Post Storage Research Articles

Physico-Chemical Analysis of the Fruits and Consumer Preferences of New Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh) Hybrids Bred in Poland

Apples are the most important species in Polish fruit production, and their fresh fruit and processing products occupy a very important place in the European and world food economies. A natural process on the apple market is the replacement of older cultivars with new ones. Consequently, breeding work is being carried out all over the world to obtain new, attractive apple cultivars. In this work, four new apple hybrids obtained in the Department of Pomology and Horticulture Economics at the University of Life Sciences in Warsaw (WULS—SGGW), i.e., two red-skinned hybrids (‘I’P’ and ‘TL’) and two green-skinned hybrids (‘GL’ and ‘LG’), were tested for their main physico-chemical characteristics after harvest and after storage, as well as for their consumer acceptability in a comparison with three popular cultivars in Poland (‘Šampion’, ‘Golden Delicious’, and ‘Ligol’). The hybrids evaluated were differentiated in terms of the tested features. It was found that the fruits of the ‘GL’ hybrid had the highest firmness—both after harvest and post storage; it was also one of the highest-rated overall impressions by consumers among the cultivars tested (only ‘Ligol’ apples had higher scores). The hybrid with low fruit quality and low health-promoting properties at this stage of the study was ‘TL’, whose overall impression was also rated lowest by consumers. The study also showed that the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of apples can be higher in green-skinned cultivars compared to red-skinned cultivars.

Preharvest calcium treatment enhanced lenticels breakdown at an environmental-dependent manner

It has been demonstrated that postharvest calcium application enhanced lenticels breakdown (LB), occurring after storage. In this study, we examined whether preharvest in-orchard calcium foliar application can also enhances lenticels breakdown. Calcium foliar application was examined on fruit harvested separately from northern and southern sides of the trees in two orchards. Four in-orchard treatments were applied: No treatment (Control), CaCl2, Ca(NO3)2 and KCl. The orchards were located in regions with different climatic conditions. LB damage was higher in the low humidity orchard in comparison to that in the higher humidity orchard. Moreover, LB was enhanced by preharvest calcium application only in apples from the northern side of the trees, located in the lower relative humidity orchard. Preharvest calcium application reduced the peel thickness of apples from both tree sides in the high relative humidity orchard, and only in the northern side of the low humidity orchard. Hence, in-orchard calcium foliar application can enhance LB only under specific field climate conditions. Reduced peel thickness by calcium in the northern side of the low relative humidity orchard, might have led to a higher post storage LB. Nevertheless, the status of open lenticels at harvest can only partially explain the postharvest LB. In addition, the force needed to puncture the peel does not explain LB results. In conclusion, this study supports the finding that calcium increases LB, but only under certain environmental conditions.

142 Methods to concentrate stallion semen for storage

It has been demonstrated that removal of seminal plasma and resuspension of the sperm pellet in various diluents will improve the post storage motility of spermatozoa from some stallions. This normally involves centrifugation. However, a sperm filtering device marketed by Botupharma (Phoenix, AZ) allows removal of seminal plasma without use of a centrifuge. This study was designed with the objective of comparing spermatozoa recovery rates using this device vs. centrifugation with and without a cushion. Thirteen ejaculates were collected from 3 Quarter Horse stallions. Before treatment aliquots were diluted with Dulbecco's modified PBS at a dilution rate of 1:1. For the 2 centrifugation treatments, 12 mL of the diluted semen was placed in a 15 mL conical bottom tube and centrifuged for at 1000g for 20 min with Red Cushion, (Botupharma), or at 400g for 10 mintues without a cushion. Aliquots for the third treatment were also diluted 1:1 and 20mL of the solution and poured into a SpermFilter (Botupharma) for separation. To determine % of sperm recovered, the concentration of aliquots before and after filtration or centrifugation was measured using a densimeter device (ARS, Chino, CA). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's test used for pairwise comparisons. Average % recovery rates were 69.4%, and 60.9% for aliquots centrifuged without and with a cushion as compared with 77.6% for the SpermFilter treatment. In this experiment the % recovery was lower (P < 0.02) for those aliquots which were centrifuged with Red Cushion compared with those separated with the SpermFilter. These results could differ if the same procedures were compared with a different technician. Furthermore, because of the diluent used following separation no attempt was made to compare motility following the separation procedures.

