Variations of quality and volatile components of morels (Morchella sextelata) during storage

The postharvest senescence of morels was observed to be easily affected by temperature fluctuations. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of various storage temperatures on the postharvest senescence of morels. The study evaluated the variations of water content, respiration, nutrients substances, cell membrane permeability, and volatile compounds in morels stored at 20 °C and 4 °C. Results showed that low-temperature storage suppressed the loss of water and firmness, delayed the time of respiration and ethylene peak, and reduced the loss of nutrients and cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, the content of volatile compounds increased and then decreased during storage. The characteristic aroma substances of 1-octen-3-ol were identified using odor activity values and OPLS-DA analysis. The study observed a decrease in the content and changes of aroma compounds during low-temperature storage. This decrease may be attributed to the decreased activities of lipoxygenase (LOX) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH).

Predictive growth modeling of Yersinia enterocolitica in fresh kimchi cabbage brassica pekinensis as a function of storage temperature

We developed a predictive growth model of Yersinia enterocolitica for fresh Kimchi cabbages as a function of storage temperature (5-20 °C). The Baranyi equation used for primary modeling at these storage temperatures was suitable as a model for obtaining lag time (LT) and specific growth rate (SGR) (R² = 0.97-0.98). As the temperature increased, the growth of Y. enterocolitica tended to increase, with SGR values of 0.33, 0.40, 0.60 and 0.68 log colony-forming units/h at 8, 11, and 15 °C, and LT values of 5.63, 3.54, 2.23 and 1.09 h, respectively. The secondary model was determined by the non-linear regression analysis. The suitability of the modeling results for the SGR and LT value was verified by determining the mean square error (<0.01), bias factor (0.919-0.999), and accuracy factor (1.032-1.136). The predicted models can be used to predict the growth of Y. enterocolitica in Kimchi cabbage at various temperatures and as an effective tool for maintaining the safe level of Y. enterocolitica in the production, processing, and distribution of fresh agricultural products.

Household storage of pharmaceutical products in Saudi Arabia; A call for utilising smart packaging solutions

Background

Limited information is known about the storage conditions of medicinal products post-dispensing in Saudi Arabia (SA). The particularly hot and humid climate in the region may lead to the loss of essential performance specifications.

Objective

To investigate the conditions in which medications are held after being dispensed, and up until administration by households in SA. In addition, storage practices adopted by households in the region, as well as their knowledge and awareness are explored. This study also discusses the opportunity of utilising Time-Temperature Indicators (TTIs) in the pharmaceutical industry in SA as a quality-assurance enhancement solution.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire targeted at households in SA was designed to explore storage practices, background knowledge and awareness of factors that can influence drug stability. Additionally, temperature and relative humidity mapping of 35 different rooms in various homes and cities in SA, as well as car interiors, was performed.

Results

More than 1000 households have participated in this study from all regions of SA. Approximately, 95% have claimed to take part in storing medications at home. First-aid and supplemental purposes were two of the reasons 80.9% have claimed, while 43.2% claimed treatment for chronic conditions. Just over 35% claimed that not knowing how to dispose of medications, is the reason behind their storage. More than 35% of participants could not identify most suitable storage conditions, and >10% were unaware of the effect storage conditions may have on shelf-life. Many were found to store medication in inappropriate areas, liquid dosage forms for example were stored in freezers by more than 3%. Upon monitoring temperatures of all room types, 25ºC was exceeded throughout a 24-hour duration in bathrooms, kitchens and limited use rooms. Temperatures in parked car interiors exceeded 70ºC.

Conclusions

A significant percentage of households in SA lacked knowledge and awareness of good storage practices. However, due to high temperatures observed in the region, increasing knowledge and awareness is not enough, as medicinal cabinets with basic temperature control (e.g. designated secure fridge) are needed. Additionally, the use of TTIs to provide consumers with accumulated thermal history may enhance quality-assurance of thermally sensitive products.

