Best Storage Conditions Research Articles

Assessment of veterinary pharmaceutical warehouse management practices and its associated challenges in four selected zones and Bahir Dar city of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia.

A pharmaceutical warehouse is part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and is essential to maintaining the quality and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals for successful animal health service delivery. However, poor storage conditions, improper handling, and inappropriate use and disposal constitute challenges for veterinary supplies in animal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the existing practices and challenges in warehouse management in government veterinary clinics and private veterinary drug wholesalers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 veterinary health facilities in four selected zones (south Gondar, west Gondar, central Gondar, and west Gojam zones) and Bahir Dar administrative city. Zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, pre-defined and tested observational checklists, and semi-structured interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed the presence of poor stock management practices, such as the absence of standard operating procedures for warehouse activities in ~59.5% of facilities surveyed. In none of the surveyed facilities, bin cards and system software utilization were satisfactory. The absence of disposal guidelines was detected in 83.8% of the facilities, and the practice of timely disposal of expired drugs was not satisfactory. Compared to the government veterinary clinics, private veterinary drug wholesalers had better storage practices (86.25%) following theoretical recommendations. The storage conditions in government clinics were rated poor at 48.3% (>80%, which is the limit to the acceptable rate for good storage conditions). The challenges of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified staff, problems with the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products, insufficient regulatory practice, and budget constraints were identified. A holistic approach involving related stakeholders should be followed to improve the existing challenges and the sector's efficiency.

An integrated framework for improving safety, quality, and stewardship standards in manufacturing: A case study

Health and safety, quality assurance, and stewardship control, when integrated together, can streamline systems and work processes, reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency. In this study, efficiency increase refers to improving and maintaining high standards of demarcation, housekeeping, no blocked safety equipment, tools storage conditions, good manufacturing practices and chemical storage conditions. Using industrial engineering tools, Plan-Do-Check-Act and Kaizen, the study illustrates a quick turnaround in standards improvement in a manufacturing plant, which resulted in culture change and increasing profitability. The manufacturing plant studied had below average standards that created health and safety hazards leading to incidents, created a risk of quality and stewardship systems failure. Incidents varied from minor to serious. With improved standards, the plant avoided and eliminated health amd safety, quality, and stewardship risks in critical areas such as production or operations floor, warehouse, laboratory, storeroom, utilities area, and workshop. This was achieved through the integration of health and safety, quality assurance and stewardship controls as one safety, quality, and stewardship (SQS) framework. The three are denoted as fundamentals and core foundation systems in a manufacturing environment in this study. An SQS tool was developed, tested, and implemented and results are shared. Implementation of the tool resulted in improvement of overall manufacturing plant standards, elimination of safety hazards, reduction of quality defects and scrap, eradication of internal controls issues, and business success. The study will be of great value for manufacturing plants who are looking to integrate more than two management systems.

Isolation, Identification and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Public Health Threat Enteric Bacteria from Milk and Dairy Products Retail in Abakaliki, South-East, Nigeria

Milk and foods made from milk is manufactured into more stable dairy products of worldwide value, such as butter, cheese, ice cream, and yoghurt. Consumption of contaminated milk or dairy products by pathogens causes human gastrointestinal infection, which leads to diarrheal disease in human and hospitalization or death in severe cases especially among elderly and children. An assessment of milk and dairy products was designed to determine the microbiological quality of milk and dairy products consumed in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Culture techniques were used for isolation of enteric bacteria from retail dairy products and disk diffusion method were used to determine the Antibiotic Resistance profile of isolates. Bacteria pathogens isolated were characterized and identified using morphological and biochemical techniques. SPSS and Chi-square test were used for the analysis of the study, P-value of 0.02 indicates a significant difference between the bacteria pathogens counts. A total of 161 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 100 dairy products. Salmonella spp heard (26.1%), Escherichia coli (44.1%) and Shigella spp. (29.8%). All identified isolates were found to be 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamycin, with 66.7% for ofloxacin. Augmentin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol and spectinomycin was 100% resistant. Data obtained confirm that milk and dairy products retailed in Abakaliki pose a serious public health threat to consumers due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Standard and good storage conditions, as well as environmental and personnel hygiene should be practiced to prevent contamination of milk and dairy products for the safety of consumers.