Sperm and egg in vitro storage effects on artificial fertilization and hatching in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

This is the first report showing fertilization of short-term stored eggs (19 °C) with short-term stored diluted sperm (0–2 °C) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). From 5 males, fresh (control) and 7-day stored sperm were diluted with common carp extender. After collection of eggs from nine females, the eggs were immediately pooled into three groups from females 1–3, 4–6 and 7–9, according to the eggs' quality based on visual criteria. They were placed in beakers, covered and incubated at 19 °C (for each pool, 10 g of eggs from each female were used). The 7-day short-term storage sperm was incubated at 20 °C for 20 min and pooled before being used for fertilization. The eggs were fertilized with fresh and short-term storage sperm after 1, 3 and 6 h post storage of eggs and activated with hatchery water and Perchec solution. Sperm motility and velocity (50–54% and 80–115 µm/s) of 7-day short-term storage sperm at 0–2 °C were ensured by additional incubation of sperm at 20 °C for 20 min before being activated. Principal component analysis showed that the sorting of eggs of different females into three groups according to sperm quality, fertilization ability and production of malformed larvae was successful. It is recommended that overripe common carp eggs are stored for a maximum of 1 h. A period of 3 h can be used for better quality eggs and exceptionally, up to 6 h for very high-quality eggs. Higher larvae malformation was found in the 6 h aged eggs together with fertilized short-term storage and fresh sperm. In all quality groups of eggs, the effect of different sperm, activation medium and egg storage time on the level of malformations was observed. The activation solution for carp did not show any positive fertilization and hatching effects.

Survival and detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants on dry swabs post storage.

COVID-19 has resulted in nearly 598 million infections and over 6.46 million deaths since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in 2019. The rapid onset of the pandemic, combined with the emergence of viral variants, crippled many health systems particularly from the perspective of coping with massive diagnostic loads. Shortages of diagnostic kits and capacity forced laboratories to store clinical samples resulting in huge backlogs, the effects of this on diagnostic pickup have not been fully understood. Herein, we investigated the impact of storing SARS-CoV-2 inoculated dry swabs on the detection and viability of four viral strains over a period of 7 days. Viral load, as detected by qRT-PCR, displayed no significant degradation during this time for all viral loads tested. In contrast, there was a ca. 2 log reduction in viral viability as measured by the tissue culture infectious dose (TCID) assay, with 1-3 log viable virus detected on dry swabs after 7 days. When swabs were coated with 102 viral copies of the Omicron variant, no viable virus was detected after 24 hours following storage at 4°C or room temperature. However there was no loss of PCR signal over 7 days. All four strains showed comparable growth kinetics and survival when cultured in Vero E6 cells. Our data provide information on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on stored swabs in a clinical setting with important implications for diagnostic pickup and laboratory processing protocols. Survival after 7 days of SARS-CoV-2 strains on swabs with high viral loads may impact public health and biosafety practices in diagnostic laboratories.

Preparation and characterization of a novel intelligent starch/gelatin binary film containing purple sweet potato anthocyanins for Flammulina velutipes mushroom freshness monitoring

In this study, intelligent food package was developed and characterized by loading purple sweet potato polyphenolic extract (SPS) into starch/gelatin film. The application of this film in indicating the freshness of Flammulina velutipes was also determined. The color of SPS buffer changed from red to blue and final yellow when pH increasing from 3 to 10. The blending film with starch/gelatin ratio of 1:1 wt showed a minimum water vapor permeability of 6.26 × 10−11 gs−1 m−1 Pa−1. The value of elongation at break and tensile strength of the starch/gelatin film with starch/gelatin ratio of 1:1 wt increased to 78.89 % and 11.70 MPa. Upon its application to monitor of F. velutipes freshness level, SG11 film color changed from initially green to purplish gray and finally to yellow as F. velutipes deteriorated post storage. Our results suggested that SG11 films could be used as an intelligent packaging material in the future for other food products.

