% AS can be an alternative injectable anaesthetic when access to pharmaceutical-grade anaesthetics is limited, as long as used in short-term from its preparation.

Effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Chitosan Treatment on Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Fruit During Low and Ambient Temperature Storage

Effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Chitosan Treatment on Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Fruit During Low and Ambient Temperature Storage

Microbial Quality of Kupang Paste Products from Different Producers

General Background the utilization of local ingredients, such as kupang, is integral to the culinary practices in Balongdowo Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Specific Background shrimp paste, a prominent product derived from kupang, is valued in the market, yet its quality raises concerns among consumers and producers. Knowledge Gap despite its economic significance, limited research has been conducted on the microbiological quality of kupang-based products, particularly during storage. Aims this study aims to evaluate the microbiological analysis of two kupang petis products from different producers in Balongdowo Village during ambient temperature storage. Results employing descriptive analysis across five storage treatments (P0: fresh, P1: 1 week, P2: 2 weeks, P3: 3 weeks, P4: 4 weeks), findings indicated that total plate count (TPC) in P0 treatment met national quality standards (SNI 2718.1: 2013), while yeast mold levels exceeded permissible limits. Notably, the TPC of sample B (1.6 x 10³) was lower than that of sample A (2.2 x 10³) in the fresh condition (P0). Novelty this research provides a comprehensive analysis of the microbiological quality of kupang petis, filling a significant gap in the literature. Implications the results underscore the necessity for rigorous quality control measures in the production and storage of shrimp paste to ensure consumer safety and compliance with health standards. Highlights: Microbiological quality assessment of kupang petis during storage. TPC values in fresh condition meet national standards. Yeast mold levels exceed permissible limits in stored samples. Keywords: Kupang, Shrimp Paste, Microbiological Analysis, Quality Standards, Storage

Geometric Tuning of Coordinatively Unsaturated Copper(I) Sites in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Ambient-Temperature Hydrogen Storage.

Porous solids can accommodate and release molecular hydrogen readily, making them attractive for minimizing the energy requirements for hydrogen storage relative to physical storage systems. However, H2 adsorption enthalpies in such materials are generally weak (-3 to -7 kJ/mol), lowering capacities at ambient temperature. Metal-organic frameworks with well-defined structures and synthetic modularity could allow for tuning adsorbent-H2 interactions for ambient-temperature storage. Recently, Cu2.2Zn2.8Cl1.8(btdd)3 (H2btdd = bis(1H-1,2,3-triazolo-[4,5-b],[4',5'-i])dibenzo[1,4]dioxin; CuI-MFU-4l) was reported to show a large H2 adsorption enthalpy of -32 kJ/mol owing to π-backbonding from CuI to H2, exceeding the optimal binding strength for ambient-temperature storage (-15 to -25 kJ/mol). Toward realizing optimal H2 binding, we sought to modulate the π-backbonding interactions by tuning the pyramidal geometry of the trigonal CuI sites. A series of isostructural frameworks, Cu2.7M2.3X1.3(btdd)3 (M = Mn, Cd; X = Cl, I; CuIM-MFU-4l), was synthesized through postsynthetic modification of the corresponding materials M5X4(btdd)3 (M = Mn, Cd; X = CH3CO2, I). This strategy adjusts the H2 adsorption enthalpy at the CuI sites according to the ionic radius of the central metal ion of the pentanuclear cluster node, leading to -33 kJ/mol for M = ZnII (0.74 Å), -27 kJ/mol for M = MnII (0.83 Å), and -23 kJ/mol for M = CdII (0.95 Å). Thus, CuICd-MFU-4l provides a second, more stable example of optimal H2 binding energy for ambient-temperature storage among reported metal-organic frameworks. Structural, computational, and spectroscopic studies indicate that a larger central metal planarizes trigonal CuI sites, weakening the π-backbonding to H2.

