Extension of Quality and Shelf Life of Tomatoes Using Chitosan Coating Incorporated with Cinnamon Oil

This study examined the effects of 2% chitosan (CS) coatings incorporated with varying concentrations of cinnamon oil (CO) (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on the extension of the quality and shelf-life of tomatoes stored under ambient conditions. Control samples were untreated and coated with distilled water. All samples were stored for 14 days at 25 ± 1 °C, with quality assessments conducted every two days. The application of CS-CO treatments was notably effective in controlling weight loss (3.91-5.26%) and firmness loss (10.81-16.51 N), sustaining the color index score (11.98-16.78), and stabilizing the total soluble solids (4.64-4.71 brix), titratable acidity (0.374-0.383%), total phenolic content (75.89-81.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid concentration (21.64-33.69 mg/100 g), total antioxidant capacity (85.89-91.54%) and pigment levels, particularly chlorophyll (52.80-63.18 mg/100 g), compared to control samples (p < 0.05). Higher CO concentrations (1.0% and 1.5%) in the CS coating maintained a significant level of phytochemicals in the samples compared to the control group, while CS-CO at 0.5% performed similarly in preserving the other physicochemical qualities. Both CS and CS-CO treatments extended the shelf life of the tomatoes up to 14 days (<6.78 log10 CFU/mL), whereas control samples were only viable for storage for 6 days due to higher microbial growth (>7.8 log10 CFU/mL) (p < 0.05). Overall, CS-CO-treated tomatoes demonstrated superior quality preservation and shelf-life enhancement, with a notable improvement in overall qualities as compared to the CS and control samples.

Data driven or data informed? How general practitioners use data to evaluate their own and colleagues' clinical work in clusters

In contemporary policy discourses, data are presented as key assets for improving health-care quality: policymakers want health care to become 'data driven'. In this article, we focus on a particular example of this ambition, namely a new Danish national quality development program for general practitioners (GPs) where doctors are placed in so-called 'clusters'. In these clusters, GPs are obliged to assess their own and colleagues' clinical quality with data derived from their own clinics-using comparisons, averages and benchmarks. Based on semi-structured interviews with Danish GPs and drawing on Science and Technology Studies, we explore how GPs understand these data, and what makes them trust-or question-a data analysis. The GPs describe how they change clinical practices based on these discussions of data. So, when and how do data for quality assurance come to influence their perceptions of quality? By exploring these issues, we carve out a role for a sociological engagement with evidence in everyday medical practices. In conclusion, we suggest a need to move from the aim of being data driven to one of being data informed.

POCT Analysts' Perspective: Practices and Wants for Improvement

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care testing (POCT) continues to expand worldwide. Concerns remain about result quality despite guidelines and standards that specify testing practices. To better understand POCT testing worldwide, we polled analysts to obtain their views on actual practices and needs for improvement.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was constructed on SurveyMonkey, a commercially available website for conducting such surveys. POCT analysts were sought worldwide from a pool of healthcare providers subscribed to a westgard.com newsletter or visitors to westgard.com and/or LinkedIn to one of the authors.

RESULTS

Seventy-three percent of testing occurred in hospitals with 64% conducted in specialty settings. Regulatory mandates were followed by 88%. For most, less than 100 tests were performed per day fewer less than 25 devices. Nurses top the list of analysts. All but 5% of analysts received some form of training primarily from manufacturers. Eighty-seven percent verified devices/methods prior to implementation. Five percent do not perform daily QC; all analyzed external QC at least once per month. When QC limits exceed acceptable limits, 92% stop testing. Expired materials were used by 5%. The majority collected data for quality improvements. Eleven percent thought their organization's POCT is acceptable. The majority of respondents believe improvements need to be made in POCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysts' POCT practices have and are improving to contribute positively to patients' healthcare and safety. Analysts do recognize problems and their wants/needs provide important information to improve their practices. Most participants desire more in-house and/or manufacturer training, explicit directions from manufacturers, manufacturer built-in quality and function checks, and oversight.