EFFECTS OF GINGER (Zingiber officinale) and CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum) EXTRACTS ON THE QUALITY OF Clarias gariepinus PROCESSED WITH KAINJI MODIFIED DRUM KILN

The research was aimed to evaluate the preservative effects of Ginger and Clove extract on the quality and shelf-life of Clarias gariepinus processed with Kainji Modified Drum Kiln. Thirty six (36) Clarias gariepinus species were obtained from Kabod Fish Farm, Jimeta-Yola. Phytochemical compositions of ginger and clove extract indicated the presence of Saponins, Flavonoids and Tannins in both Ginger and Clove, while Glycosides, Steroids and Trepenoids were only detected in Cloves. The Catfish samples were immersed in the aqueous solution prepared (Ginger Aqueous Solution (GAS) and Clove Aqueous Solution (CAS)) separately and transferred to the Kiln for smoking. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the fish samples treated with ginger, clove and combine (ginger and clove). The proximate composition of freshly processed and preserved C. gariepinus showed low crude protein (36.31 – 42.47 g/100g Dry matter) and crude lipid (16.65 – 24.35g/100g Dry matter) while crude protein (50.80– 56.87 g/100g Dry matter) and crude lipid decreases (14.98 – 19.00 g/100g Dry matter). The results show that the Catfish samples treated with ginger, clove and combined (ginger and clove) as preservatives prior to processing indicates the effectiveness of these preservatives in controlling yeast and mold growth and capable of inhibiting microbial growth in stored Catfish products that was processed by Kiln. The improvement and development of packaging (using low cost local packaging materials) and good storage conditions will protect the products against spoilage and breakages for more than twelve (12) weeks without any insect

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, Needle Contamination by Fastidious Microorganisms, and Risk of Complications.

Complications are becoming ever more common with the increased use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in aesthetic medicine. Complications due to needle contamination with fastidious microorganisms are no exception. To perform, in a top Italian aesthetic medicine facility, what the authors think is the first monitoring program of microbial needle contamination of cross-linked HA gel fillers after the prefilled syringes with gel residues were stored for retouches after the first aesthetic procedure. Needle contamination monitoring study, performed between January and November 2019, on 35 needles (caliber, 30 and 27 G) stored at 4°C in their resealed filler packages for possible retouch after a first aesthetic treatment involving the middle and lower facial thirds. Women's age: 35 to 70 years old. The search for contaminating agents of the 3 monitored bacterial contaminants ( Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pyogenes , and anaerobes) as well as yeasts and molds always tested negative. In the days and months after treatment, no patients in post-treatment controls showed evidence of infection in the treated areas. The observational retrospective study confirms that good storage conditions, including monitored refrigeration, avoid the risk of contamination of partially used HA gel fillers by fastidious microorganisms.

The Impact of the Fermentation Method on the Pigment Content in Pickled Beetroot and Red Bell Pepper Juices and Freeze-Dried Powders

The beetroot and red bell pepper are vegetables rich in active ingredients, and their potential for health benefits are crucial. Both presented raw materials are rich in natural pigments, but are unstable and seasonal; thus, it was decided to take steps to extend their durability. Lactic fermentation has been recognized as a food preservation method, requiring minimal resources. The activities undertaken were also aimed at creating a new product with a coloring and probiotic potential. For this reason, the study aimed to evaluate the impact of the method of fermentation on the content of active compounds (pigments) in pickled juices and freeze-dried powders. The lactic acid fermentation guided in two ways. The second step of the research was to obtain powders in the freeze-drying process. For fermentation, Levilactobacillus brevis and Limosilactobacillus fermentum were used. In juices and powders, pigments, color, and dry matter were tested. In this research, no differences in fermented juice pigment contents were seen; however, the color coefficient differed in raw juices. The freeze-drying process resulted in lowering the pigment content, and increasing dry matter and good storage conditions (glass transition temperatures 48–66 °C). The selection of vegetable methods suggested the use of fermentation and mixing it with a marinade (higher pigments and lactic acid bacteria content). All powders were stable and can be used as a colorant source, whereas for probiotic properties, a higher number of bacteria is needed.