Milk Spoilage Model Predicts that Share Tables Would Not Meaningfully Increase Spoilage and Improved Storage Systems Can Reduce Spoilage

School share tables offer opportunities for food recovery and increased access to healthy foods by allowing students to donate or consume unopened items, such as cartons of milk. However, stakeholders have concerns about temperature abuse potentially causing premature milk spoilage. While previous research showed short ambient temperature abuse of milk (under conditions representing share tables) does not meaningfully impact microbial milk quality, differences across school cafeterias (e.g., ambient temperatures, storage systems, bell schedules, refrigeration temperature) may limit the generalizability of this conclusion. To address this, the overnight refrigeration temperature and the milk's initial contamination were predicted to be the main drivers for milk spoilage. Share tables were predicted to only cause inconsequential microbial quality changes (4 spoiled milk per million served, which would be ≤2 milk cartons spoiled per school year) under short and medium bell schedules (≤125 min of total service), even without temperature control during the lunch period. Under long (221 min) and very long (266 min) bell schedules, share tables with ambient temperature storage were predicted to have higher milk spoilage (19 and 42 spoiled milk cartons per million served, respectively), and adding storage systems was predicted to reduce the decline in milk quality (12 and 24 spoiled milk cartons per million served, respectively). These results provide a resource to support science-based decision-making for the inclusion of milk in school cafeteria share tables, ultimately working to reduce food waste and address food insecurity.

PpWRKY65 mediates peach (Prunus persica) fruit lignification in both ambient temperature storage and chilling injury condition

The lignification process exerts an adverse impact on the peach fruit quality. The identification of a texture-related gene module was achieved through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on transcriptomic analysis of two peach fruit varieties, ‘Baili’ and ‘Hongli’. Notably, the WRKY transcription factor PpWRKY65 played a crucial role in regulating lignin biosynthesis in peach fruit. Analyzing the correlation among the expression level of PpWRKY65, the expression level of genes related to lignin synthesis, and the lignin content of peach fruit both under ambient temperature and chilling injury condition, it was found that PpWRKY65 negatively regulated the accumulation of peach fruit lignin by inhibiting the expression of genes related to lignin synthesis. Moreover, the lignin content was significantly lower in transient PpWRKY65-overexpressing fruit, compared to the control. Concurrently, the expressions of lignin biosynthesis genes (Pp4CL7, PpCAD1, PpCOMT, PpF5H) were decreased in fruit overexpressing PpWRKY65.

Effect of packaging materials and storage duration on the functional quality of red hot peppers (Capsicum annum L.) pods

The preservation of the functional quality of red pepper requires appropriate packaging materials, storage duration, and condition. This study evaluated the effect of the packaging materials and the storage duration on the functional quality of the red hot pepper pod for ten months at ambient storage temperature (25±2 °C) in four packaging materials: Jute sacks, Fertilizer Liner Sheet (FLS), Fertilizer Woven Polypropylene + Liner Sheet (FWPP + LS), and PICS bags (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) using two-factor factorial designs. The samples were analyzed at two-month intervals for water activity (aw, extractable color, total phenolic compounds, pungency index and oleoresin content. Except for aw, other functional qualities of red hot pepper degrade with advanced storage in all packaging materials. At the end of storage, the maximum values of aw (0.76) and the minimum values of aw (0.38) were recorded in jute sacks and PICS bags. Extractable color (ASTA units) decreased from 225.42 to 133.11, 228.71–139.09, 274.29–171, and 288.91–218.98 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. Phenolic compounds (GAE mg/g dry samples) degraded from 2.32 to 1.02, 2.33–1.37, 2.4–1.35, and 2.59–1.85 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The pungency index (Abs/g dry samples) of the samples changed from 4.55 to 2.56, 5.49–4.00, 5.00–3.49, and 4.74–2.72 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. The oleoresin content (%) decreased from 12.88 to 7.18, 12.92–7.78, 13.19–8.45 and 13.58–9.88 in jute sacks, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The study revealed that the PICS bags retained the highest functional qualities compared to other packaging materials.