Degradation of Aflatoxin M1 in skim and whole milk using high voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) and quality assessment

Cold plasma technology is a novel non-thermal technology that has shown promising results for food decontamination and improving food safety. This study investigates the efficacy of high voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) system to reduce Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in skim and whole milk. A dielectric barrier discharge HVACP was employed at 90 kV using modified air (MA65: 65 % O2, 30 % CO2, 5 % N2) fill gas for 1,3, and 5 min. Skim and whole milk was spiked with 1.0 μg/L AFM1 and exposed to HVACP treatment in both direct or indirect mode with no post-treatment storage or 4.0 h post storage at room temperature. Optimum condition of toxin degradation was chosen as for quality assessment including color, conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, viscosity, peroxide value (PV), Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as nutrient composition. A one-minute HVACP treatment degrades 41.9 % and 37.8 % of AFM1 in skim milk and whole milk, respectively. However, much greater reductions were seen after a short treatment and then post-treatment storage. A greater than 87 % reduction in AFM1 was observed for all samples after a 3 min HVACP treatment with 4.0 h of post treatment. These results suggest that a few minutes of HVACP treatment is sufficient to generate significant reactive plasma species in the milk. Quality changes were less significant with shorter post treatment time and indirect mode of exposure. Overall, HVACP is an effective solution for decontamination of milk from AFM1.

Exploring warehouse receipts financing for farmers through a case study

PurposeWarehouse receipt-based financing (WRF), an innovative instrument with its structure embedded in the agricultural value chain can potentially address farmers' concerns about timely credit access and accessible remunerative markets. However, studies indicate farmers' exclusion from currently practiced WRF mechanisms across developing countries. Transaction cost and lack of assured remunerative markets post storage are the challenges thwarting farmers' participation. The study explores how these challenges can be addressed by analyzing a case study. The finding will help in coming up with a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a case study as an analysis tool. Primary data is gathered through farmers. Descriptive statistics and partial least squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modeling methodology has been adopted for empirical testing of the hypothesis of the study. The study uses SMART PLS 3.0 for analysis of data.FindingsSingle window offering of multiple value chain operations and technological intervention in physical handling substantially reduces transaction costs for farmers. Sustained farmers' participation in the case supports this finding. The presence of an assured market (PAM) is found to have a positive and significant relationship with WRF in the case of beneficiary farmers. The PAM is found to have a negative yet significant relationship with WRF in the case of nonbeneficiary farmers. Critical success factors of the entity KisanMitra stated in the case substantiates a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism.Research limitations/implicationsThe study analyzes a case study of specific geography. However, similarities enlisted across developing countries in the introduction section provide a scope of generalization of findings across developing countries. The identified factors for a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism will enable the governments, policymakers and development institutions to ascertain and align their WRF implementation measures to inculcate and upgrade these factors to the prospective WRF agents. Future studies can explore the replication of farmer-inclusive WRF mechanisms across other geographies. The studies also explores the role of technological interventions in further reducing the transaction cost and suitable policy modifications to encourage replication of the study in other geopgraphical context.Originality/valueThe study on WRF and the methodology adopted is first of its kind to identify factors for a farmer-inclusive WRF mechanism.

​Seed Replacement Rate and Management of Wheat Seed in Amritsar District of Punjab

