Refrigerated storage period of Rhizophores for Yacon propagation / Períodos de armazenamento refrigerado de rizóforos para propagação de yacon

The yacon plant produces tuberous roots, used mostly for fresh consumption. This crop is propagated primarily via vegetative structures, called rhizophores. However, since these propagules have short periods of viability after harvest, storing them in cold chamber conditions may be a viable alternative to optimize yacon seedling production. The objective of this study was to test the effect of the refrigerated storage period of yacon rhizophores on seedling development. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight replications, containing 30 useful plants per replication. Treatments were cold storage periods of propagative materials (35, 28, 21, 14, and 7 days) and a control (planting without storage). The results show that keeping rhizophores in cold storage under temperatures of 8 ºC (± 2 ºC) for a period between 21 to 35 days improves sprouting rates (speed and vigorousness), reducing seedling mortality and favoring initial yacon growth. The refrigerated storage for 21 and 35 days proved to be an alternative to achieve improved plant stand in production fields, reflecting in more uniform harvest, and minimizing the problem of seasonal availability of propagative material.Yacon, is known for its tuberous roots, which are consumed as functional food and is propagated mostly in the vegetative form, via propagules, so-called rhizophores. However, they are organs with little durability in its propagation form. Storing them in cold chamber conditions, can be a viable alternative for the seedlings production of the culture. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of the refrigerated storage period of yacon rhizophores in the initial plant development. The experimental design was completely randomized with eight replicates and six treatments and the rhizophores were place in the refrigerated storage for: 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days; and time zero (planting without storage). The results show that the rhizophores in the refrigerated storage in a temperature of 8 to 10°C, for a period between 21 to 35 days had better sprouting rate (speed and vigor), reducing mortality, which favored the initial yacon growth. The refrigerated storage between 21 and 35 days showed to be an alternative that resulted in a uniform plant stand in crops, also reflecting the uniformity in the harvest, and minimizes the problem of seasonality offering culture propagation material.

A yacon, conhecida por suas raízes tuberosas, que são consumidas como alimento funcional, é propagada em sua maioria na forma vegetativa, via propágulos, assim chamados de rizóforos. No entanto, são órgãos de pouca durabilidade na sua forma propagativa. Logo, o armazenamento dos mesmos em condições de câmara fria, pode vir a ser uma alternativa viável para a produção de mudas da cultura. Assim, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, verificar a influência do período de armazenamento refrigerado dos rizóforos de yacon no desenvolvimento inicial das plantas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com oito repetições e seis tratamentos constituídos pelos períodos de armazenamento refrigerado em que os rizóforos foram submetidos: 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias; e o tempo zero (plantio sem armazenamento). Os resultados demonstraram que o armazenamento refrigerado dos rizóforos, em temperatura de 8 a 10 ºC, por um período entre 21 a 35 dias, proporcionou melhores índices de brotação (velocidade e vigorosidade), diminuindo a taxa de mortalidade, o que favoreceu o crescimento inicial da yacon. O armazenamento refrigerado entre 21 e 35 dias apresentou ser uma alternativa que resultou em maior uniformidade na formação do estande de plantas na lavoura, inclusive repercutindo na uniformidade de colheita, além de minimizar o problema de sazonalidade da oferta de material propagativo da cultura.

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan nanoemulsions loading thymol or thyme essential oil for the preservation of refrigerated pork.

The purposes of this study were to develop stable thyme essential oil chitosan nanoemulsions (TEO-CSs) and thymol chitosan nanoemulsions (T-CSs), and to evaluate their characterization and antibacterial properties. The effects of the TEO-CSs and T-CSs on preservation of refrigerated pork at 4 °C were also assessed. The results indicated that the mean particle size values of the TEO-CSs and T-CSs were 139.47 and 123.30 nm, and the encapsulation efficiencies were 80.99% and 70.72%. The absolute zeta potential values of the TEO-CSs and T-CSs were 30.87 and 32.42 mV respectively, indicating that the stable TEO-CSs and T-CSs were fabricated. The information on FTIR, XRD and TGA inferred that chitosan was physically mixed with thymol and TEO without chemical reaction, and the antibacterial properties of thymol and TEO still remained. Furthermore, the antibacterial assays verified that the TEO-CSs and T-CSs strongly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) planktonic bacteria and biofilms. Fresh pork treated with the TEO-CSs and T-CSs had significantly improved color parameters (a⁎, b⁎, L⁎ and ΔE values) during storage at 4 °C. The TEO-CSs and T-CSs effectively extended the shelf life of refrigerated pork to more than 6 days by measuring the pH values and total viable count (TVC) of bacteria. Our results highlighted that the TEO-CSs and T-CSs, as natural novel antibacterial packaging materials, had outstanding antibacterial activities and effectively preserved food.