Abstract A001: Urine-based liquid biopsy test for the detection of residual bladder cancer in radical cystectomy patients

Abstract One commonly employed management strategy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion. Approximately 35% of patients achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) when evaluated from RC specimens. RC with urinary diversion is a life-altering operation with high complication rates and therefore determining who are complete responders would improve quality of life and could decrease costs and still achieve a high cure rate via RC avoidance. Unfortunately, current methods cannot accurately identify complete responders. Our lab has developed a urine-based liquid biopsy test in which DNA isolated from urine and germline is isolated and subjected to panel exome sequencing for enumeration of somatic variants. This occurs under the premise that tumor DNA identified (as mutant alleles) is a marker of residual disease while the absence of tumor DNA (meaning the absence of mutant alleles) can indicate a pCR. A 60 gene panel was designed to be used for exonic sequencing of urinary DNA (uDNA) to identify mutations indicative of bladder cancer or therapeutic targets. We have shown that most mutations in tumor tissue (Mt) are detectable as mutations in urine (Mu). We also showed that the presence or absence of residual Mu after completion of chemotherapy strongly associates with residual disease or pCR at the time of RC, respectively. Therefore, this test could be used after neoadjuvant therapy to better identify patients for RC avoidance. We optimized this test by studying pre-analytical factors affecting the yield, purity, and integrity of uDNA and the quality of sequencing data using prospectively collected samples from patients with MIBC. We are also in the process of testing commercial and novel preservatives to optimize DNA integrity, yield, and mutation detection accuracy to enable temporary ambient temperature storage without compromising mutation detection, permitting shipping/centralized testing. Lastly, we are comparing two library preparation approaches. Study of these preanalytical factors has increased the number of Mu that can be detected and were applied to a cohort of patients who underwent bladder sparing curative-intent treatment in a prospective clinical trial. Studies described herein will enable liquid biopsy tests to accurately identify patients with pCR after neoadjuvant therapy and might safely avoid radical cystectomy. Citation Format: Philip H. Abbosh, Henkel Valentine, Rhea Arya. Urine-based liquid biopsy test for the detection of residual bladder cancer in radical cystectomy patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2024 May 17-20; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(10_Suppl):Abstract nr A001.

Abstract 5035: Use of Streck nucleic acid BCT with plasma nucleic acid next-generation sequencing workflows

Abstract Introduction: Liquid biopsies, which interrogate body fluids in search of analytes released by cancer cells, are becoming increasingly common in clinical oncology. Foremost among the technologies used are those that employ nucleic acids, such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA). Currently, many NGS-based tests perform near the limit of assay detection, making the identification of critical mutations, fusions, or expression patterns like finding a needle in a haystack. Further hindering successful assay development is the variability in analyte availability and detectability that can occur prior to analysis due to blood collection, transport, and storage. Here, we demonstrate that Nucleic Acid BCT stabilizes draw-time levels of plasma nucleic acids for downstream use with NGS-based assays. Methods: Blood from self-proclaimed healthy donors was drawn into EDTA and Nucleic Acid BCT and stored at ambient temperature for up to 7 days before plasma isolation with a general double-spin protocol and storage at -80 °C. Plasma nucleic acids were isolated using the MAGicBead cfDNA Kit (Zymo, cfDNA) or the QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acid Kit (QIAGEN, cfRNA). Library prep for cfDNA was carried out with added synthetic mutant spike-in oligonucleotides using the Illumina TruSight Tumor 15 kit (Illumina). cfRNA library prep was done with the NEBNext Ultra II RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina with upfront rRNA depletion (New England Biolabs). Sequencing was performed using an Illumina NextSeq 500 system, and all data were saved in and analyzed with Illumina BaseSpace applications. Results: When blood samples were stored in EDTA tubes for up to 7 days, spiked mutant alleles (EGFRL858R, EGFRdel19, KRASG12D, and PIK3CAE545K) were no longer detected, likely due to a dilution of the spiked DNA concentration following the release of genomic DNA containing wildtype alleles during white blood cell degradation. In contrast, equivalent blood samples stored in Nucleic Acid BCTs displayed mutant allele frequencies reflective of draw-time levels. Interrogation of plasma RNA expression patterns in samples stored in Nucleic Acid BCT versus EDTA revealed similar results, where differentially expressed plasma transcripts in blood samples stored in EDTA were found at high levels (&amp;gt;1,000 transcripts) versus donor-matched blood samples stored in Nucleic Acid BCT (&amp;lt;50 transcripts). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that Nucleic Acid BCT maintains mutant allele frequencies and the plasma transcriptome profile of blood samples during ambient temperature storage. This provides precious sample integrity during whole blood storage and transport, offering laboratories and assay developers reduced preanalytical variability for NGS-based analysis of gene mutations, fusions, indels, and the plasma transcriptome. Nucleic Acid BCT is for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Citation Format: Nicholas M. George, Lisa Bartron. Use of Streck nucleic acid BCT with plasma nucleic acid next-generation sequencing workflows [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5035.