Background: Seed is the starting point of agriculture and dictates ultimate productivity of other inputs. Quality seed of improved varieties is an important basic unit for enhancing productivity of any crop species. As the quality deteriorates during subsequent generations, the old must be replaced with fresh lots of quality seeds. The present study was an attempt to analyze the source, SRR and management of wheat seed in Amritsar district of Punjab. Methods: The current study was conducted on primary data collected from 120 farmers during the agricultural year 2019-20. The data was analyzed using simple tabular analysis and other suitable statistical techniques. Result: The study found that the most preferred source of seed was institutional sources from which 45.83 per cent of the seed was procured from these agencies. The second most preferred source was self-retained by the farmers as 43.70 per cent farmer’s preferred self-retained seeds. Only small farmers and medium farmers procured wheat seed from fellow farmers, relatives and friends. This source was preferred by small and medium farmers as seed is available free of cost and no immediate cash payment was charged by fellow farmers or relatives. Seed replacement rate was found to be 49.94 per cent for wheat crop in Amritsar district of Punjab. The study found that minimum attention was paid at post storage of wheat seed (2.50 per cent) whereas maximum attention was paid in the field (48.83 per cent) during wheat seed production. The main determinants of purity and quality of wheat seed were past experience of the farmer, repute of the institution, tag of certification agency and advice of known person. Seed replacement rate (SSR) for wheat was less for small farmers in the study area which can be increased by giving incentives to farmers for using certified seeds. These incentives can be in the form of higher price of produce to the small farmers. Maximum farmers used self-retained seed foe the next season and they paid minimum attention to the storage of seed which lead to deterioration in the quality of seed. Farmers should be educated to use scientific methods in the storage of seeds.

“Histological and ultrastructural changes of white blood cells in vitro storage of human blood at different time intervals”.

Determination of the changes of blood samples is an important subject. The time passing from changing of normal morphology of WBCs to the un-identification period is useful in the determination of the age of in vitro storage blood which in turn helps in determination of post-mortem intervals. This study was done to demonstrate the light microscopic and ultrastructural changes occurring in white blood cells (WBC in vitro samples at different time intervals. Light microscopic examination of blood films using Hematoxylin and Eosin (Hx & E), semithin sections stained with toluidine blue, and electron microscopic examinations were done at intervals of (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60 hours) for in vitro blood samples left at room temperature. Concerning the morphological changes in different WBCs, it was observed that neutrophils had normal structure at zero- and 6-hours post-storage. Degeneration was observed at 12-hours and progressed at 24-, 48-, and 60-hours. Degenerative changes include pyknosis, and irregularity in the nuclear shape, vacuolation, pale-stained, and decreased amount of cytoplasm. At 60 hours most of cells are completely degenerated and cannot be discriminated from other WBCs. Ultrastructurally, it was noticed that the degenerative changes were observed in neutrophils after 12-hours post storage. They progressed gradually at 24-and 48-hours till they became completely unidentifiable at 60hours. Eosinophils showed degenerative changes at 12-, 24-, and 48-hours then they became completely degenerated and un-recognized after 60-hours. In addition, monocytes began to show degenerative morphological changes at 12-, 24-, 48-, and at 60-hours most of them completely degenerated. It was observed that lymphocytes were the most resistant cells as they were the only cells that could be detected at 60-hours by semithin sections. It was concluded that the morphological changes of WBCs of in vitro blood samples could be an indicator of the age of the blood.

Risk assessment of arterial allograft contamination from tissue donors colonized by Candida auris

Microbiological contamination is one of the main risks that must be controlled in tissue banking practices. For this reason, strict donor selection criteria are applied, disinfection protocols are used, and microbiological monitoring is performed at various stages. To detect Candida auris in arterial allografts and assess its origin. Data on two multi-tissue donations with positive microbiological cultures for C.auris were analysed. Risk factors for microbiological contamination were assessed at procurement, processing and post storage. C.auris was only isolated in cultures from arteries, and was not detected in cultures from cornea, musculoskeletal tissue or skin (even in the axillary-rectal sample taken from one donor). The donor's own skin was identified as the most likely source to explain the contamination of arteries by C.auris. Due to the pathogenicity of this fungus and difficulties associated with its correct identification, the implementation of measures for its detection in tissue donations is recommended.

Viability of Lactobacillus Plantarum Incorporated with Sourdough Powder-Based Edible Film in Set Yogurt and Subsequent Changes During Post Fermentation Storage