Spray dried VSV-vectored vaccine is thermally stable and immunologically active in vivo.

Effective vaccine delivery and coverage to rural and resource-poor countries is hindered by the dependence on cold chain storage. As such, developments of cold chain-free technologies are highly sought. Although spray dried adenoviral vectors have shown long term stability at ambient temperatures and relatively low humidity, it remains to be determined whether similar excipient formulations are applicable to other viral vectors. To address this, we have spray dried vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-vectors with a panel of well-characterized sugar excipients to determine the optimal formulation for vector stabilization. Upon reconstitution, we show that trehalose conferred superior stability of VSV both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, following cold chain-free storage at elevated temperatures at 37 °C for 15 days, we show that a VSV-vectored vaccine retains its in vivo immunogenicity, whereas a liquid control completely lost its immune-stimulating ability. Our results provide foundational evidence that spray drying with properly tested excipients can stabilize viral vectors such as VSV, allowing them to be stored long-term at elevated temperatures without dependency on cold chain conditions.

Effect of chitosan-whey protein isolated coatings incorporated with tarragon Artemisia dracunculus essential oil on the quality of Scomberoides commersonnianus fillets at refrigerated condition.

The purpose of present work was to assess the effects of chitosan (CH) coating in combination with whey protein isolated (WPI) and tarragon essential oil (TEO) on the bacterial (total mesophilic (TMC) bacteria and psychrotrophic (PTC) bacteria), physicochemical (total volatile bases- nitrogen (TVB-N), pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), free fatty acid (FFA)) and sensory properties of Scomberoides commersonnianus muscle during storage at refrigerator (4 ± 1 °C). The fillet were randomly divided into seven lots and subjected to the following treatments by immersion: chitosan (CH), whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein isolate- TEO (WPI-TEO), chitosan-TEO (CH-TEO), chitosan-whey protein isolated (CH-WPI), chitosan/whey protwin isolated+ TEO (CH/WPI + TEO) and controls, then stored at 4 °C. Results indicated that incorporation of WPI and TEO into the material coating developed active coatings with good antimicrobial agent growth inhibition activity against TMC and PTC bacteria. The coated samples also retarded the increase in the contents of TVB-N, pH, TBARS and FFA during storage. The score less than critical score of 3 was made at day 8 and 12 for fillet coated with control and coated samples except of fillets coated with chitosan, respectively. These results confirmed that the incorporation of essential oils or other biopolymers into edible coatings may improve the deterioration of chilled seafood.

Collective construction of bundle for immunobiological agents conservation best practices / Construcción colectiva de bundle para buenas prácticas de conservación de inmunobiológicos / Construção coletiva de bundle para boas práticas de conservação de imunobiológicos

ABSTRACT Objective: to construct collectively with nursing professionals bundle for best practices of cold chain maintenance of immunobiological agents conservation at the local level. Method: a qualitative research of convergent care type. Bundle construction was guided by the Evidence-Based Practice criterion. Data collection was carried out from October to December 2016, through five workshops, with the participation of 21 professionals from 7 vaccination rooms of a municipality of Minas Gerais State. The framework developed by Morse and Field was adopted for data analysis. Results: through bundle, care is taken regarding refrigeration equipment temperature monitoring, contingency plan performance, recyclable ice coil setting and chamber use as refrigeration equipment. Final considerations: the chosen interventions began to guide the practice and promote a care based on safety and quality.