Abstract 7631: Protein Plus BCT: A novel blood collection tube for stabilizing plasma proteins of interest in ambient whole blood storage

Abstract Introduction: Many of the soluble plasma proteins (e.g., cytokines) that are crucial for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of cancer immunotherapy outcomes are found in blood cells such as platelets and leukocytes. During blood collection and sample storage, ex vivo platelet activation, hemolysis, and blood cell degradation can occur, which causes the release of blood cell-secreted proteins into the plasma. The contamination of these proteins may confound true in vivo levels of plasma proteins of interest, resulting in inaccurate or inconsistent assay results. Protein Plus BCT is a new blood collection tube that maintains accurate plasma protein levels during ambient whole blood storage. Methods: Blood samples from self-proclaimed healthy donors were drawn into Protein Plus BCT, EDTA, and ACD-A tubes. All the samples were stored at ambient temperature for up to 5 days. Plasma was isolated using a general double-spin protocol and frozen at -80 °C until use. Plasma levels of protein biomarkers were measured by Ella Simple Plex Assays (Bio-Techne) and Luminex xMAP® Technology Assays (Bio-Techne, samples tested by LuminexPLORE Lab) following manufacturers’ dilution and processing recommendations. Results: Over 50 key plasma proteins like cytokines, cancer, and immuno-oncology checkpoint markers in samples collected into Protein Plus BCT were analyzed by immunoassays and compared side-by-side to those collected in EDTA and ACD-A tubes. EDTA and ACD-A samples exhibited a substantial elevation in the plasma concentration of many, such as IL-8, IL-1β, HGF, VEGF, MMP-9, CCL5/RANTES and TGF-β1 post draw, indicating platelet activation and blood cell degradation during ambient temperature storage. Samples collected into Protein Plus BCT displayed limited ex vivo platelet activation and minimal contamination by blood cell-secreted proteins, maintaining the draw-time plasma levels of proteins of interest for up to 5 days in whole blood at ambient temperature. Conclusions: The novel Protein Plus BCT maintains draw-time plasma protein levels during extended whole blood storage at room temperature by limiting ex vivo platelet activation, hemolysis, and blood cell degradation. Protein Plus BCT ensures sample integrity and minimizes preanalytical variables, providing cancer researchers and clinical assay developers greater flexibility in sample handling and improved confidence in downstream plasma protein analysis. Protein Plus BCT is for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Citation Format: Jing Li, Nicholas M. George, Sama Mehta, Jordan LaRue, Eunju Seong, Nursen Binbuga, Rachel Miller, Karl Bisselou. Protein Plus BCT: A novel blood collection tube for stabilizing plasma proteins of interest in ambient whole blood storage [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7631.

Abstract 995: Preservation of patient whole blood preserves cancer immune cell biology at single cell resolution