Diversity and succession of the microbial community and its correlation with lipid oxidation in dry-cured black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) during storage

This study aimed to achieve deeper insights into the microbiota composition and dynamic succession of the dry-cured black carp during storage using a high-throughput sequencing technique (HTS). The effect of lipid oxidation on microorganisms was also evaluated. Over 651 bacterial genera belonging to 37 phyla were identified. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the main bacterial phylum, some are highly associated with meat spoilage. Staphylococcus, Macrococcus and Acinetobacter were the most three microbial genera throughout the entire storage period (30 days). Between two different storage temperature, refrigeration at 4 °C could facilitate maintaining the microbial diversity, while 25 °C storage led to the formation of dominant microflora and the reduction of community diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that acid value (AV), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (HHE) contents were three key environmental factors (oxidation products) affecting the profile of the microbiota. Staphylococcus presented a positive correlation with HHE content, while Macrococcus and Acinetobacter were negatively correlated with HHE content. These results could expand our knowledge on the effect of lipid oxidation on change of microbial distribution, it could also present an guideline to develop advanced storage methods for the vacuum packed dry-cured fish products.

Role of biogenic amines in the post-mortem migration of Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae Dujardin, 1845) larvae into fish fillets

Infective third-stage larvae (L3) of nematode Anisakis spp. have been recognized as one of the major food-borne threats in lightly processed fish products in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, the effect of different storage temperatures of fish on larval post-mortem migration from visceral cavity into fillets is an important parameter to take into account when evaluating the risk for consumer safety. The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) were caught during fishing season, a subsample of fillets was checked for the presence of Anisakis larvae at capture (mean abundance=0.07), and the rest was stored at four different temperatures (-18, 0, 4 and 22°C) in order to count migrating larvae and measure the production of biogenic amines over a period of time. Larvae were identified by morphological features and molecular tools. Post-mortem migration was observed in fillets stored at 0 and 4°C after three and five days, respectively, but not at 22 and -18°C. In case of storage at 22°C for two days, at the onset of putrefaction of the visceral organs, larvae migrated out of the visceral cavity towards the fish surface. Measured pH and biogenic amine profile during storage indicated that certain biochemical conditions trigger larval migration into fillets. Likewise, migration was observed at pH ~6.4 when sensory degradation of the fish was markedly visible. Although larval migration was delayed for approximately four days at a temperature of <4°C the correlation between pH and abundance of A. pegreffii larvae in the fillet was high and statistically significant at both 0 (r=0.998, p<0.01) and 4°C (r=0.946, p<0.05). Out of eight biogenic amines measured, cadaverine and putrescine levels correlated the most with the post-mortem migration at 4°C, while tyramine levels were significant at both temperatures.

[Storing succinylcholine in prehospital settings following the recommendations of the French National Agency for the safety of medicines]

OBJECTIVE

The French National Pharmaceuticals Agency (ANSM) has recommanded in July 2012 not to break the cold chain before using succinylcholine (Celocurine®).

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

to understand the pre-clinical evolution of the conservation modes of this curare.

RESEARCH TYPE

Descriptive study before (year 2011) and after (year 2012).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Online survey to French Samu/Smur.

DATA COLLECTED

SMUR location, conservation method at clinical base, in the mobile unit (UMH) and at the patient. Principal decision criteria: evolution of the conservation modes before and after the recommendation (qualitatives variables compared with a Fisher test).

RESULTS

Out of 101 SAMU/SMUR, 62 answered. Conservation modes of succinylcholine vials were significantly different (P<0.001). Proper conservation was observed in 26 % of the cases before and 43 % after. Mobile units (UMH) equipped with a fridge increased from one out of two to 77 %. The lack of conservation modes passive or active on UMH went from 31 % to 3.4 % with isotherms bags with ice when a fridge was not available. The destruction of capsules at current temperature in a 24-hour period increased: 22 % before, 47 % after (P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

After recommendations from ANSM, conservation modes and destruction of succinylcholine in a prehospital environment were significantly impacted.