Introduction: Due to the advantages of sourdough, its film production for food packaging could be interesting. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of probiotic sourdough based edible film covered on set yogurt and subsequent changes during post fermentation storage. Materials and Methods: The parameters examined included changes to the fermentation characteristics (pH, and viable counts of probiotic bacteria), synersies, and sensory evaluation during 21-d storage at 4°C. lactobacillus plantarum was supplemented with sourdough films and yogurt produced by commercial yogurt starters (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) then films placed on yogurt containers, and a panel of parameters reflecting product quality was subsequently monitored along with 21-d post-fermentation storage. Results: Results demonstrated that the pH value of yogurt decreased slowly during the storage and no significant difference was observed between the control and the samples with the films. Although the number of viable cells decreased during storage, it did not lower than the minimum requirement for probiotics (&gt; 107 log CFU / g). The synersies of the film-treated samples were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than the control samples. The yogurt with the film without bacteria had the least synersis. Film-treated yogurts had acceptable sensory properties in comparison with control. Conclusion: Sourdough films can be an optimizing candidate to enter the food industry as a bioactive edible film and also could improve the delivery of probiotic bacteria.

Effect of the level of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" infection on the development of zebra chip disease in different potato genotypes at harvest and post storage.

Potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli Sulc)-transmitted “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” (Lso) has been negatively impacting the potato industry in the United States as well as other potato-producing countries. Lso has been linked to a condition known as zebra chip (ZC) that affects yield and quality of potato tubers. Efforts to find sources of resistance to ZC have primarily focused on greenhouse evaluations based on a single inoculation time prior to harvest. Plant response to infection, however, could be influenced by the developmental stage of the host plant, and ZC may continue to develop after harvest. The objectives of this study were to quantify Lso inoculation success, Lso titer, ZC severity and Lso development during storage in eight potato genotypes. These evaluations were conducted on plants infested with Lso-positive psyllids at 77, 12, and 4 days before vine removal (DBVR). The evaluated genotypes were categorized according to their relative resistance to Lso and tolerance to ZC symptoms. Lso inoculation success in the genotype family A07781, derived from Solanum chacoense, was lower than that of the susceptible control (‘Russet Burbank’). A07781-4LB and A07781-3LB genotypes were characterized relatively resistant to the pathogen and highly tolerant to ZC symptoms, while A07781-10LB was categorized as susceptible to Lso but relatively tolerant to symptom expression. In stored potatoes, increase in Lso concentrations was observed for all infestation times. However, significantly higher Lso titer was detected in tubers infested 12 DBVR and the effect was similar across genotypes. Overall, the A07781 family can be considered as a promising source of resistance or tolerance to ZC.

Poultry Shelf-Life Enhancing Potential of Nanofibers and Nanoparticles Containing Porphyra dioica Extracts

Aqueous extracts of commercially available red macroalgae Porphyra dioica were integrated as inner coatings of food-grade polypropylene (PP) films through use of electrospinning and electrospraying technologies. Two coating formulations (A = 5 wt% P. dioica extract and 7.5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); B = 1 wt% P. dioica extract, 1 wt% PVA, and 17% gelatine) were evaluated as to their capacity to delay spoilage of minced chicken breasts, through monitoring of microbial growth (total mesophile aerobic colony counts), colour stability, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), and sensory analysis over a 4-day refrigerated storage. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed an increased nanofiber and nanoparticle density on extract-enriched fibers, without compromise to their morphology or the homogeneity of the coatings. Total microbial counts on coating B samples was significantly (p &lt; 0.001) reduced compared to uncoated plastic wraps. The coated samples also exhibited fewer colour degradation, though the coatings did not differ substantially from uncoated plastic wrap. Sensory analysis test subjects successfully distinguished the raw samples based on their treatment and gave a positive approval rating (66.7%) to the extract-enriched coatings when asked about edibility post storage.

Cytotoxic and pharmacokinetic studies of Indian seaweed polysaccharides for formulating raindrop synbiotic candy

Gut microbiome evidenced as the assembling mode of action facilitates the relationship of environmental factors (such as diet and lifestyle) with colorectal cancer. The cytotoxic and anticancer studies of the enzymatically extracted polysaccharides from selected Indian seaweeds (such as S. wightii, E. compressa, and A. spicifera) on Raw 264.7 macrophage and HT-29 human colon cancer cell line were investigated. E. compressa showed nitric oxide production up to a concentration of 6.99 ± 0.05 μM. The polysaccharide extract of seaweed (PES), A. spicifera (100 μg/ml) had shown the highest in-vitro cytotoxicity effect on HT-29 cells up to 52.13 ± 1.4%. Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) predictions were performed for exploring the possibility of anti-cancer drug development. The formulated synbiotic candy exhibited post storage survivability of probiotic species L. plantarum NCIM 2083 up to 107 CFU/ml until three weeks and it could be an aesthetic functional food for treating colon cancer.