RESUMEN Objectivo: construir colectivamente, con profesionales de enfermería, bundle para buenas prácticas de mantenimiento de la cadena de frío de conservación de inmunobiológicos a nivel local. Método: investigación cualitativa del tipo convergente asistencial. La construcción del bundle fue guiada por los criterios de la Práctica Basada en Evidencias. La recolección de datos fue realizada en el período de octubre a diciembre de 2016, por medio de cinco talleres, con la participación de 21 profesionales de 7 salas de vacunación de un municipio del estado de Minas Gerais. Para el análisis de los datos, se adoptó el referencial de Morse y Field. Resultados: por medio del bundle, se contemplan cuidados relativos al monitoreo de la temperatura del equipo de refrigeración, ejecución del plan de contingencia, ambientación de la bobina de hielo reciclable y el uso de la cámara como equipo de refrigeración. Consideraciones finales: las intervenciones elegidas pasaron a guiar la práctica y promover un cuidado pautado en la seguridad y calidad.

RESUMO Objetivo: construir coletivamente, com profissionais de enfermagem, bundle para boas práticas de manutenção da cadeia de frio de conservação de imunobiológicos em nível local. Método: pesquisa qualitativa do tipo convergente assistencial. A construção do bundle foi norteada pelos critérios da Prática Baseada em Evidências. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de outubro a dezembro de 2016, por meio de cinco oficinas, com a participação de 21 profissionais de 7 salas de vacinação de um município de Minas Gerais. Para análise dos dados, adotou-se o referencial de Morse e Field. Resultados: por meio do bundle, contemplam-se cuidados relativos ao monitoramento da temperatura do equipamento de refrigeração, execução do plano de contingência, ambientação da bobina de gelo reciclável e o uso da câmara como equipamento de refrigeração. Considerações finais: as intervenções eleitas passaram a nortear a prática e promover um cuidado pautado na segurança e qualidade.

Physicochemical responses and microbiological changes of bream (Megalobrama ambycephala) to pectin based coatings enriched with clove essential oil during refrigeration.

The effectiveness of pectin coatings enriched with clove essential oil (CEO), as new edible coatings were investigated to preserve bream (Megalobrama ambycephala) fillets during refrigeration over a period of 15 days. All samples were analyzed for physicochemical (pH, PV, TBA and TVB-N), microbiological (Total viable count, Psychrophilic bacteria, Lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., H2S producing bacteria) and organoleptic attributes. The results revealed that the CEO incorporation reduced the extent of lipid oxidation, as judged by PV, TBA and TVB-N, thus extending the shelf life of bream fillets by at least 15 days. Moreover, the application of pectin coatings with CEO improved the weight loss, water holding capacity, textural and color attributes of the bream samples significantly compared to untreated sample. Pectin coating along with CEO was effective in inhibiting bacterial growth especially in gram-negative bacteria, while the growth of lactic acid bacteria remained constant for most of the storage period. The effect on the microorganisms during storage was in accordance with biochemical indexes of the quality, representing the viability of these coatings for bream preservation. Thus, the coatings developed in present study could inhibit the development of lipid oxidation during cold storage, representing an option as a seafood preservative.

Effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) supplementation to Tris-egg yolk extender on chilled semen variables of dogs.

One reason for reduced longevity of chilled dog semen is oxidative stress. The antioxidant glutathione (GSH) improves viability of frozen-thawed dog sperm, but its effect on chilled dog semen has not been investigated. An experiment consisting of two parts was performed: Sperm rich fractions, SRF, were split, diluted with a Tris-egg yolk (TEY) extender containing 0, 5 or 10 mM GSH and stored at 4 °C for 10 days (Part 1; n = 19) or 4 days (Part 2; n = 11), respectively. For Part 1 of the study, percentage (%) of motile, viable, morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and % acrosomal deviations were assessed on days 0, 1, 2, 4 and 10 after dilution. For % sperm motility, samples from all three aliquots of each SRF (0/5/10 mM GSH) were pipetted simultaneously and analysed in a randomised order (time point of analysis, TPA). In Part 2 of the study, motility analysis was performed during 4 days storage and samples were analysed immediately after pipetting (part 2). Most investigated parameters were affected by storage time. For motility variables, there was an effect of GSH identified for circular, CM (ANOVA, Part 1: P = 0.05, Part 2: P < 0.0001) and local motility, LM (ANOVA, Part 2: P = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a trend for an interaction between time and sperm treatment for CM (Part 2: P = 0.077). In conclusion, in the present study there was not an overall positive effect of GSH addition (5/10 mM) on sperm motility in chilled dog semen samples that were characterised to be of good quality during 4- and 10-days of storage.