Abstract Blood is an easily accessible clinical sample type that helps inform treatments, investigate disease mechanisms, and monitor outcomes. Logistical challenges in the transportation and processing of blood samples impact data output from single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Recent scRNA-seq studies have shown that significant changes in gene expression and immune cell populations occur in as little as a few hours post collection. Thus, there is a need for rapid preservation of blood upon collection before biological changes can occur. Existing preservation approaches compromise the cell membrane, making samples incompatible with single cell transcriptomic analyses. Here, we describe a novel workflow for fixation and long-term storage of whole blood, and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the fixed blood using a readily available, low-cost, high-throughput procedure. We then profile the gene expression of these cells using the fixation-compatible Single Cell Gene Expression Flex workflow. Importantly, this novel blood collection and preparation workflow eases blood transportation logistical constraints, allowing distributed sample collection and batched shipping of blood samples for scRNA-seq and potentially enabling large-scale translational research studies. We compared whole blood fixed immediately after collection using our workflow with clinical blood samples stored at ambient temperature. This revealed that immune cell populations and biological pathways shift significantly as early as five hours following sample collection, if not immediately stabilized. Across a time course of ambient temperature storage of whole blood without immediate stabilization, we observe significant upregulation of stress-related genes (FOS, JUN, CIRBP) in samples using Single Cell Gene Expression Flex profiling. Additionally, expression of a proto-oncogene TNFAIP3 was upregulated in whole blood stored at 20°C compared to samples stored at 4°C for the same lengths of time, unless samples were stabilized using the novel workflow shown here. This novel whole blood fixation method, coupled with automatable cell isolation methods and Single Cell Gene Expression Flex-enabled multiplexed single cell sequencing, will usher in a new age of economical, large-scale translational research studies that result in valuable clinical insights. Citation Format: Kelly Martin, Connor Kunihiro, Jawad Abousoud, Tingsheng Drennon, Yina Li, Sean Marrache, Nandhini Raman, Veronica Rodriguez, Paul Lund, Jens Durruthy Durruthy, Sarah Taylor, Andrew Kohlway, Peter Smibert, Dagmar Walter, Jill Herschleb. Preservation of patient whole blood preserves cancer immune cell biology at single cell resolution [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 995.

Abstract 3701: Urine-based liquid biopsy test for the detection of residual bladder cancer in radical cystectomy patients

Abstract The gold standard therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion. Some patients may have their disease completely eradicated by chemotherapy as ~35% of patients achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) when evaluated from RC specimens. RC with urinary diversion is a life-altering operation with high complication rates and therefore determining who are complete responders would improve quality of life and could decrease costs and still achieve a high cure rate via RC avoidance. Unfortunately, current methods cannot accurately identify complete responders. Our lab has developed a urine-based liquid biopsy test in which DNA isolated from urine and germline is isolated and subjected to panel exome sequencing for enumeration of somatic variants. This occurs under the premise that tumor DNA identified (as mutant alleles) is a marker of residual disease while the absence of tumor DNA (meaning the absence of mutant alleles) can indicate a pCR. A 55 gene panel was designed to be used for exonic sequencing of urinary DNA (uDNA) to identify mutations indicative of bladder cancer or therapeutic targets. We have shown that most mutations in tumor tissue are detectable as mutations in urine (Mu). We also showed that the presence or absence of residual Mu after completion of chemotherapy strongly associates with residual disease or pCR at the time of RC, respectively. Therefore, this test could be used after neoadjuvant therapy to better identify patients for RC avoidance. To optimize this test, we are currently evaluating pre-analytical factors affecting the yield, purity, and integrity of uDNA and the quality of sequencing data using prospectively collected samples from patients with MIBC. We are also testing commercial and novel preservatives to identify one that maintains cell-free DNA integrity, yield, and mutation detection accuracy to enable temporary ambient temperature storage without compromising mutation detection, permitting shipping/centralized testing. Lastly, we are comparing two library preparation approaches: classical hybrid capture-based (Agilent SureSelect XTHS) and amplicon+hybrid capture-based (Agilent HaloPlexHS) to determine which performs the best for identifying the variants in a sample. Our results showed that both sequencing depth and the quality bases mapped was higher when utilizing the SureSelect XTHS kit as compared to HaloPlexHS using approximately the same number of reads. This improvement may also increase the power to detect rare alleles. Studies described herein will enable liquid biopsy tests to accurately identify patients with pCR after neoadjuvant therapy and might safely avoid radical cystectomy. Citation Format: Rhea Arya, Henkel Valentine, Uttam Satyal, Raju Chelluri, Mengmeng Li, Philip Abbosh. Urine-based liquid biopsy test for the detection of residual bladder cancer in radical cystectomy patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3701.