In vitro assessment of time-dependent changes in red cell cytoplasmic antioxidants of donkey blood preserved in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1 anticoagulant.

Background and Aim:Stored blood is continuously exposed to oxidative stress, which affects its antioxidant protective system. Erythrocytes are naturally armed with antioxidant protective capacity. Blood antioxidant system functions to protect the blood cells against oxidative damage by free radicals. However, during storage, blood is continuously exposed to oxidative stress, which affects its antioxidant system. The aim of this work was to investigate alteration in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione (glutathione reductase [GSH-Rd]), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in stored donkey blood.Materials and Methods:Blood (250 ml) was drawn from four clinically healthy donkeys into citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1 blood bags and preserved at 4°C. MDA, GSH-Rd, CAT, and SOD activities were assayed by colorimetric methods, over a period of 42 days.Results:The result showed that SOD enzyme activities significantly (p<0.05) increased by day 7 post-storage (PS) while MDA levels significantly (p<0.05) increased by day 21 PS. However, activities of GSH-Rd and CAT enzymes decreased (p<0.05) by day 21 PS. Pearson’s product-moment correlation showed a negative correlation between the levels of MDA and enzymatic antioxidant markers (CAT and GSH-Rd).Conclusion:The findings revealed that GSH-Rd and CAT are the primary antioxidant defense markers in donkey red blood cells. The observed alterations in these principal antioxidants suggest a 14days optimum keeping time of donkey blood for blood banking purposes.

Effect of ovarian storage time at 4 degrees C on cumulus cell apoptosis in porcine antral follicles.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of cold storage time on apoptosis of cumulus cells (CCs) from porcine ovaries, and to compare the sensitivity of four apoptosis-detection methods. Porcine ovaries were stored in physiological saline solution at 4°C for 0, 7, 24 and 48hr, and then cumulus cells or granulosa cells (GCs) in antral follicles were retrieved to detect cell apoptosis. Cumulus cells isolated from stored ovaries for 24hr presented obvious apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated d-UTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. A typical DNA ladder pattern of apoptosis was observed in GCs 24hr post storage treatment. The mean Olive Tail Moment of CCs was significantly increased after 24hr using comet assay; however, the mean tail migration and mean tail DNA increased gradually after 7hr of storage. In addition, annexin V/PI staining assay showed an obvious increase in apoptotic CCs (Annexin V positive, PI negative) 7hr after treatment, and the apoptotic rate reached to a peak at 24hr followed by a decline after 48hr of storage to the level at 7hr. In conclusion, cold storage of porcine ovary in physiological saline solution induced a time-dependent increase in apoptosis of cumulus cells, and annexin V/PI staining combined with comet assay provided a sensitive and reliable method to detect early damages in cumulus cells induced by cold storage of ovary.

Effects of PICS bags on insect pests of sorghum during long-term storage in Burkina Faso

The PICS bags, originally developed for cowpea storage, were evaluated for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) preservation. Batches of 25 kg of sorghum grain were stored in 50 kg PICS or polypropylene (PP) bags under ambient conditions for 12 months and assessed for the presence of insect pests and their damage, seed viability and, oxygen and carbon dioxide variations. The grain was incubated for 35 days to assess whether any insects would emerge. After six months of storage, oxygen levels decreased in the PICS bags compared to polypropylene bags. After 12 months of storage, only two pests, Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus zeamais were found in the PICS bags. However, in PP bags there were additional pests including Tribolium castaneum and Oryzeaphilus mercator and Xylocoris flavipes. Grain weight loss and damage caused by these insects in the PP bags were significantly higher compared to those stored in PICS bags. Germination rates of sorghum grains stored in PP bags decreased significantly while no changes were observed in grains stored in PICS bags when compared to the initial germination. After the incubation post storage period, there was a resurgence of R. dominica in sorghum grains from PICS bags but the population levels were significantly lower compared to polypropylene bags. PICS bags preserved the quality and viability of stored sorghum grains and protected it from key insect pests. The PICS technology is effective for long-term sorghum storage but the potential resurgence of insects in low-oxygen environment calls for further research.