Pilot study of placental tissue collection, processing, and measurement procedures for large scale assessment of placental inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Placental dysfunction is related to many pregnancy complications, but collecting placental specimens for investigation in large scale epidemiologic studies is often infeasible. Standard procedures involving immediate collection after birth and snap freezing are often cost prohibitive. We aimed to collect pilot data regarding the feasibility and precision of a simpler approach, the collection of tissue samples following 24 hours of refrigeration of whole placentae at 4°C, as compared to the "gold standard" of snap freezing excised tissue within 40 minutes of delivery for the assessment of inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Placentae were collected from 12 women after delivering live-born singleton babies via uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Two placentae were utilized to establish laboratory tissue processing and assay protocols. The other 10 placentae were utilized in a comparison of three tissue collection conditions. Specifically, key inflammatory cytokines were measured in 3 sections, representing three collection conditions. Sections 1 (full thickness) and 2 (excised prior to freezing) were obtained within 40 minutes of delivery and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, and section 3 (full thickness) was obtained after refrigerating the placenta at 4°C for 24 hours. RESULTS: IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8 all had comparable concentrations and variability overall in all three section types. Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were too low among samples to reliably measure using immunoassay. CONCLUSIONS: Refrigeration of placentae prior to processing does not appear to compromise detection of these cytokines for purposes of large scale studies. These findings provide a framework and preliminary data for the study of inflammatory cytokines within the placenta in large scale and/or resource-limited settings.

Estabelecimento de protocolo para armazenamento de pele autógena refrigerada / Establishment of a protocol for storage of refrigerated autologous skin

Introdução: Enxertos de pele autólogos são utilizados em tratamento de pacientes queimados. Esses enxertos podem ser armazenados e preservados, desde que o processo de armazenamento seja realizado com rígido controle de qualidade, para garantir a redução dos riscos de infecção. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospectivo na Unidade de Queimados do Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo no período de fevereiro de 2015 a julho de 2016, em que foi estabelecido um protocolo para armazenamento de pele refrigerada com controle de coleta, preservação, embalagem e registro de todos os processos. Para garantia de qualidade, foram coletadas biópsias dos enxertos para microbiologia pré e pós-armazenamento e realizado um estudo transversal de prevalência de contaminação pré e pós-estocagem. Resultados: Os pontos críticos encontrados foram inadequação de embalagem, ausência de registros de processos, falta de coleta de biópsias para microbiologia e falhas no descarte. A maior parte das amostras estava contaminada tanto pré como pós-estocagem (84,2%). Apenas dois pacientes apresentaram microbiologia estéril no pré e contaminada no pós, porém foram encontrados germes da pele do tipo gram+. Conclusão: Foi estabelecido um método promissor de armazenamento de pele refrigerada que necessita alguns pequenos ajustes para adequação ao controle de qualidade.

Introduction: Autologous skin grafts are used for treatment of burn patients. These grafts can be stored and preserved, as long as the storage process is performed with strict quality control to reduce the risk of infection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Burn Unit of the Hospital das Clínicas de São Paulo from February 2015 to July 2016. During this period, a protocol was established to store refrigerated skin, with control of collection, preservation, and packaging, and recording of all processes. To ensure quality, graft biopsies were collected for pre- and poststorage microbiology testing and a cross-sectional study for contamination was performed. Results: Critical deficiencies included inadequate packaging, lack of processing records, lack of biopsies for microbiology testing, and failure to discard specimens. Most of the samples were contaminated before and after storage (84.2%). Only two samples were sterile before storage but became contaminated after storage, with growth of Gram-positive skin bacteria. Conclusion: A promising method for the storage of refrigerated skin was established, but requires minor adjustments in quality control.

The analysis of viability for mammalian cells treated at different temperatures and its application in cell shipment.

