Evaluation of the Equality of Non-Polar Capillary Columns in GC/MS Analysis of Food Contact Plastics

Non-polar capillary columns for GC/MS are widely utilized in the analysis of additives for food contact materials. Though various kinds of non-polar capillary columns are commercially available, the equality of their performance has not been verified. Herein, ninety-six additives for food contact plastics were analyzed using fifteen kinds of columns, and the peak separation, retention times, and peak areas of each additive were compared. The additives, with various chemical properties, comprised forty four plasticizers, twenty lubricants, twenty antioxidants, nine ultraviolet absorbers, and three other compounds. 10 μg.mL-1 test solutions were prepared in acetone, and injected to the GC/MS. The fifteen columns were classified into five categories based on the chromatogram pattern and peak separation. To facilitate comparison of the retention time and detection sensitivity of the columns for the additives, the relative retention time (RRT) and relative peak area (RPA) were calculated by using dibutylphthalate or 4-tert-butylphenylsalicylate as an internal standard. The RRTs of the additives on each column were essentially similar. However, the RRT of the additives which were detected in the later stages differed slightly. Although the RPA of the plasticizers and lubricants were roughly similar, column-to-column differences were observed for certain additives, such as antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers. Furthermore, certain fatty acids, antioxidants, two plasticizers, and two benzophenone type ultraviolet absorbers were not detected in the chromatograms of two columns.

A Comparative Study of the Hydroxyl and Saponification Values of Polysorbate 60 in International Food Additive Specifications

We investigated the hydroxyl and saponification values of 27 samples of Polysorbate 60 products that were commercially available worldwide. We observed that the values of most of the studied samples were not within the range established at the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), while they did agree with the specifications described in the USA, the EU and Japan. We believe that purities of the new commercial Polysorbate 60 samples are higher than those of the older products which were available when the JECFA specifications were discussed (around 1973). The present study suggests that the hydroxyl and saponification values of the current JECFA specifications for Polysorbate 60 should be re-evaluated.

Coagulase gene polymorphism of Staphylococcus aureus isolates: A study on dairy food products and other foods in Tehran, Iran

Coagulase is considered as a major determinant factor for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus strains.The 3-end coding region of the coagulase(coa)gene contains a series of 81-bp tandem repeats,which differ in the number and location of enzymatic restriction sites among different isolates.coa PCR-RFLP has been used widely to type S.aureus isolates in epidemiological studies.The current study was conducted to investigate the coagulase gene polymorphisms in S.aureus isolated from various food samples using an in house PCR-RFLP method.A total of 100 strains of S.aureus were isolated from food samples.Isolates were typed by PCR-RFLP analysis using NdeI restriction digestion of the coagulase gene PCR products.Results showed that amplification of coagulase genes from S.aureus produced different PCR products.The isolates were grouped into 18 genotypes using RFLP analysis results of the genes.In this study,the S.aureus isolates have been shown to include more than one coagulase genotype,but only had a few coa genotypes predominated.

Combined Insights from Leachate Structure and Microstructure Characteristics for Eating Quality of Convenience Rice Processed by Super-Heated and Pressurized Steam Technologies

Convenience rice has become widely popular due to its easy availability for cooking. This study investigated the starch structure and composition of leachate and the microstructure of reheated convenience rice using novel processing technologies: super-heated steaming(SHS), auto-electric cooking(AEC), and pressurized-steam cooking(PSC). Additionally, the effect of two different target water contents(58% and 63%) was also evaluated. The PSC_63% sample had the highest total solids and amylopectin amount in the leachate. The amylopectin amount in the leachate differed significantly based on the targeted water content. Morphological characterization revealed that the swelling of starch and the coated layer on the surface of rice grains were most pronounced in the PSC_63% sample due to the pressure processing. The textural hardness of the AEC_58% sample was much higher than that of the other samples. The PSC_63% sample had the highest textural adhesiveness value, which can be attributed to the highest amylopectin amount in the leachate. Sensory characterization showed that the PSC_63% sample had the highest glossiness, whiteness, moistness, and overall acceptability. The principal component analysis score plots presented substantial differences in the leachate and textural and sensory characteristics of reheated convenience rice among the different processing technologies.

