Ripening Agents Research Articles

Research Method for Determining Ethephon Residues in Fruit (Bananas) on a High-Pressure Liquid Chromatograph with MS/MS Detector—LC/MS/MS When Using Ethephon as a Ripening Agent

Research Method for Determining Ethephon Residues in Fruit (Bananas) on a High-Pressure Liquid Chromatograph with MS/MS Detector—LC/MS/MS When Using Ethephon as a Ripening Agent

Fruit ripening: importance of artificial fruit ripening in commercial agriculture and safe use of the technology for consumer health

Fruit ripening is the final phase of fruit development, which results in various physicochemical, nutritional and organoleptic changes of fruits including changes in taste, texture, appearance and aroma. Ethylene (C2H4), which is a gaseous plant hormone, plays a key regulatory role in fruit ripening. Ethylene is described as an autocatalytic agent as the exposure of fruits to small quantity of ethylene could induce the production of its own ethylene in larger quantities. Various changes in the matrix of the fruit tissues such as breakdown of chlorophyll, conversion of starch into sugars, large organic compounds to small organic compounds, and pectin to less soluble forms take place triggered by such ethylene produced within the fruit. However, due to the soft nature, the naturally-ripened fruits may be subjected to mechanical damages during transportation leading to loss of consumer attraction. Therefore, mature fruits are ripened artificially before sale to meet the increasing demand and to ensure their cosmetic appearance. Many fruit wholesalers make fruits ripen using artificial ripening agents’ such as calcium carbide, ethylene, ethephon and smoke. Most of the chemicals used as ripening agents accelerate fruit ripening, change the nutritional quality of fruits and are harmful for human health. Therefore, it is important to build an awareness among fruit producers, traders and consumers on the correct selection and use of fruit ripening methods. This review discusses the research-based knowledge shared across the world on fruit ripening, major physicochemical changes in the fruits during the ripening process, commercial ripening agents, and how such different ripening agents affect the fruit quality and consumer health.

Is Unfavourable Cervix prior to Labor Induction Risk for Adverse Obstetrical Outcome in Time of Universal Ripening Agents Usage? Single Center Retrospective Observational Study.

Cervical assessment on the Bishop scale prior to induction of labor (IOL) is one of the strongest prognostic criteria in relation to the success of the procedure. The commonly used preinduction methods are mainly aimed at reducing the percentage of cesarean sections. Our study has analyzed obstetric results of patients who had unripe cervix (Bishop score <7) before IOL and used preinduction (Foley catheter or misoprostol vaginal insert releasing 7 mcg of misoprostol per hour for 24 hours) with obstetric results of patients in whom, due to favourable cervix, only a low-dose infusion of oxytocin was used. We reviewed the medical records of 1010 single pregnancies in whom IOL was performed. We divided the patients into two groups: group A (where preinduction was used) and group B (Bishop score ≥7 points) where preinduction was not used. Patients in group A were more likely to complete the delivery by caesarean section (OR = 4.58, 95% CI 3.22-6.51), and more likely to have events that were indications for operative delivery: unreassuring fetal heart rate trace (OR = 3.29, 95% CI 2.07-5.23) and arrested labor or failed induction (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.06-5.62). The groups did not differ in the percentage of vacuum extraction, postpartum haemorrhage, and meconium stained amniotic fluid. In group B, more infants were born with umbilical cord blood pH <7.1 (1.38% vs. 0%), both groups included no deliveries of newborns with Apgar score ≤3 points, the groups did not differ in terms of the percentage of newborns with Apgar score between 4 and 7 at birth (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.29-1.49). The immature cervix and the need to use labor preinduction is a risk factor for caesarean section. The necessity of preinduction does not impair neonatological results.

Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity following simulated gastro-intestinal digestion and dialysis of banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) as affected by induced ripening agents

The present study was conducted to evaluate effect of ethephon and acetylene treatments on phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of banana flesh and their bioaccessibility. Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) were measured at different phases of simulated gastrointestinal digestion of banana treated with 1000 ppm ethephon and 1000 ppm acetylene against natural ripening. The results revealed that inducing ripening lowers the content of phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity considerably in the fresh fruit. Bioavailability of phenolics, flavonoids and FRAP activity were increased significantly (p < 0.05) after gastric digestion regardless of the treatment. The release of polyphenols and flavonoids during gastric digestion in treated banana was more significant than in naturally ripened banana. Recovery of polyphenols after dialysis was significantly high in naturally ripened banana. Dialyzable flavonoids, DPPH and ABTS activities of dialyzed fractions were not significantly affected by ethephon or acetylene treatments.