Factors Influencing the Choice of Storage Technologies by Smallholder Potato Farmers in Eastern and Southwestern Uganda

Potato is a key food and cash crop in Uganda, mainly produced by smallholder farmers in the eastern and southwestern highlands of the country. This study assessed different factors influencing the choice of storage technologies by Ugandan potato farmers. Data were collected from 240 potato farmers using structured questionnaires in key potato producing districts in eastern and southwestern Uganda. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the multinomial probit regression model. Results indicate that potato farmers have limited access to credit and adequate extension services. Furthermore, most of the potato production is sold immediately after harvest. Although significant quantities of potato are stored as food for the household and seed for the next season, very few farmers store ware potato for later sale at a higher price. The farmer households generally use light storage technologies designed for seed storage, while dark stores required for proper ware potato storage are rarely used. Results for factors influencing the choice of storage technologies were mixed, and the extent and direction of influence varied with technology. The predominant factors that positively influenced the choice of dark storage technologies or a combination of different storage technologies included monthly income from sources other than potato sales, access to storage management advice and access to credit. This study recommends enhancing farmers’ access to adequate extension services and credit to promote good ware potato storage conditions.

STUDY OF REACTION KINETICS AND IDENTIFICATION OF CLOTRIMAZOLE DEGRADATION COMPOUNDS IN ANTI-FUNGAL CREAM PREPARATIONS

Fungal infections of the skin can be treated with antifungal compounds, one of which is clotrimazole. Under certain conditions, clotrimazole can be degraded to imidazole and (o-chlorophenyl) diphenyl methanol which can cause skin irritation. This is because the storage conditions of the drug product during or after use if it is not suitable, can interfere with the stability of the drug product. Therefore, this study was conducted to obtain information regarding changes in clotrimazole levels, reaction order, reaction constant value, half-life, activation energy, and the possibility of compounds formed after the clotrimazole degradation process to determine the good storage conditions of the product. Clotrimazole levels were tested in the open and closed state of the packaging every day at different storage temperatures for three months. Changes in clotrimazole levels were measured using HPLC every week. In addition, the identification of compounds resulting from degradation was also tested using HPLC every month and continued using LC-MS/MS in the last week. The results of the analysis of clotrimazole levels, there was a decrease in levels but still in accordance with the specifications required by the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia. The greatest decrease in levels occurred in samples stored at a temperature of 40±2oC which reached 9133%. The decrease in clotrimazole levels followed a first-order reaction with the shortest half-life of 90 weeks and activation energy of 18.9 kJ/mol. Identification of the degraded compounds using HPLC and LC-MS/MS found imidazole compounds and (o-chlorophenyl) diphenyl methanol in samples stored at 25±2oC and 40±2oC. These compounds can cause skin irritation, but these compounds may not have a serious impact because they have a fairly large body threshold value of 220 mg/kg. This shows that clotrimazole cream stored at various temperatures, both at 5±2oC, 25±2oC, and 40±2oC can still be used for three months after the packaging is opened according to the in-use shelf life.

Prospective Study of Food Chain Mold Contamination in Rabat City

Introduction: Contamination by molds is a major public health problem and a real danger for both humans and animals due to the synthesis of toxic metabolites (Mycotoxins) during their proliferation in foods of plant or animal origin.Their effects on health are very harmful and can go as far as death in the event of heavy contamination. Prolonged exposure to low doses can cause several pathologies including nephropathies, cancers, liver damage, hemorrhagic syndromes, and immunological and neurological disorders. Material, Methods and Results: In this work, the contamination of Moroccan foodstuffs with mycotoxins was studied. A total of 22 samples: 13 samples of spices, 7 samples of coffee, 1 sample of tea and 1 sample of chocolate, were purchased from different popular markets of Rabat. Mycological study of 22 of these samples showed a large number of fungal contaminants resulting in a 100% contamination of all our samples Among them, it indicates the presence of the principal genus implicated in the production of mycotoxins: Aspergillus spp (77% Penicillium spp (18%), and Mucor (90%). Detection of mycotoxins is performed by LC-MSMS. The results showed a variation in levelsof aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A, without exceeding the maximum limits set by Moroccan regulations. Conclusion: The prevention of contamination of raw materials and the development of molds implies respect for good farming practices and storage conditions for food products. Risk management is the responsibility of governments and require total respect of international recommendations to reduce the impact on the economy and health population.