Weight gain after 35 years of age is associated with increased breast cancer risk: findings from a large prospective cohort study

Adiposity affects lifetime estrogen exposure,which is a key factor in breast carcinogenesis.However,adiposity effects,often assessed as the body mass index(BMI),on pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer risk are paradoxical.Body weight gain may reflect body fat mass accumulation during adulthood better than the BMI,potentially representing age-related metabolic changes.

Alleviatory effect of isoquercetin on benign prostatic hyperplasia via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

We evaluated the effect of isoquercetin(quercetin-O-3-glucoside-quercetin,IQ)as a functional component of Abeliophyllum disistichum Nakai ethanol extract(ADLE)on prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis and its effects on the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Metabolites in ADLE were analyzed using UHPLC-qTOF-MS and HPLC.IQ was orally administered(1 or 10 mg/kg)to a testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model,and its effects on the prostate weight were evaluated.The effect of IQ on androgen receptor(AR)signaling was analyzed in LNCaP cells.Whether IGF-1 and IQ affect the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in BPH-1 cells was also examined.The metabolites in ADLE were identified and quantified,which confirmed that ADLE contained abundant IQ(20.88 mg/g).IQ significantly reduced the prostate size in a concentration-dependent manner in a BPH rat model,and significantly decreased the expression of AR signaling factors in the rat prostate tissue and LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner.IQ also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activated by IGF-1 treatment in BPH-1 cells.In BPH-1 cells,IQ led to G0/G1 arrest and suppressed the expression of proliferation factors while inducing apoptosis.Thus,IQ shows potential for use as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical for BPH.

Methodological issues in the study of intestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal functional disorder with the highest prevalence in the industrialized world. The intestinal microbiota (IM) plays a role in the pathogenesis of IBS and is not merely a consequence of this disorder. Previous research efforts have not revealed unequivocal microbiological signatures of IBS, and the experimental results are contradictory. The experimental methodologies adopted to investigate the complex intestinal ecosystem drastically impact the quality and significance of the results. Therefore, to consider the methodological aspects of the research on IM in IBS, we reviewed 29 relevant original research articles identified through a PubMed search using three combinations of keywords: “irritable bowel syndrome + microflora”, “irritable bowel syndrome + microbiota” and “irritable bowel syndrome + microbiome”. For each study, we reviewed the quality and significance of the scientific evidence obtained with respect to the experimental method adopted. The data obtained from each study were compared with all considered publications to identify potential inconsistencies and explain contradictory results. The analytical revision of the studies referenced in the present review has contributed to the identification of microbial groups whose relative abundance significantly alters IBS, suggesting that these microbial groups could be IM signatures for this syndrome. The identification of microbial biomarkers in the IM can be advantageous for the development of new diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of different subtypes of IBS.

Identification of an anticancer compound against HT-29 cells from Phellinus linteus grown on germinated brown rice

Objective:To isolate and identify the anticancer compound against proliferation of human colon cancer cells from ethyl acetate(EtOAc)extract ol Phellinus linteus grown on germinated brown rice(PB).Methods:EtOAc extract of PB was partitioned with n-hexane,EtOAc,and water-saturated n-butanol.Anticancer compound of n-hexane layer was isolated and identified by HPLC and NMR,respectively.Cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells was tested by SRB assay.Results:The n-hexane layer obtained after solvent fractionation of PB EtOAc extracts showed a potent anticancer activity against the HT-29 cell line.Atractylenolide I,a eudesmane-type sesquiterpene lactone,a major anticancer substance of PB,was isolated from the n-hexane layer by silica gel column chromatography and preparative-HPLC.This structure was elucidated by one-and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic data.Atractylenolide I has not been reported in mushrooms or rice as of yet.The isolated compound dose-dependently inhibited the growth of HT-29 human colon cancer cells.Conclusions:Atractylenolide I might contribute to the anticancer effect of PB.