Corrigendum to “Comparative Study on Aroma Volatiles, Organic Acids, and Sugars of Ambul Banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) Treated with Induced Ripening Agents”

Corrigendum to “Comparative Study on Aroma Volatiles, Organic Acids, and Sugars of Ambul Banana (<i>Musa acuminata</i>, AAB) Treated with Induced Ripening Agents”

Effects of Accelerated Ripening Agents on the Fruit Quality of Pawpaw (Carica papaya)

Effects of Accelerated Ripening Agents on the Fruit Quality of Pawpaw (Carica papaya)

TRINEXAPAC-ETHYL AS CHEMICAL RIPENING AGENT ON SWEET SORGHUM CROP

Literary references on the quality of juice of sweet sorghum crop following chemical ripening agents spraying are rarely found up, mostly concerning to the trinexapac-ethyl. Accordingly, this article shares an unpublished content about chemically-induced physiological ripening on the sweet sorghum cv. CMSXS-646 by spraying trinexapac-ethyl before the crop flowering. A CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer, with flat spray nozzles, was employed to exogenously spray the plant growth inhibitor at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 l ha-1 on 90-days-old plants. Early after the crop harvesting, juice and lignocellulose samples were technologically assessed to total soluble solids, sucrose, purity, reducing sugars, total reducing sugars, fibers and yield of sugar. Sweet sorghum plants exposured to the trinexapacethyl at 0.4 and 0.8 l ha-1 produced juices with approximately 20.2 and 20.3 °Brix, 15.1 and 13.2% sucrose, 74.6 and 64.9% purity, as well as 107.7 and 98.2 kg t-1 sugar, respectively. Unlike, plants cultivated as control, juices with 21.0 °Brix, 16.0% sucrose, 76.9% purity and 118.0 kg t-1 sugar. Therefore, trinexapac-ethyl had suppressive effect on the quality of juice, mostly regarding to the total soluble solids and yield of sugar. Plants sprayed with trinexapac-ethyl at 1.6 l ha-1 developed the most fibrous stalks, as host-defense system response to stress induced on plant physiology. The conclusion is, therefore, that although does prejudices the quality of juice, making it unsustainable to the production of first-generation ethanol, trinexapac-ethyl as chemical ripening agent could lead the sweet sorghum cv. CMSXS-646, while lignocellulose renewable source, to the industrialization of cellulosic ethanol and bioelectricity.

Comparative Study on Aroma Volatiles, Organic Acids, and Sugars of Ambul Banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) Treated with Induced Ripening Agents

The present study was conducted to investigate effect of induced ripening agents on aroma profile, organic acids and sugars of Ambul banana (Musa acuminata, AAB). Mature green bananas that are in same maturity stage were subjected to 1000 ppm ethephon and 1000 ppm acetylene and kept at 20°C, 80–85% RH for ripening. Aroma profile was analyzed by SPME-GC-MS, while organic acids and sugars were tested by HPLC. Naturally ripened banana was found to be more aromatic than acetylene- and ethephon-treated banana having highest number of volatile compounds (27) and high level of esters (65%). Malic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acids were significantly low in treated bananas compared to naturally ripened bananas. Glucose and fructose, which are major types of sugars in ripe banana flesh, were significantly low in acetylene-treated banana, while sucrose was not detected in both ethephon- and acetylene-treated samples at fully yellow stage. Although ethephon and acetylene trigger the ripening process, they lead to poor aroma profile and lower levels of organic acids and sugars in flesh of banana.

Induced Ripening Agents and Their Effect on Fruit Quality of Banana

Ripening is a genetically programmed highly coordinated irreversible phenomenon which includes many biochemical changes including tissue softening, pigment changes, aroma and flavour volatile production, reduction in astringency, and many others. Banana is one of mostly consumed fruit crops in the world. Since banana is a climactic fruit, induced ripening is essential in commercial scale banana cultivation and distribution to assure good flavour, texture, and uniform peel colour. Ethylene gas, acetylene gas liberated from calcium carbide, and ethephon are some of the commercial ripening agents used successfully in the trade and they have been widely studied for their effectiveness on initiating and accelerating the ripening process and their effect on fruit quality and health related issues. Lauryl alcohol was also shown as a ripening agent for bananas. Most studies suggest that there is no difference in biochemical composition and sensory quality in bananas treated with chemicals that induce ripening from naturally ripened bananas. However volatile profiles of artificially ripened bananas were shown to be considerably different from naturally ripened bananas in some studies. This review discusses induced ripening agents and their effect on fruit quality of bananas.