Mammalian cells are very important experimental materials and widely used in biological and medical research fields. It is often required that mammalian cells are transported from one laboratory to another to meet with various researches. Conventional methods for cell shipment are laborious and costive despite of maintaining high viability. In this study we aimed to develop a simple and low-cost method for cell shipment by investigating the viabilities of different cell lines treated at different temperatures. We show that the viability of mammalian cells incubated at 1°C or 5°C significantly reduced when compared with that at 16°C or 22°C. Colony formation assays revealed that preservation of mammalian cells at 1°C or 5°C led to a poorer recovery than that at 16°C or 22°C. The data from proliferation and apoptotic assays confirmed that M2 cells could continue to proliferate at 16°C or 22°C, but massive death was caused by apoptosis at 1°C or 5°C. The morphology of mammalian cells treated under hypothermia showed little difference from that of the untreated cells. Quantitative RT-PCR and alkaline phosphatase staining confirmed that hypothermic treatment did not change the identity of mouse embryonic stem cells. A case study showed that mammalian cells directly suspended in culture medium were able to be shipped for long distance and maintained a high level of viability and recovery. Our findings not only broaden the understanding to the effect of hypothermia on the viability of mammalian cells, but also provide an alternative approach for cell shipment.

Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil combined with different packaging conditions to extend the shelf life of refrigerated beef meat.

Rosemary essential oil (REO) contains bioactives having antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This work investigated the effect of REO combined with modified atmosphere packaging conditions (MAP), in our case, aerobic, vacuum or high O2, to extend the shelf life of beef. Beef slices were wrapped in special three-layer sheets of packaging material, some with a coating of REO (active packaging, AP), and some without REO (non active packaging, NAP), and stored at 4°C for 20days. The use of REO proved efficacious in every storage condition, as seen in the lower counts of psychrotrophics, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacteriaceae in AP meat compared to NAP meat. Sensory and colourimetric analyses showed that the best packaging conditions were high-O2 atmosphere in combination with REO. Based on microbiological data, shelf life of beef was 5-6days for AP samples packaged under aerobic conditions and 14-15days for AP samples in high-O2 conditions.

The benefits of liposomes for chilling canine sperm for 4 days at 4°C.

This study comprises 3 experiments exploring the possible benefits and mechanism of action of liposomes for chilling (4°C) canine sperm over a period of 4 days. In the first experiment, 20 ejaculates collected from 5 Beagle dogs were chilled in an extender containing 6% low density lipoproteins (LDL) (Control), or one of 7 extenders containing different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20%) of liposomes (LIPO). These ejaculates were chilled over 4 days and motility was assessed daily using a Hamilton Thorne analyzer (HTM-IVOS, 14.0). The 2% LIPO obtained the best results (p=0.038) after four days (72.55% motile spermatozoa and 31.4% progressive spermatozoa). In experiment 2, 10 ejaculates were collected from same 5 dogs and chilled in 6% LDL or 2% LIPO-based extenders. Sperm integrity characteristics were assessed prior to refrigeration and every 48h for four days (D0, D2, and D4). Acrosome integrity was assessed using the FITC-PSA test (Fluorescein IsoThiocyanate-Pisum Sativum Agglutinin), plasma membrane (PM) integrity using both the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOSt) and SYBR14/Propidium Iodide test (SYBR14/PI), and DNA integrity using the Acridine-Orange test (AO). The 2% LIPO extender provided equivalent preservation of sperm integrity parameters to the reference extender (6% LDL). In experiment 3, a Langmuir-Blodgett trough was used to evaluate the mechanistic interactions between LDL, LIPO, prostatic fluid, and the canine spermatozoal membrane during chilling. Results indicate that LDL and LIPO interact differently with the biomimetic membrane. The most likely conclusion of these findings is that LDL and liposomes employ different protective mechanisms during the chilling (4°C) of canine spermatozoa.

Stability of a functional beverage composed by tropical fruits and yacon (Smallanthus sonchiyo- lius) under refrigerated storage.

The development of beverages with functional properties must consider the preservation of the bioactive or functional properties during storage. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of a functional beverage of tropical fruits and yacon, stored under refrigeration. The beverage, composed by 50% of yacon and 50% of a blended tropical fruits (camu-camu, acerola, cashew-apple, yellow mombin, acai and pineapple), was pasteurized (90 seconds/ 85°C) and stored under refrigeration (5°C). After processing and on 45 day intervals until the end of storage, were assayed the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and total extractable polyphenols), antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, titratable total acidity, pH, color (L*, a* and b*), total sugar content, sucrose, glucose and fructose, and nd the physical and chemical analyzes were limited by decreased total antioxidant activity and their bioactive components. The beverage showed relative physical and chemical quality during storage period, and in the 225 days of storage, the total extractable polyphenols and total antioxidant activity showed a significantly decline, and thus , these parameters were evaluated only until this period. However, the main limitation for the beverage storage was due to. sensory acceptability and microbiological safety, which although in accordance with Brazilian legislation, limited storage period for 90 days.