The dynamics of the piglet gut microbiome during the weaning transition in association with health and nutrition

Background: Understanding the composition of the microbial community and its functional capacity during weaning is important for pig production as bacteria play important roles in the pig’s health and growth performance. However,limited information is available regarding the composition and function of the gut microbiome of piglets in early-life.Therefore, we performed 16 S rRNA gene and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing of DNA from fecal samples from healthy piglets during weaning to measure microbiome shifts, and to identify the potential contribution of the early-life microbiota in shaping piglet health with a focus on microbial stress responses, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.Results: The analysis of 16 S rR NA genes and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing revealed significant compositional and functional differences between the fecal microbiome in nursing and weaned piglets. The fecal microbiome of the nursing piglets showed higher relative abundance of bacteria in the genus Bacteroides with abundant gene families related to the utilization of lactose and galactose. Prevotel a and Lactobacil us were enriched in weaned piglets with an enrichment for the gene families associated with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. In addition, an analysis of the functional capacity of the fecal microbiome showed higher abundances of genes associated with heat shock and oxidative stress in the metagenome of weaned piglets compared to nursing piglets.Conclusions: Overal, our data show that microbial shifts and changes in functional capacities of the piglet fecal microbiome resulted in potential reductions in the effects of stress, including dietary changes that occur during weaning.These results provide us with new insights into the piglet gut microbiome that contributes to the growth of the animal.

Analysis of <i>N</i>-Nitrosamine Migration from Rubber Teats and Soothers

A testing method for N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances in rubber teats and soothers was modified. N-Nitrosamines are generally analyzed using either a nitrogen chemiluminescence detector (NCD) or a thermal energy analyzer (TEA). However, because few testing laboratories are equipped with these devices, it is difficult to conduct these tests. Therefore, an analysis method for N-nitrosamines using the more widespread gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was improved. In addition, EN 12868 was used to prepare the test solutions because of its worldwide use and compliance with EU regulations. Using GC-MS, EN 12868 method targeting ten kinds of N-nitrosamines was modified. The determination limits of the method were 1.0 -1.5 μg/kg for N-nitrosamines and 4 -6 μg/kg for N-nitrosatable substances. Quantification was possible at 1/5 or less and 1/15 or less, respectively, of the regulation values listed in EU Directive 93/11/EEC. In terms of application, there were no problems with the selectivity of the detector. The recoveries were 58% -109% for N-nitrosamines and 59% -102% for N-nitrosatable substances. Screening and verification were possible by measuring the amount of secondary amines in the boiled solution and migration solution.

Soaking Induced Changes in Chemical Composition, Glycemic Index and Starch Characteristics of Basmati Rice

An attempt was made to determine the qualitative changes in basmati rice （Pusa Basmati 1121, PBl121） during soaking at 40 ℃ to 80 ℃. Soaking temperature had significant effect （a = 0.01） on chemical composition, glycemic index and starch characteristics of rice. Starch content, apparent amylose content, crude protein content and crude fat content in un-soaked rice were found to be 73.24%, 27.26%, 8.79% and 2.56%, respectively, but differences in these traits were observed after soaking. Amylose to amylopectin ratio （Am/Ap） decreased from 0.59 to 0.52 （soaked at 80 ℃）. Crude fibre and crude ash contents increased after soaking. The mineral composition （K, P, S, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn） in soaked rice was found to be 16.46% higher than un-soaked rice at the same degree of polishing. Glycemic index of un-soaked rice was found to be 58.41, but decreased to 54.31 after soaking at 80 ℃. Pasting properties, scanning electron microscope images, and X-ray diffractograms suggested partial gelatinization of starch in the temperature range of 60 ℃ to 80 ℃. Based on qualitative changes in rice （apparent amylose content, Am/Ap ratio and crystallinity rate）, it was concluded that intermediate soakincl temperatures （60 ℃ to 70 ℃） would be useful for soaking of PB1121.