Effect of Storage Containers on the Microbial Load of Domestic Water from Three Sources Treated with Moringa oleifera and Citrullus lanatus Seed Powders

Aim: The effect of storage containers on the microbial load of domestic water from three sources treated with Moringa oleifera and Citrullus lanatus seed powders in Lekwesi, Abia State was assessed.&#x0D; Study Design: The jar test method was used for the treatments. One gram (1.0g) each of the plant seed (Moringa oleifera and water melon seeds) was weighed and was added separately into 1000 ml of water samples in the different storage containers (clay lined pots, iron/steel tanks and polypyrene plastic drums, respectively). The mixture was stirred rapidly for 3 minutes and allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 hour, after which the top water was decanted.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Advanced Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gregory University Uturu, from May to July, 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Tenfold serial dilutions was used for processing of all the water samples, after which the volume of exactly 0.5ml of the water sample was planted on the media using the spread plate method and incubated appropriately and other standard microbiological methods were employed to determine microbial loads.&#x0D; Results: The river water samples had the highest microbial load of 1.2x103-2.0x108cfu/ml and were reduced to 1.8x107cfu/ml and 1.8x108cfu/ml by M. oleifera and C. lanatus seed powders after an hour of storage respectively. The well water samples had the least microbial counts of 0.9 x101-1.2 x104 cfu/ml, and were reduced to 0.5x101cfu/ml and 5.9 x103cfu/ml by M. oleifera and C. lanatus seed powders respectively. The potential pathogenic bacteria (TPPB) were reduced to 3.0 x102cfu/ml by M. oleifera, while C. lanatus was unable to reduce the TPPB after an hour. The microbial load decreased constantly within 24h in the various storage containers (steel, clay and plastic), but increased steadily from 72h to the 336h of post storage. The clay-lined and iron-steel pots maintained the same microbial counts after 4h post storage, but differed significantly after 24h, while the polypyrene plastic drum had the highest microbial count. There was absence of TPPB and Total Faecal Coliform Count (TFCC) in the well water samples after the treatment with M. oleifera.&#x0D; Conclusion: M. oleifera was found to be a better water treatment than C. lanatus, while the clay-lined pot served as the best domestic water storage container.

The evaluation of short- and long-term stability studies for brimonidine in aqueous humor by DPV/BDDE method-possible application for direct assay in native samples.

A novel voltammetric method was developed for brimonidine (BRIM) determination in deproteinized aqueous humor, simplifying preparation of biological samples for analysis for stability studies. The differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method using boron doped diamond electrode (BDDE), based on characteristic oxidation peaks, was proposed and successfully applied. The linearity range was within 5.0 × 10-6 to 5.0 × 10-5M of brimonidine, and limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 1.94 × 10-6M and 6.46 × 10-6M, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy were evaluated and all results were in accordance with validation ICH guidelines. The best short-term stability study results were obtained for a concentration level of 3.0 × 10-5M expressed by deviation of + 1.86% between initial and post storage concentrations. A long-term stability study was performed for two concentrations of 3.0 × 10-5M and 5.0 × 10-5M and resulted in deviations of + 1.63% and + 3.56%, respectively. A freeze and thaw stability study indicated that samples might be frozen only once. The enhancement of DPV/BDDE method sensitivity gained by modification, for the analysis of immeasurable BRIM quantities in native, untreated aqueous humor, was reached for quantities of 6 or 12nmol/0.1mL aqueous humor with acceptable accuracy (up to + 7.5%). The nature of the process-the irreversible one electron oxidation voltammetric peak of BRIM-limited the sensitivity. Only electrochemical pre-treatment of the BDD electrode before each measurement significantly speeded up the whole procedure. The advantages of the proposed method are simplicity, short-time performance, and good specificity/selectivity, as well as satisfactory accuracy, and no chemical modification of BDDE was necessary.