Profiling of microbial populations present in ground beef and plant-based meat analogues

Plant-based meat analogues have gained significant popularity in recent years. Different from ground beef, plant-based meat analogues are derived from a broader range of raw ingredients and undergo more complex manufacturing processes. In this study, 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer sequencing techniques were employed to profile and compare the microbial populations present in ground beef (GB), soy-, and pea-based meat analogues (SBM and PBM), and their changes during refrigeration (4 °C) and ambient temperature storage (22 °C). The sequencing results illustrated remarkable microbial differences among GB, PBM, and SBM. Pseudomonas, Brochothrix, and Lactobacillus were the top dominate bacterial genera, Cladosporium, Candida, and Komagataella were the top dominant fungal genera present in GB, PBM, and SBM respectively. At the end of storage, dominant microorganisms present in meat samples, in general, were determined by meat types and storage temperatures, except for SBM. For example, in PBM, refrigeration favored the proliferation of Leuconostoc, while Lactococcus emerged as the primary genus at ambient temperature. For SBM, Lactobacillus and Komagataella were dominate bacterial and fungal species regardless of the storage temperatures. These findings provide crucial information for the development of preventive measures to ensure the microbial safety and quality of plant-based meat analogues.

Influence of Packaging Materials and Size on Shelf Life and Quality of White Button Mushroom during Storage

Background: Because of porous fruit body, high moisture content and extremely high respiration rate, the postharvest shelf life of button mushroom is a bottleneck in the mushroom industry as very high losses are recorded during transportation and marketing if the produce is not handled properly. Methods: NBS-5 strain of white button mushroom was treated with 0.05% potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) followed by packing in 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 g capacity polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) bags of 150 gauge along with 0.01% vents. Dipping in water and packing in 200 g capacity bags was used as control. The packed mushrooms were stored at ambient (24-25°C and 58-62% RH) and low (4-6°C and 80-82% RH) temperature. Result: A significant increase in PLW (%) was recorded in all the treatments both at ambient and low temperature during storage but the increase was faster at room than refrigerated conditions. The white button mushroom in PE had a shelf-life of 7 and 16 days whereas it was 3 and 7 days, respectively, at ambient and low temperature storage conditions in control. A significant reduction in protein, sugars and phenols was recorded whereas polyphenol oxidase (PPO) increased notably during storage. Pack sizes of 200 and 400 g had an edge over 600, 800 and 1000 g with higher shelf-life at both storage conditions. PE packing was found comparatively better for extension of shelf-life compared to PP. The overall acceptability of button mushroom was also found better in 200 g and 400 g packing. The study revealed that the postharvest shelf-life of white button mushroom var. NBS-5 can be extended up to 16 days by packing in 200 and 400 g packs of PE stored at low temperature after pre-treatment of KMS.

Influence of storage conditions, packaging, post-harvest technology, nanotechnology and molecular approaches on shelf life of microgreens

Microgreens have achieved importance recently due to their high nutritive value, easiness of cultivation and year round availability. However, being very tender and having high moisture content, their shelf life is too short. Studies show that the physical quality, chemical quality and shelf life deterioration in post harvest of micro greens can be improved with effective storage conditions, packaging matters, nanoparticle application, physiological treatments and molecular approaches. Low ambient or storage temperature and effective storage system improve and sustain the shelf life, and quality and restrict microbial activity in micro greens. Packaging with bioplastic clamshell, cardboard clamshell, bioplastic pouch, kraft paper box, or classified polymer upgrades the shelf life and reduce antimicrobial activity under controlled temperature. The interventions with nanoparticles such as nano packaging, nano coatings and nano bubble modify the shelf life and quality and forbids microbial outbreak, solvent discharge and unstable gaseous exchange. The real time signal processing nano sensor technology can detect pesticides, pathogens, toxic materials, contaminants, and microbes in microgreens. The emission of light emitting diodes with stable ratio of wavelength extends shelf life. High carbon dioxide and low oxygen pressure at 5 °C temperature exhibits control respiration rate and prolonged shelf life. The standard packaging materials and post harvest technology may be recognized for extending shelf life and quality in harvested microgreens. The integration of molecular tools can be used to screen genome, replication, transcription, translation, post translation and gene regulation for shelf life improvement and desired traits.