An Estimation of the Daily Intake of Di(2-ethlhexyl) Phthalate(DEHP) among Workers in Flavoring Factories

Objective To estimate the daily intake of DEHP among workers in flavoring factories. Methods 71 workers in two flavoring manufacturers, 27 administrators in those factories and 31 laboratory technicians in a research institute were recruited and assigned to exposure group, control group 1 and control group 2 respectively. Their urinary DEHP metabolites, mono（2-ethylhexyl） phthalate （MEHP）, mono-（2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl） phthalate （MEHHP）, mono-（2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl） phthalate （MEOHP）, were detected by isotope dilution-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry（UPLC-MS/MS）. The urinary metabolites concentrations were converted into DEHP intake levels using two pharmacokinetic models： the urine creatinine-excretion （UCE） one and the urine volume （UV） one. Results No significant differences were found among the three groups. Based on the urinary concentrations of Z3MEHP, we got a median daily DEHP intake of 3.22 or 1.85 μg/kg body-weight/day applying the UV or UCE models respectively. Depending on the UV model, three subjects （2.34%） exceeded the RfD value given by US EPA and the P50 of estimate daily DEHP intakes accounted for 16.10% of the RfD value. No subjects exceeded the limitation depending on the UCE model. Conclusion The workers in flavoring factories were not supposed to be the high DEHP exposure ones and their exposure level remained at a low risk.

Neuroprotection of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by anti-inflammatory effect in gerbils

In this study, we tried to verify the neuroprotective effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne（CIL） extract, which has been used as a botanical drug in East Asia, against ischemic damage and to explore the underlying mechanism involving the anti-inflammatory approach. A gerbil was given CIL extract for 7 consecutive days followed by bilateral carotid artery occlusion to make a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model. Then, we found that CIL extracts protected pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region（CA1） from ischemic damage using neuronal nucleus immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence. Accordingly, interleukin-13 immunoreactivities in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of CIL-pretreated animals were maintained or increased after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. These findings indicate that the pre-treatment of CIL can attenuate neuronal damage/death in the brain after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via an anti-inflammatory approach.

Analysis of Residual Solvents in Annatto Extracts Using a Static Headspace Gas Chromatography Method

An analytical method for the quantification of residual solvents in annatto extracts, natural food colorants, was established using a static headspace gas chromatography (HSGC) coupled with a flame ionization detector (FID). As a sample diluent in a headspace sampling, dimethylformamide (DMF) was selected owing to its high capacity for dissolving both bixin-based and norbixin-based annatto extracts. The quantification of residual solvents was performed using the external standard method. The linearity of the calibration curves was assured with relative coefficients (R2) that were greater than 0.999. The recoveries of all standard solvents spiked in the annatto extracts were in the range from 95.1% to 107.1% to verify the accuracy and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) values (n = 3) were in the range from 0.57% to 3.31%. The quantification limits (QL) were sufficiently lower than the limits specified by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). With the established HSGC method, six residual solvents (methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane) in 23 commercial annatto-extract products that consist of seven bixin-based and 16 norbixin-based products were quantified. The levels of residual ethyl acetate and hexane in all products were lower than the specified limits of JECFA. However, three samples of bixin-based products showed higher levels of residual 2-propanol (approximately 313.9 - 427.7 ppm) than the specified limit. Other bixin products also showed higher concentrations of residual methanol (approximately 166.6 - 394.7 ppm) and residual acetone (approximately 75.2 - 179.8 ppm) than the limits of JECFA. In the case of norbixin-based products, nine samples showed higher levels of residual acetone (approximately 42.6 - 139.5 ppm) than the limits of JECFA. This is the first survey of residual solvents in annatto extracts using the validated HSGC method.

Effect of cooking processes on tilapia aroma and potential umami perception

Tilapia is a freshwater fish group with a sustainable prospect but suffers off-notes appearing during cooking processes.To promote pleasant odorants by thermal cooking processes,tilapia fillets were cooked in different ways(roasting,microwave-heating,boiling and steaming).Their aroma profiles were analysed with special focus on off-notes and umami-enhancing odorants by principal component analysis,and correlated with the heating time,colour,moisture and water activity by partial least squares regression analysis.Results showed that the“green”and“earthy”off-notes were highly correlated with the boiling process(excess of water,short heating time),while most of the umami-enhancing odorants had a high association with the roasting process(low water content,long heating time,better Maillard reaction).This study indicated that roasting is the most adapted cooking process promoting Maillard-derived aromas,umami-enhancing aromas and meanwhile,reducing off-notes.This research helps in understanding the off-note generation in tilapia and promoting desirable umami-enhancing odorants.