Analysis of Phosphorus as an Impurity from the Use of Calcium Carbide as an Artificial Ripening Agent in Banana (Musa acuminate)

Analysis of Phosphorus as an Impurity from the Use of Calcium Carbide as an Artificial Ripening Agent in Banana (Musa acuminate)

A Change in Cervical Ripening Agents Leads to a Significant Reduction in Expenditure [33C

INTRODUCTION: Each year approximately 3,000 deliveries occur at NBIMC labor and delivery. Of these deliveries, approximately 700 begin as inductions of labor. In June of 2016 the primary induction medication was switched from dinoprostone $428.53 per insert to misoprostol $1.85 per induction. The purpose of this project was to determine the outcomes in regard to inductions leading to vaginal birth versus cesarean delivery and estimated expenditures per cervical ripening medication. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained and then a retrospective chart review of all deliveries at NBIMC from January 1st 2016 until December 31st 2016 was performed with an analysis of successful vaginal deliveries for each induction medication versus failed inductions resulting in cesarean deliveries and the indications for cesarean delivery. The data was extrapolated to estimate the approximated savings from changing induction medication and a comparison for reasons for induction failure. RESULTS: There was a no significant difference between the two groups regarding delivery method (misoprostol cesarean delivery 29.72% versus dinoprostone cesarean delivery 35.51%, p-value 0.194). The dinoprostone 10mg vaginal insert was used a single time per induction of labor and cost approximately $428.53. Thus, the 245 inductions had an estimated cost of $104,989.85. In contrast, the misoprostol cervical ripening protocol consisted of misoprostol 25mcg PV for 3 doses followed by misoprostol 50mcg PO for 3 doses. This totaled 225mcg of misoprostol at a cost of $1.85. The total cervical ripening cost of 286 inductions is therefore estimated at $530.35. This is a stark contrast to the single dinoprostone insert costing $428.53. Extrapolating the data to approximately 700 inductions per year: the total cost for dinoprostone would be $299,971 versus misoprostol at $1,295, and the savings from switching to misoprostol would be $298,676. CONCLUSION: Changing the induction cervical ripening medication from dinoprostone to misoprostol has saved the department and NBIMC approximately $298,676 per year with a statistically significant similar successful induction rate. Our study has led to changing our institutions cervical ripening agent to a more cost effective agent with a similar delivery outcome.

A Comparative Assessment of Misoprostol and Isosorbide Mononitrate as Cervical Ripening Agents for Surgical Evacuation in First Trimester Missed Miscarriages: A Randomised Controlled Trial

A Comparative Assessment of Misoprostol and Isosorbide Mononitrate as Cervical Ripening Agents for Surgical Evacuation in First Trimester Missed Miscarriages: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Digestive Ripening of Au Nanoparticles Using Multidentate Ligands.

The efficiency of multidentate ligands as digestive ripening (DR) agents for the preparation of monodisperse Au nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated. This systematic investigation was performed using ligands possessing one, two, or three thiol moieties as ligands/DR agents. Our results clearly establish that among the different ligands, monodentate ligands and the use of temperature in the range of 60-120 °C offer the best conditions for DR. In addition, when DR was carried out at lower temperatures (e.g., 60 °C), the NP size increased as the number of thiol groups per ligand increased. However, in the case of ligands possessing two and three thiol moieties, when they were heated with polydispersed particles at higher temperatures (120 or 180 °C), the etching process dominated, which affected the quality of the NPs in terms of their monodispersity. We conclude that the temperature-dependent strength of the interaction between the ligand headgroup and the NP surface plays a vital role in controlling the final particle sizes.

Biochemistry of cheese ripening

Cheese ripening basically includes the breakdown of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates which releases flavour compounds and modifies cheese texture. Principal ripening agents are milk enzymes (plasmin and lipoprotein lipase), milk coagulant, starter lactic culture, secondary culture and ripening agents. The ripening process of cheese is very complex and involves microbiological and biochemical changes to the curd resulting in the flavour and texture characteristics of the particular variety. Microbiological changes during ripening include the death and lysis of starter cells, nonstarter lactic acid bacteria, and secondary microflora in many varieties of cheese. Moulds in mould-ripened varieties and a complex Gram-positive bacterial flora in smear cheeses are of great importance to the flavour and texture of cheese. Cheese texture softens during ripening as a consequence of proteolysis of the casein micelle and changes to the water-binding ability of the curd and in pH. The biochemical changes occurring during ripening may be grouped into primary events that include the metabolism of residual lactose, lactate and citrate (glycolysis), lipolysis and proteolysis. Following the primary events, secondary biochemical events occur which are responsible for the development of many volatile flavour compounds of ripened cheese varieties.