Effects of fermentation time and low temperature during the production process of Thai pickled fish (pla-som) on the viability and infectivity of Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae.

Contamination of a popular fermented fish dish, pla-som, by Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae (OVMC) is a possible cause of carcinogenic liver fluke infection in Thailand. Affected individuals are at risk of bile duct cancer, which is a major health problem for people in the Greater Mekong Subregion. In order to investigate concerns about food safety, we studied the effects of fermentation time and low temperature on the viability and infectivity of OVMC during the pla-som production process. Pla-som was prepared at room temperature for up to 1 week in duplicate experiments using cyprinid freshwater fish obtained from an O. viverrini-endemic area. OVMC were then isolated and identified under a stereomicroscope. Complete and viable OVMC were found on days 1-4 of fermentation, while their morphology was degenerated thereafter. After OVMC were fed to hamsters, the percentage of the worm recovery after 1 to 2 months of infection was 52%, 44.7%, 11.3% and 1% for days 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. In order to measure the effect of low temperature on OVMC, fish were kept in a refrigerator (4 °C) for up to five days and then subsequently fermented for three days. In fish stored in a refrigerator for 1 and 2 days, viable OVMC were clearly observed and were able to infect hamsters, a worm-recovery percentage of 3.3% and 12.7%, respectively. By contrast, in pla-som prepared from fish stored for 3 to 5 days, OVMC were degenerated and could not infect the host. In conclusion, pla-som fermentation for more than four days and refrigerating fish for three days before pla-som processing can prevent O. viverrini infection. This study may increase awareness of fermented-fish dish preparation to prevent liver fluke infection.

Physical and chemical stability of proflavine contrast agent solutions for early detection of oral cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Proflavine hemisulfate solution is a fluorescence contrast agent to visualize cell nuclei using high-resolution optical imaging devices such as the high-resolution microendoscope. These devices provide real-time imaging to distinguish between normal versus neoplastic tissue. These images could be helpful for early screening of oral cancer and its precursors and to determine accurate margins of malignant tissue for ablative surgery. Extemporaneous preparation of proflavine solution for these diagnostic procedures requires preparation in batches and long-term storage to improve compounding efficiency in the pharmacy. However, there is a paucity of long-term stability data for proflavine contrast solutions. METHODS: The physical and chemical stability of 0.01% (10 mg/100 ml) proflavine hemisulfate solutions prepared in sterile water was determined following storage at refrigeration (4-8℃) and room temperature (23℃). Concentrations of proflavine were measured at predetermined time points up to 12 months using a validated stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: Proflavine solutions stored under refrigeration were physically and chemically stable for at least 12 months with concentrations ranging from 95% to 105% compared to initial concentration. However, in solutions stored at room temperature increased turbidity and particulates were observed in some of the tested vials at 9 months and 12 months with peak particle count reaching 17-fold increase compared to baseline. Solutions stored at room temperature were chemically stable up to six months (94-105%). CONCLUSION: Proflavine solutions at concentration of 0.01% were chemically and physically stable for at least 12 months under refrigeration. The solution was chemically stable for six months when stored at room temperature. We recommend long-term storage of proflavine solutions under refrigeration prior to diagnostic procedure.