Microstructure and storage stability of precooked kiwicha products

The aims of this research were to evaluate the storage stability of precooked kiwicha products (PK = puffed kiwicha and LK = laminated kiwicha) and to compare them with a commercial puffed amaranth product (CPA); to analyze the microstructure of kiwicha grains and the microstructural changes by processing. The moisture and water activity (WA) increased in all samples during 90–120 days of storage (p < .05). The CPA stored at 120 days had the lowest acceptability due to the highest moisture, WA, peroxides index, and luminosity (L*). The PK stored up to 90 days, had the most acceptability (5.43 ± 1.10), due to the highest crispness and purchase/consumption intention (Z-value = 2.63/7.09). The structure of the food matrix of kiwicha grains was modified by processing. This study shows that the precooked products were acceptable and maintained their physicochemical, textural, and sensory characteristics up to 90 days of storage, which can be incorporated as an ingredient in different foods. Novelty impact statement Microstructure is related to textural properties, consumer response, interaction between food structure and water, and storage stability. The precooked kiwicha products from this study, kept in good storage conditions, can be used as ingredients in the development of novel foods, providing consumers with desirable textural properties and sensory characteristics.

Effect of Storage Conditions on Storability and Antioxidant Potential of Pears cv. ‘Conference’

Late pear cultivars, such as ‘Conference’, can be stored for a long period if kept in good storage conditions. A three-year study (2011–2013) compared the impact of six-month storage using four technologies—normal atmosphere, normal atmosphere + 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), controlled atmosphere, and controlled atmosphere + 1-MCP—on the quality parameters of ‘Conference’ pears, such as mass loss, firmness, total soluble solids, acidity, antioxidant capacity, and the incidence of diseases and disorders. Additionally, the study analysed different storage conditions in terms of profitability, based on the market prices for pears in the seasons during which the pears were stored. The storage conditions had a very strong influence on the fruit quality parameters, and were found to affect most visibly the mass loss and the incidence of postharvest diseases and disorders. The storage of ‘Conference’ pears for 180 days in normal atmosphere is not economically viable, even if the fruit is subjected to 1-MCP treatment; at the same time, it is profitable to store ‘Conference’ pears in controlled atmosphere for the same period, no matter whether 1-MCP was applied or not.

Anti-Tuberculosis Commodities Management Performance and Factors Affecting It at Public Health Facilities in Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia.

BackgroundHealth facilities (HFs) need extensive ranges of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs and related TB laboratory commodities (LCs) for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of TB and multi-drug-resistance (MDR)-TB. This study was aimed to assess anti-TB commodities management performance at public HFs of Dire Dawa city administration, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design in 16 HFs providing TB and MDR-TB related service using quantitative and qualitative method was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires and observation checklists with logistic indicators assessment tools were used to collect data. We used an in-depth interview and analyzed using a thematic approach. Quantitative data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and transported to SPSS version 20 to analyze the results. Chi-square was used to test the association and a P-value<0.05 was statistically significant.ResultsThe majority(13; 81.3%) of HFs used a health commodity management information system. Forty-two (40%) bin cards (BCs) for first line anti-TB drugs were not updated, while 62.5% of BCs were updated for second line drugs. On average, 43% of HFs accurately reported a report and requisition format (RRF) had significant association with the presence of a logistic management information system (LMIS) and standard operating procedure (P=0.019). Of the HFs, 50% had good storage conditions and guidelines (P=0.041). Regimen change (56.3%; P=0.035), receive near expiry (56.3%; P=0.035), and defective practice to first expired-first-out (50%; P=0.007) were reasons for wastages. About 50% and 66.6% of HFs were stocked out for isoniazid 300 mg, rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide (RHZ fixed dose), and ethambutol 400 mg with a mean stock out duration of 10.8, 18.9, and 70.5 days, respectively. Regimen change (68.8%; P=0.026), low demand (56.3%; P=0.041), and delay to resupply (37.5%; P=0.041) were reasons for stock out of anti-TB commodities.ConclusionAnti-TB drugs and LCs management performance of the HFs were found to be defective, which was confirmed by unsatisfactory data records, inconstant reports, deprived stock record accuracy, long lead time, high stock out rate, wastages, defective storage conditions, lack of training, and management support. Hence, respective organizations should improve their responsible activities to secure an uninterrupted supply of anti-TB drugs and LCs.