A Comparison of 25 μg with 50 μg Misoprostol for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor

Background: Misoprostol is increasingly being accepted as a standard agent for cervical ripening and induction of labor. The lowest effective dose is still not known. Materials and Methods: This was an open label clinical trial of one hundred and eighty four women with obstetrics or medical indications for induction of labor at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja. Women were grouped to receive either 25 μg or 50 μg of intravaginal misoprostol. The main outcome measure was inductionvaginal delivery interval while the secondary outcome measures were requirements for oxytocin augmentation, mode of delivery, frequency of tachsystole/hyperstimulation, as well as feto-maternal outcomes. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze continuous variables of the two treatment groups. P-value of less than 0.05 was accepted as indicating statistical significance. Results: Mean induction delivery interval was 13.8 ± 5.9 and 14.0 ± 5.7 hours (P=0.842) with the 25 μg and 50 μg misoprostol respectively. The delivery rate within 24 hours of 66.3% (61/92,) in 25 μg group was lower than 67.4% (62/92) recorded in the 50 μg group but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.156). The rates of caesarean section and operative vaginal delivery were similar in both groups. There were no significant difference in maternal side effects and neonatal outcomes among the women in the two groups. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in the effectiveness and safety of either of the dose regimen over the other. The choice may therefore be guided by the physician’s experience, availability and/or departmental protocol.

To compare the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Misoprostol as a Cervical Ripening Agent in the First Trimester Abortion through Sublingual and Vaginal Routes of Administration

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and tolerability of misoprostol as a cervical ripening agent in first trimester abortion through sublingual and vaginal routes of administration.Material and Methods: This study was carried out in the department of Obst. &amp; Gynae Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre (TMMC&amp;RC). A total of 120 patients were included in the study. They were divided in two groups Group A – 60 patients – sublingual Group B – 60 patients – vaginal The drug was administered 3-4 hours before suction and evacuation by sublingual and vaginal routes. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of time taken for ripening, dilatation achieved, duration of the procedure, intraoperative blood loss and pain. The patient‘s tolerability was noted on the basis of side effects.Results: The mean time taken for cervical ripening was more in the sublingual group as compared to the vaginal ( P&lt;0.001).The duration of suction and evacuation was less as compared to the vaginal route. The mean intraoperative blood loss was more in sublingual as compared to the vaginal group. The intraoperative pain score was comparatively lower (P&lt;0.05) as compared to the vaginal route. Side effects like loose motions, nausea vomiting were more with sublingual group.Conclusion: Sublingual Misoprostol is an effective and favourable cervical ripening agent for 1st trimester abortions.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2012; Vol. 27(2) : 63-66

Morpho-anatomical aspects and technological quality of saccharine sorghum submitted to plant regulators

Com o aumento na demanda de combustíveis renováveis, a indústria sucroenergética tem tido como desafio o aumento da produtividade agroindustrial, além da redução dos custos de produção. Atualmente, são escassos os relatos da utilização de reguladores vegetais na cultura do sorgo sacarino. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar aplicação dos reguladores vegetais na qualidade tecnológica e aspectos morfoanatômicos do sorgo sacarino. O ensaio foi realizado na usina Cerradinho em Catanduva SP. As aplicações dos reguladores vegetais foram: etephon nas dosagens de 1,32, 0,66, 0,33 L ha-1, sulfometuron-methyl nas dosagens de 20, 10, 5 g ha-1, thiadizuron nas dosagens de 0,150, 0,100, 0,50 L ha-1, ethyl-trinexapac nas dosagens de 0,80, 0,40, 0,20 L ha-1 e controle. O experimento foi conduzido em Blocos Casualizados, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis tecnológicas: pureza do caldo, açúcares redutores, açúcares totais recuperáveis, brix do caldo, pol do caldo, açúcares teóricos recuperáveis, fibra (%) e mensurados: espessura da epiderme da face adaxial (EAD); espessura da epiderme da face abaxial (EAB); diâmetro do esclerênquima (DE); espessura do mesofilo (MF); diâmetro dos vasos xilemáticos (DX) e diâmetro dos vasos floemáticos (DF). Para as características tecnológicas, os maturadores químicos sulfometuron-methyl e etephon nas doses 5 g ha-1 e 0,33 L ha-1, respectivamente, promoveram os melhores resultados a partir dos 37 dias após a aplicação. Para as características morfonatômicas, o maturador químico thiadizuron na dose 0,100 L ha-1 apresentou os melhores resultados aos 44 dias após a aplicação.