Analysis of temporal trends of human brucellosis between 2013 and 2018 in Yazd Province, Iran to predict future trends in incidence: A time-series study using ARIMA model

Objective:To determine the temporal patterns of cumulative incidence of brucellosis using autoregressive integrated moving average models.Methods:This cross-sectional study employed yearly and monthly data of 1117 laboratory-confirmed human brucellosis cases from January 2013 to December 2018 using the Yazd brucellosis national surveillance system.The monthly incidences constructed a timeseries model.The trend of cumulative incidence was perceived by tracing a line plot,which displayed a seasonal trend with periodicity.Thus,the ARIMA models were selected.Thereafter,Akaike information criteria(AIC)and Bayesian information criterion(BIC)values among different models indicated a preferable model from models which were expanded by diverse lags[(3,0,3),(2,0,3),(3,0,2),(4,0,3)and(3,0,4)].Then,the achieved ARIMA model was applied to the forecasting cumulative incidence of monthly brucellosis incidences.All analyses were performed using Stata,version 11.2.Results:For the ARIMA(3,0,4)model,MAPE value was 56.20%with standard error 0.009–0.016,and white noise diagnostic check(Q=19.79,P=0.975)for the residuals of the selected model showed that the data were completely modelled.The monthly incidences that were fitted by the ARIMA(3,0,4)model,with AIC(25.7)and BIC(43.35)with a similar pattern of actual cases from 2013 to 2018 and forecasting incidences from January 2019 to December 2019 were,respectively,0.50,0.44,0.45,0.49,0.55,0.58,0.56,0.51,0.46,0.44,0.45 and 0.49 per 100000 people.Conclusions:In summary,the study showed that the ARIMA(3,0,4)model can be applied to forecast human brucellosis patterns in Yazd province,supplementing present surveillance systems,and may be better for health policy-makers and planners.

Transformation of β to α phase of isotactic polypropylene nucleated with nano styrene butadiene rubber-based β-nucleating agent under microwave irradiation

This paper investigates the effect of microwave irradiation on theβtoαphase transformation of theβ-nucleated isotactic polypropylene(iPP).Ten microwave irradiation cycles was applied to the iPP and iPP modified with 0.3 wt%and 0.5 wt%β-NA,and the data at 2nd,4th,6th,8th and 10th irradiation were reported.As expected,the sample temperature was found to increase with the irradiation time,by more than 130°C,due to high frequency of microwave processing.This was the major factor that induced theβ-phase transformation and structural change.Both the differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and X-ray diffraction(XRD)results indicated thatβ-phase was mainly transformed toα-phase and partially converted to the amorphous section.It was reflected as 1)the reduction of the enthalpy ofβ-crystal melting(ΔHmβ),2)the increased enthalpy ofα-crystal melting(ΔHmα),3)the decreasedβ-crystalline phase fraction(Kβ)and 4)the decrease of the overall degree of crystallinity(Xall).Under impact force,neat iPP showed a slight increase in the impact strength with the irradiation time,due to the increase of amorphous region.For theβ-iPP,it decreased due to the reduction of theβ-phase content.