Effect of storage conditions on physico-chemical properties of cowpea leaves

Cowpea leaves are highly perishable thus to improve their utilization, there’s need for proper postharvest management. This study sought to determine the physicochemical changes of cowpea leaves during storage. The cowpea leaves were sorted and packaged using three main packaging materials; sacks, modified atmosphere packaging (cling film) and perforated trays which imitated storage in open crates. Samples were stored at different storage temperatures 30±2℃, 25±2℃ and 10±2℃. The samples under storage were observed for physiochemical changes every two days for a period of eight days. Physico-chemical parameters were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by the period and temperature of storage and packaging material. Storage in high and ambient temperatures, extended storage, and tray and sack showed higher deterioration in physicochemical properties as compared to low temperatures and modified atmosphere packaging. There was a significant difference in visual appearance, aroma and the overall acceptability of cowpea leaves stored under different conditions (p&lt; 0.05). Storage conditions had an influence on the sensory quality, nutritional quality and the shelf life of cowpea leaves. Modified atmosphere packaging at 10℃ was seen to preserve sensory with an overall acceptability mean score of 5.22 and nutritional attributes best as compared to modified atmosphere packaging, sack and tray packaging at ambient and extreme temperature storage where moisture (36.21±26.28a and 33.28±26.20a respectively), ascorbic acid (198.7±276.75a and 169.1±254.31a respectively), beta carotene (46.77±58.66a and 48.59±65.04a respectively) and color degradation (∆E 11.89±5.99a and ∆E 11.29±5.27a respectively) was higher. A combination of low temperature and modified atmosphere packaging for storage would be recommended to extend the shelf life and in turn combat post-harvest losses and increase the utilization of the vegetable. Storage temperatures, packaging materials and duration of vegetable storage are vital when it comes to extending the commercial life of fresh cowpea leaves.

Pig slurry organic matter transformation and methanogenesis at ambient storage temperatures.

Manure management is a significant source of global methane emissions, and there is an increased interest in understanding and predicting emissions. The hydrolysis rate of manure organic matter is critical for understanding and predicting methane emissions. We estimated hydrolysis rate constants of crude protein, fibers, and lipids and used the Arrhenius equation to describe its dependency on temperature. Simultaneously, measurements of methane emission, 13/12 C isotope ratios, and methanogen community were conducted. This was achieved by incubating fresh pig manure without inoculum at 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C for 85 days in a lab-scale setup. Hydrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose increased more with temperature than crude protein, but still, hydrolysis rate of crude protein was highest at all temperatures. Results suggested that crude protein consisted of multiple substrate groups displaying large differences in degradability. Lipids and lignin were not hydrolyzed during incubations. Cumulative methane emissions were 7.13±2.69, 24.6±8.00, 66.7±4.8, and 105.7±7.14 gCH4 kgVS -1 at 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C, respectively, and methanogenic community shifted from Methanosphaera toward Methanocorpusculum over time and more quickly at higher temperatures. This study provides important parameter estimates and dependencies on temperature, which is important in mechanistic methane emission models. Further work should focus on characterizing quickly degradable substrate pools in the manure organic matter as they might be the main carbon source of methane emission from manure management.

Concentration of Phthalate Esters in Bottled Water: A Case Study in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria

Phthalate esters (PAEs), a group of chemical compounds, are extensively used as additives in plastics. The objective of this study was to determine how much of a few target PAEs have leached into various samples of drinking water packaged in PET bottles in Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria as well as how ambient temperature, sunshine exposure, and cold storage conditions have affected the concentration of PAE. The concentrations of Di-ethyl-phthalate (DEP), di-butyl-phthalates (DBP), benzyl-butyl-phthalate (BBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), and Bis-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were determined in bottled water samples. The concentrations of PAEs were determined using a gas chromatography coupled with a mass sepctroscopy analyzer (GC-MS). Phthalate compound was observed to be in all bottled water placed under different storage conditions; cold storage (CW), ambient storage (AW), and sunlight storage (SLW) for a period of 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. However, the greatest leaching effect was observed in PET bottled water placed sunlight conditions for sixteen weeks with concentrations of; DEHP (2.1-11.2) µg/L, DEP (0.98-3.87) µg/L, DBP (2.98-13.8) µg/L. The results from this study indicated that, under various storage conditions, DEP, DBP and DEHP from PET bottles may leach more into the drinking water over a period of time under different storage conditions. The result additionally gave indication that DEHP; a known endocrine disruptor, with anti-androgenic and possible human carcinogen effects, exceeded the 6 µg/L USEPA Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) in drinking water, and also greater than 8 µg/L which is the indicated MCL by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Effect of packaging materials on lycopene vitamin C and water activity of dried tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) powder during storage.