Avaliação da qualidade de polpas de maracujá congeladas

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e as características físicas e químicas de polpas de maracujá congeladas comercializadas em dois supermercados da cidade de Machado/MG, com intuito de verificar a adequação do produto aos padrões estabelecidos pelas legislações vigentes. As seguintes análises foram realizadas: coliformes a 35oC, pesquisa de Salmonella spp., contagem de bolores e leveduras, pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, sólidos totais, açúcares solúveis totais e cor (valor L*, ângulo hue e croma). Todas as polpas de maracujá analisadas apresentaram valores menores que 0,3 NMP.g-1 para coliformes a 35°C, ausência de Salmonella spp. em 25 g e contagem de bolores e leveduras menores que 5x10³ UFC.g-1, estando em conformidade aos padrões microbiológicos da ANVISA e do MAPA para polpa de frutas. As polpas de maracujá congeladas, comercializadas nos supermercados, apresentaram valores de pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis e sólidos totais dentro dos padrões de identidade e qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação vigente para polpa de maracujá. Os teores de açúcares solúveis totais das polpas de maracujá congeladas comercializadas nos supermercados A e B, foram de 4,69% e 3,79%, respectivamente. Conclui-se que as polpas de maracujá congeladas comercializadas em Machado/MG, encontram-se dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação vigente, indicando que as condições higiênico-sanitárias satisfatórias do produto não comprometerão a saúde e o bem-estar dos consumidores, e que os supermercados apresentaram boas condições de armazenamento e comercialização.

Development potential and technical strategy of continental shale oil in China

Continental shale oil is a general term for liquid hydrocarbons and many kinds of organic matter in continental organic-rich shale series with vitrinite reflectance of more than 0.5% at buried depth of more than 300 m, and is an important type of source-rock oil and gas. Based on the evolution model of oil generation and expulsion in organic-rich shale series controlled by maturity, continental shale oil is divided into two types: medium-high maturity and medium-low maturity. (1) The continental shale series in China develop high-quality source rocks of freshwater and saltwater lacustrine facies, as well as multiple types of reservoirs, including clastic rocks, carbonate rocks, diamictite, tuff and shale, forming a number of “sweet sections” and “sweet areas” of continuous distribution inside or near source rocks, which have large scale resources. (2) Experimental analysis of organic rich shale samples shows that the shale samples with wavy and horizontal beddings have good storage conditions, and the horizontal permeability of shale is tens to hundreds of times of its vertical permeability, which is conducive to the lateral migration and accumulation of shale oil in the source rocks. (3) After evaluation, the geological resources of medium-high maturity shale oil are about 10 billion tons, which can be effectively developed by horizontal drilling and volumetric fracturing, and will be a practical field of oil exploration in recent years. Shale oil with medium and low maturity has huge resource potential, and technological recoverable resources of (70–90) billion tons, making it a strategic alternative resource of oil industry. However, economic development of this type of shale oil needs in-situ conversion technology breakthroughs. Continental shale oil is an inevitable choice in the process of Chinese continental petroleum exploration from “outside source” to “inside source”. Making breakthroughs in the core technologies such as “sweet area” evaluation and optimization, horizontal well volume fracturing and in-situ conversion technology and equipment is the key to realizing scale development of continental shale oil economically.