Stability study of carboplatin infusion solutions in 0.9% sodium chloride in polyvinyl chloride bags.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carboplatin is a platinum-containing compound with efficacy against various malignancies. The physico-chemical stability of carboplatin in dextrose 5% water (D5W) has been thoroughly studied; however, there is a paucity of stability data in clinically relevant 0.9% sodium chloride infusion solutions. The manufacturer's limited stability data in sodium chloride solutions hampers the flexibility of carboplatin usage in oncology patients. Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine the physical and chemical stability of carboplatin-sodium chloride intravenous solutions under different storage conditions. METHODS: The physico-chemical stability of 0.5 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, and 4.0 mg/mL carboplatin-sodium chloride solutions prepared in polyvinyl chloride bags was determined following storage at room temperature under ambient fluorescent light and under refrigeration in the dark. Concentrations of carboplatin were measured at predetermined time points up to seven days using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: All tested solutions were found physically stable for at least seven days. The greatest chemical stability was observed under refrigerated storage conditions. At 4℃, all tested solutions were found chemically stable for at least seven days, with nominal losses of ≤6%. Following storage at room temperature exposed to normal fluorescent light, the chemical stability of 0.5 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, and 4.0 mg/mL solutions was three days, five days, and seven days, respectively. CONCLUSION: The extended physico-chemical stability of carboplatin prepared in sodium chloride reported herein permits advance preparation of these admixtures, facilitating pharmacy utility and operations. Since no antibacterial preservative is contained within these carboplatin solutions, we recommend storage, when prepared under specified aseptic conditions, no greater than 24 h at room temperature or three days under refrigeration.

The gas cylinder, the motorcycle and the village health team member: a proof-of-concept study for the use of the Microsystems Quality Improvement Approach to strengthen the routine immunization system in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Although global efforts to support routine immunization (RI) system strengthening have resulted in higher immunization rates, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the proportion of children receiving recommended DPT3 vaccines has stagnated at 80% for the past 3 years (WHO Fact sheet-Immunization coverage 2014, WHO, 2014). Meeting the WHO goal of 90% national DPT3 coverage may require locally based strategies to support conventional approaches. The Africa Routine Immunization Systems Essentials-System Innovation (ARISE-SI) initiative is a proof-of-concept study to assess the application of the Microsystems Quality Improvement Approach for generating local solutions to strengthen RI systems and reach those unreached by current efforts in Masaka District, Uganda. METHODS: The ARISE-SI intervention had three components: health unit (HU) advance preparations, an action learning collaborative, and coaching of improvement teams. The intervention was informed and assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection focused on changes and outcomes of improvement efforts among five HUs and one district-level team during the intervention (June 2011-February 2012) and five follow-up months. RESULTS: Workshops and team meetings had a 95% attendance rate. All teams gained RI system knowledge and implemented changes to address locally identified problems. Specific changes included: RI register implementation and expanded use, Child Health Card provision and monitoring, staff cross-training, staffing pattern changes, predictable outreach schedules, and health system leader--community leader meetings. Several RI system barriers prevalent across Masaka District (e.g., lack of backup HU gas cylinders, inadequate outreach transportation, and village health team underutilization) were successfully addressed. Three of five HUs significantly increased the vaccines administered. All improvements were sustained 5 months post-intervention. External evaluation validated the findings of high levels of participant engagement, empowerment to make change, and willingness to sustain improvements. CONCLUSIONS: The Microsystems Quality Improvement Approach is a comprehensive approach, grounded in systems thinking, and coupled with intensive coaching. It provides a robust framework for engaging teams in the development of unique local solutions that strengthen RI systems in resource poor settings. The sustained improvements in local RI systems from this study provide evidence that this approach may be an effective framework for enhancing the WHO's Reaching Every District (RED) immunization strategy.

Cryogenic molecular separation system for radioactive (11)C ion acceleration.

A (11)C molecular production/separation system (CMPS) has been developed as part of an isotope separation on line system for simultaneous positron emission tomography imaging and heavy-ion cancer therapy using radioactive (11)C ion beams. In the ISOL system, (11)CH4 molecules will be produced by proton irradiation and separated from residual air impurities and impurities produced during the irradiation. The CMPS includes two cryogenic traps to separate specific molecules selectively from impurities by using vapor pressure differences among the molecular species. To investigate the fundamental performance of the CMPS, we performed separation experiments with non-radioactive (12)CH4 gases, which can simulate the chemical characteristics of (11)CH4 gases. We investigated the separation of CH4 molecules from impurities, which will be present as residual gases and are expected to be difficult to separate because the vapor pressure of air molecules is close to that of CH4. We determined the collection/separation efficiencies of the CMPS for various amounts of air impurities and found desirable operating conditions for the CMPS to be used as a molecular separation device in our ISOL system.