Vaginal Versus Oral Administration of Misoprostol for Labor Induction Among Obese Women [28K

INTRODUCTION: Obese women have an increased risk for failed induction of labor. We compare the effectiveness of vaginal versus oral administration of misoprostol for induction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of women undergoing induction of labor from November 2012 to June 2015. Included were viable, singleton pregnancies at 34 weeks gestation or beyond whose initial agent of cervical ripening was either misoprostol 25 mcg administered vaginally or 50 mcg orally. Obesity was defined as body mass index greater than or equal to 30. Primary outcome was defined as percentage of patients achieving vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included mean interval from start of induction to delivery, rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission, and cesarean rate. RESULTS: Of the 390 women who received misoprostol as initial cervical ripening agent, 124 (31.8%) were obese. Among obese women, 25 (20.2%) were treated vaginally compared to 99 (79.8%) treated orally. No differences in baseline characteristics were observed between groups. Sixty percent receiving vaginal misoprostol delivered vaginally within 24 hours compared to 54.6% (P=.79) treated orally. Mean (± standard deviation) interval from start of induction to delivery was shorter in those receiving vaginal (16.3±9.5 hours) versus oral misoprostol (19.5±7.3 hours, P=.02). Other secondary outcomes were similar in each group. CONCLUSION: In labor induction among obese women, vaginal administration of misoprostol may be associated with decreased time to delivery.

Mifepristone as cervical ripening agent for Labour induction in women with Previous one Caesarean Section

Background and Objective: Induction of labour is a common obstetric intervention. Women with a prior caesarean delivery have an increased risk of uterine rupture particularly when labour is induced. In women with previous one caesarean section, it is unclear which method of cervical ripening and labour induction is preferable. With this background current study was done to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone in women undergoing induction of labour at term after previous caesarean section. Material and Method: A total of 50 women who had a previous caesarean delivery with a low transverse uterine incision at 37-42 wk of gestation, having clear clinical indication for induction of labour with unfavorable cervical condition (Bishop’s score&lt;5) were taken into the study. All women who meet the inclusion criteria received Tab Mifepristone 200 mg orally which was repeated after 24 hr. Reassessment of Bishop score was done after 48 hrs of first dose, and patient allowed to go into spontaneous labour. Labour was augmented with oxytocin infusion and/or ARM according to the progress of labour. Results: In our study mean pre induction Bishop’s score was 2.34±0.84 and mean post induction Bishop’s score was 8.24±1.65.In 35(70%) women labour was augmented with oxytocin and /or ARM, whereas 7(14%) women entered into spontaneous active labour and did not required any augmentation. In our study 42(84%) women delivered vaginally, only 8(16%) women had repeat caesarean section. No case of scar dehiscence or uterine rupture was seen. Conclusion: Mifepristone is a safe, efficient and suitable agent for cervical ripening and for initiation of labor when given 48hr before labour induction.

A legislative aspect of artificial fruit ripening in a developing country like Bangladesh

&lt;p&gt;Fruit ripening is a natural process in which a fruit goes through various physical and chemical changes and gradually becomes sweet, coloured, soft and palatable. However, this natural process can also be stimulated by using artificial fruit ripening agents. Farmers and vendors often use artificial ripening agents to control fruit ripening rate. However, because of the potential health hazard related to the ripening agents, artificial fruit ripening process is highly debateable throughout the world. There are existing laws and guidelines to control artificial fruit ripening process. This article deals with the legal aspects of artificial fruit ripening and fruit adulteration in Bangladesh. Different laws and acts to control and prohibit fruit ripening and adulteration using hazardous chemicals are discussed in detailed here. Laws from different developed and developing countries are also listed and discussed here. Furthermore, the technical and economic issues related to the artificial fruit ripening are addressed in this study. This article aims to develop awareness among different stakeholders since it will take the active participation of the government agencies, policymakers, farmers, vendors and scientists to address different aspects of artificial fruit ripening issues and to provide an effective solution.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 18(2015) 30-37&lt;/p&gt;