Foam-Mat Drying Process of Duck Egg White

The foam-mat dryingprocessof egg white, developed in the food industry, promotes a porous product, brittle and easy to grind. The powderedegg white has a good rehydration properties, safer consumption and storage conditions than fresh product, keeping the high level of proteins and vitamins contained in the egg. In this way, the objective of this work is to study, through numerical computational simulation, the physical aspects of the duck egg white foam-matdrying process. For this, the foam was characterized by its density, percentage of expansion, air over run, stability and moisture. Temperature (50, 60 and 70°C), stirring rate (levels 6, 7 and 8) and stirring time (4, 5 and 6 minutes) are taken as input conditions and the product final moisture and drying time are the output variables. Drying was performed based on the complete factorial 23 + 3 central point experimental design in this procedure. It has been observed that the time and stirring rate significantly influence the product final moisture and that the drying temperature is predominant for the total process time. From the foam moisturedata, adjustments of empirical mathematical models were made; evidencing that theModifiedPage and the Page models provided the best results, with a standard deviation lower than 0.01 and the coefficient of determination above 0.99. For this analysis, the case where the drying temperature, time and the stirring rate were, respectively, 70 °C, 6 minutes and 8 level, presented the best results.

Supply Chain Management Performance of HIV/AIDS Commodities and Factors Affecting It at Health Facilities of SNNPRS of Ethiopia; from the Perspective of Achieving 90-90-90 Strategies.

BackgroundHealth facilities (HFs) need an extensive range of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and related HIV/AIDS commodities for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. This study was aimed to assess supply chain management performance from the perspective of achieving 90-90-90 treatment strategy at HFs of Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Regional State (SNNPRS), Ethiopia.MethodsFacilities based cross sectional study design in 30 HFs (9 hospitals and 21 health centers) and five pharmaceuticals fund and supply agencies (PFSAs) was conducted. The HFs were selected randomly. Semi-structured questionnaires and observation checklists with logistic indicators assessment tools (LIATs) were used to collect data for HIV/AIDS related services from November 2016 to May 2017. In addition, we used in-depth face to face interview and thematic approach. Quantitative data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and transported to SPSS version 20 to analyze the result. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach.ResultsOnly 9 (30%) HFs had received their orders from PFSA on time from date of report. Average lead time for ARV drugs was 46.4 days in hospitals and 59.2 days in health centers (HCs). Sixteen (60.7%) HFs reported their completed report and requisition format (RRF). From this, 53.3% HFs order was refilled correctly in quantity from that they need. Inventory accuracy rate was 77%. Major HFs, 20 (66.7%) faced at least one-time emergency order for ARV drugs, HIV test kits and viral load (VL) supplies. Whereas, 9 (30%) hospitals and 5 (16.67%) HCs were out of stock two and three times respectively. Sixteen (53.3%) commodities stocked out at least once in six months. Nevirapine (NVP) 10 mg/5 mL in 240 mL was the most stocked out (13 times) for an average 22 days. Uni gold was stocked out (16 times) with average of 34.5 days. Wastage rate was 2.5%. Twenty-five (83.3%) facilities had good storage conditions (>80% to the standard).ConclusionUnsatisfactory data records, stock-outs, interrupted reports, inaccurate inventory and wastage rates were indicators for defective supply chain management of HIV/AIDS commodities. Respective organizations should improve their responsible activities to secure commodities availability.

MicroRNAs as a Potential Quality Measurement Tool of Platelet Concentrate Stored in Blood Banks-A Review.

Background: Platelet concentrate (PC) is one of the main products used in a therapeutic transfusion. This blood component requires special storage at blood banks, however, even under good storage conditions, modifications or degradations may occur and are known as platelet storage lesions. Methods: This research was performed on scientific citation databases PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, for publications containing platelet storage lesions. The results obtained mainly reveal the clinical applicability of miRNAs as biomarkers of storage injury and as useful tools for a problem affecting public and private health, the lack of PC bags in countries with few blood donors. The major studies listed in this review identified miRNAs associated with important platelet functions that are relevant in clinical practice as quality biomarkers of PC, such as miR-223, miR-126, miR-10a, miR-150, miR-16, miR-21, miR-326, miR-495, let-7b, let-7c, let-7e, miR-107, miR-10b, miR-145, miR-155, miR-17, miR-191, miR-197, miR-200b, miR-24, miR-331, miR-376. These miRNAs can be used in blood banks to identify platelet injury in PC bags. Conclusion: The studies described in this review relate the functions of miRNAs with molecular mechanisms that result in functional platelet differences, such as apoptosis. Thus, miRNA profiles can be used to measure the quality of storage PC for more than 5 days, identify bags with platelet injury, and distinguish those with functional platelets.