Comparison of Decontamination Efficacy between the Rapid Hygrothermal Pasteurization and Sodium Hypochlorite Treatments

We developed a novel rapid hygrothermal pasteurization (RHP) method using saturated water vapor with a dew point of 100℃. The aim of this paper is to compare the effect of RHP treatment versus conventional sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) treatments on inactivation of natural mesophilic bacteria and quality attributes on fruits and vegetables. The RHP treatment was performed within a second by free-falling samples (cabbage, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, pineapple and melon) through cylindrical processing chamber filled with steam. NaClO treatment was performed by washing samples with NaClO solution (100 mg/mL of free chlorine (pH 7), for 1 min). The RHP treatment showed a significantly higher inactivation effect than NaClO treatment on all tested samples. The RHP treatment had a slightly larger influence on color and vitamin C content than NaClO treatment in cabbage. Furthermore, the effects of treatment time and operated temperature were also determined using microbial model system. Elongation of treatment time did not significantly increase the microbial inactivation effect. Lowering of operated temperature by mixing air into steam tended to decrease the inactivation effect. From these results, RHP treatment could be used as an alternative method for decontaminating microorganisms on fruits and vegetables, except on leafy vegetable. In addition, it is suggested that microbial inactivation by RHP treatment was achieved through the initial condensation stage of water vapor on sample surface. By contrast, interfusion of air disturbed the effective condensation of water vapor.

Neuronal injury and tumor necrosis factor-alpha immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampus in the early period of asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest under normothermia

Low survival rate occurs in patients who initially experience a spontaneous return of circulation after cardiac arrest（CA）. In this study, we induced asphyxial CA in adult male Sprague-Daley rats, maintained their body temperature at 37 ± 0.5°C, and then observed the survival rate during the post-resuscitation phase. We examined neuronal damage in the hippocampus using cresyl violet（CV） and Fluore-Jade B（F-J B） staining, and pro-inflammatory response using ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1（Iba-1）, glial fibrillary acidic protein（GFAP）, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α） immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus after asphyxial CA in rats under normothermia. Our results show that the survival rate decreased gradually post-CA（about 63% at 6 hours, 37% at 1 day, and 8% at 2 days post-CA）. Rats were sacrificed at these points in time post-CA, and no neuronal damage was found in the hippocampus until 1 day post-CA. However, some neurons in the stratum pyramidale of the CA region in the hippocampus were dead 2 days post-CA. Iba-1 immunoreactive microglia in the CA1 region did not change until 1 day postCA, and they were activated（enlarged cell bodies with short and thicken processes） in all layers 2 days postCA. Meanwhile, GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes did not change significantly until 2 days post-CA. TNF-α immunoreactivity decreased significantly in neurons of the stratum pyramidale in the CA1 region 6 hours post-CA, decreased gradually until 1 day post-CA, and increased significantly again 2 days post-CA. These findings suggest that low survival rate of normothermic rats in the early period of asphyxia-induced CA is related to increased TNF-α immunoreactivity, but not to neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 region.

Effect of Vacuum Cooling on Shelf Life of Organic Chayote Shoot （Sechium edule Sm.）

The effect of vacuum cooling on shelf life of organic chayote was investigated. Vacuum cooling processes of organic chayote shoot packed in perforated polyethylene package using different vacuum pressure reserving operation modes were experimented. The holding final pressures for vacuum-cooled organic cilantro packed in holed polyethylene bags were set at two different levels, namely at 10 and 11 millibar. The pressures were experimented with 3 levels of reserving time of 3, 4 and 5 minutes. The weight loss percentage of chayote shoot during precooling to the temperature of 8 ~ 1 ~C using reserving pressure of 10 milibars for 3, 4, and 5 minutes were 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively. For the weight loss percentage during precooling using reserving pressure of 11 milibars for 3, 4, and 5 minutes were 0.4, 0.5, and 0.5, respectively. The optimum parameter for vacuum cooling process of organic chayote shoot at the initial temperature of 19-23 ℃to 8 ±1 ℃was the reserving pressure of 11 mbar with reserving time of 5 minutes. The precooled organic chayote shoot was then stored at 8 ℃ for quality analysis. The results showed that vacuum cooling had no effect on the change of color, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll. However, precooled organic chayote shoots showed better appearance than non-precooled vegetables. Vacuum cooling can reduce weight loss percentage. The amount of total soluble solids in organic chayote shoots increased with storage time. Precooled organic chayote shoot had longer shelf life of 8 days compared to normal storage life of 5 days.