In this work, a storage study was conducted to find suitable packaging material for tomato powder storage. Experiments were laid out in a single factor completely randomized design (CRD) to study the effect of packaging materials on lycopene, vitamin C moisture content, and water activity of tomato powder; The factor (packaging materials) has three levels (low-density polyethylene bag, polypropylene bottle, wrapped with aluminum foils, and packed in low-density polyethylene bag) and is replicated three times. During the study, a twin layer solar tunnel dried tomato slices of var. Galilea was used. The dried tomato slices were then ground and packed (40 g each) in the packaging materials and stored at room temperature. Samples were drawn from the packages at 2-month interval for quality analysis and SAS (version 9.2) software was used for statistical analysis. From the result, higher retention of lycopene (80.13%) and vitamin C (49.32%) and a nonsignificant increase in moisture content and water activity were observed for tomato powder packed in polypropylene bottles after 6 months of storage. For low-density polyethylene packed samples and samples wrapped with aluminum foil and packed in a low-density polyethylene bag, 57.06% and 60.45% lycopene retention and 42.9% and 49.23% Vitamin C retention were observed, respectively, after 6 months of storage. Considering the results found, it can be concluded that lycopene and vitamin C content of twin layer solar tunnel dried tomato powder can be preserved at ambient temperature storage by packing in a polypropylene bottle with a safe range of moisture content and water activity levels for 6 months.

Modeling Mathematical Relationship with Weight Loss and Texture on Table Grapes of 'Red Globe' and 'Wink' during Cold and Ambient Temperature Storage.

Weight loss associated with fruit texture during storage has received numerous reports; however, no research has been conducted on the mathematical relationships between weight loss and textural traits of table grapes stored at cold and ambient temperatures. In this study, it was found that the weight loss of 'Red Globe' was in the range of 0 to 0.0487, 0 to 0.0284 and 0 to 0.0199 compared to 0 to 0.0661, 0 to 0.0301 and 0 to 0.028 of 'Wink' at 13 °C, 3 °C, and 0 °C of storage for 13 days. Stored for 13 days at 13 °C, 3 °C, and 0 °C, the range of the textural traits of failure force, strain and penetration work in 'Red Globe' were 6.274 to 3.765, 6.441 to 3.867, 6.321 to 4.014; 51.931 to 11.114, 51.876 to 13.002, 51.576 to 20.892; 21.524 to 13.225, 21.432 to 14.234, 21.321 to 15.198 in contrast to in 'Wink' of 4.4202 to 2.2292, 4.4197 to 2.653, 4.4371 to 2.8199 and 15.674 to 2.7881, 15.776 to 4.1431, 15.704 to 5.702 and 12.922 to 7.754, 12.909 to 8.021, 12.915 to 8.407. Meanwhile, the weight loss and textural traits of two table grapes were examined using time-dependent and weight loss-dependent modeling at 13 °C, 3 °C, and 0 °C of storage. The Logistic, ExpDec1, and ExpDec2 models, as well as the Boltzmann model, were identified as the best fit for the obtained data. The equations proved to be more effective in characterizing the change in weight loss and texture of 'Red Globe' and 'Wink,' with the best equations suited to the weight loss and textural parameters having an average mean standard error of 2.89%. The viability of the established models was evaluated, and parametric confidence intervals of the equations were proposed to fit different grape cultivars. According to the findings, the weight loss and texture of the two grape cultivars could be accurately predicted by the established models; additionally, the results showed that cold storage is better for the quality of table grapes and that weight loss can predict the textural quality of table grapes. This study provides a theoretical framework for optimum storage temperature together with a significantly convenient and quick approach to measure the texture of grapes for fruit dealers and enterprises.