Lithofacies paleogeography and exploration significance of Sinian Doushantuo depositional stage in the middle-upper Yangtze region, Sichuan Basin, SW China

Abstract In recent years, natural gas exploration in the Sinian Dengying Formation and shale gas exploration in Doushantuo Formation have made major breakthroughs in the Sichuan Basin and its adjacent areas. However, the sedimentary background of the Doushantuo Formation hasn't been studied systematically. The lithofacies paleogeographic pattern, sedimentary environment, sedimentary evolution and distribution of source rocks during the depositional stage of Doushantuo Formation were systematically analyzed by using a large amount of outcrop data, and a small amount of drilling and seismic data. (1) The sedimentary sequence and stratigraphic distribution of the Sinian Doushantuo Formation in the middle-upper Yangtze region were controlled by paleouplifts and marginal sags. The Doushantuo Formation in the paleouplift region was overlayed with thin thickness, including shore facies, mixed continental shelf facies and atypical carbonate platform facies. The marginal sag had complete strata and large thickness, and developed deep water shelf facies and restricted basin facies. (2) The Doushantuo Formation is divided into four members from bottom to top, and the sedimentary sequence is a complete sedimentary cycle of transgression–high position–regression. The first member is atypical carbonate gentle slope deposit in the early stage of the transgression, the second member is shore-mixed shelf deposit in the extensive transgression period, and the third member is atypical restricted–open sea platform deposit of the high position of the transgression. (3) The second member has organic-rich black shale developed with stable distribution and large thickness, which is an important source rock interval and major shale gas interval. The third member is characterized by microbial carbonate rock and has good storage conditions which is conducive to the accumulation of natural gas, phosphate and other mineral resources, so it is a new area worthy of attention. The Qinling trough and western Hubei trough are favorable areas for exploration of natural gas (including shale gas) and mineral resources such as phosphate and manganese ore.

ENKAPSULASI PROTOKORM UNTUK KONSERVASI JANGKA PENDEK Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume (ORCHIDACEAE)

Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume is one of the threatened orchid species due to over exploitation and forest degradation, therefore this species needs to be conserved. One of the conservation efforts is to propagate through synthetic seed using sodium alginate as encapsulation matrix and calcium chloride as complexing solution. This research was conducted to obtain an optimal concentration of sodium alginate and calcium chloride for synthetic seeds forming and the best storage condition (temperature and storage period). Protocorm was used as the propagule of the synthetic seed. Sodium alginate 4% produced uniform and isodiametric shape, while calcium chloride 75 mM generated rigid and clear matrix wall to ensure the protection of propagule during storage. Extending storage period resulted in lower germination percentage. The encapsulated protocorms of K3-K6 which stored at 4 o C up to 4 weeks still give the highest germination rate (93,33-100%). The synthetic seed of K2-K6 stored at 25 o C was viable up to 16 weeks with the highest germination rate 93,33­­­­-100% and also has better regrowth than those having been stored at 4 o C

ENCAPSULATION OF CAROTENOID-RICH PAPRIKA OLEORESIN THROUGH TRADITIONAL AND NANO SPRAY DRYING

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability during controlled storage of the particles of oleoresin paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) produced by Micro and Nano spray dryer. Micro and Nano spray dryer produced micro and submicron particles, respectively. Micro and submicron particles exhibited similar values of solubility, but showed significant differences in all parameters of colour and in the moisture content and water activity. At the end of spray dried process, both powders presented significant differences in the carotenes recovery. Micro- particles showed higher content of carotenes on the surface than the submicron particles. However, both particles showed similar protection to the carotenes at the end of storage. The best storage condition for both particles was around water activity (aw) of 0.529 with about 50% carotenes retained at 30 days.