Dry Weight Loss Research Articles

Evaluating Different Supplements on the Growth Performance and Bioconversion Efficiency of Kitchen Waste by Black Soldier Fly Larvae.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) convert kitchen waste into high-quality insect feed. However, the optimal amount of auxiliary materials needed to improve the physical and chemical properties of kitchen waste and enhance BSFL bioconversion efficiency remains unresolved. In this study, maize stover and BSFL frass were added to kitchen waste (in groups G2 and G3, respectively) to explore their effects on the growth performance and bioconversion efficiency of BSFL. The group with only kitchen waste, without the addition of maize stover or BSF frass, was used as the control group and labeled as G1. On the 5th day, the body length of the BSFL in the G2 group was significantly greater than that in G1 and G3 (p < 0.05). The dry matter weight loss rate in the G3 group was significantly lower compared to that of G1 and G2 (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion rate (FCR) of G1 was significantly lower than that of G2 and G3 (p < 0.01). In summary, adding maize stover and BSFL frass increased BSFL feed intake and improved body weight gain. However, these additives did not significantly enhance BSFL bioconversion efficiency. The organic matter in maize stover and BSFL frass was utilized by the BSFL, and the heavy metal levels in each group of BSFL did not exceed standard limits.

Phenotypic evaluation of Ptb 33 introgressed rice lines for resistance to brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)

Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) continues its dominantce as an important pest in rice and cause considerable yield loss. Ptb 33 is a well-known source of resistance to BPH. Introgressed lines from Ptb 33 were evaluated against BPH using various parameters of resistant mechanisms. Initial screening was done by protray and modified seedbox screening tests. Eight entries illustrate resistance to BPH in mass screening. Further experiments assessed the mechanisms viz., antibiosis, antixenosis and tolerance in selected resistant entries. Antibiosis studies revealed reduced honeydew excretion, lower nymphal survival rates and prolonged developmental periods in resistant lines compared to the susceptible check. Antixenosis was evaluated through nymphal settling preference tests, with resistant entries showing reduced BPH attraction over time. Tolerance parameters, including Functional Plant Loss Index (FPLI) and Plant Dry Weight Loss Index (PDWLI), indicated varying levels of resistance among the introgressed lines. Among the entries identified as resistant through screening, FSR-3 exhibited strong resistance across all three mechanisms, while X21302-145 showed excellent antibiosis but poor tolerance character. Correlation analysis revealed significant interrelation between various resistance parameters. The study identifies promising BPH-resistant rice lines and elucidates their underlying resistance mechanisms, contributing valuable insights for rice breeding programs in developing durable BPH-resistant cultivars.

Chemical Composition, Physiological and Morphological Variations in Salvia subg. Perovskia Populations in Response to Different Salinity Levels.

This study evaluated the salinity tolerance of five populations of Salvia subg. Perovskia (S. abrotanoides and S. yadngii). The aims of the study were to assess essential oil components, as well as growth and physiological parameters of two Salvia species in response to salt stress. Four different levels of salinity (0, 60, 90, and 120 mM NaCl) were applied. The effects of various concentrations of NaCl on essential oil content, composition, growth, water relation, proline, lipid peroxidation (MDA), hydrogen peroxide content, and antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as Na and K contents in leaves and the roots were evaluated. The results revealed that root dry weight loss was higher than that of shoots, indicating root vulnerability due to direct exposure to the salt stress. The lowest and highest oil content was obtained in PATKH (0.6%) at 60 mM and PABAD (0.6%) in 90 mM to 2.16% in PABSM population under 120 mM NaCl. Based on GC-MS analysis, 1,8-cineol (11.64 to 22.02%), camphor (2.67 to 27.14%), bornyl acetate (2.12 to 11.07%), borneol (2.38 to 24.37%), β-caryophyllene (3.24 to 7.58%), α-humulene (2.97 to 7.92%), and δ-3-carene (5.31 to 26.65%) were the most abundant compounds. Based on the principal component analysis (PCA), the most salinity-tolerant populations belonged to P. abrotanoides species. These populations are characterized by high root stress tolerance index (STI), root elements, and relative water content (RWC) with elevated levels of salinity stress. Finally, the findings might be useful in unraveling the salinity tolerance mechanisms for integrating stress tolerance with medicinal qualities in future studies.

Sex Differences in Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer—A Prospective Study

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo analyse sex differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) before, during and up to 3 months posttreatment of head and neck cancer, and to examine the importance of salivary secretion rate for HRQL posttreatment.MethodsPatients were recruited before starting curative oncologic treatment. Clinical examinations were performed including determination of the stimulated salivary secretion rate. HRQL (EORTC C30 and HN35) was reported at baseline, weeks 2, 4 and 6 during treatment and 3 months after treatment.ResultsA total of 56 men and 19 women were included. During treatment, men reported more problems with pain and sexuality, a higher use of painkillers and need for nutritional support during oncologic treatment, while women reported more problems with weight loss and dry mouth. At 3 months posttreatment, women reported more problems and symptoms than men with the highest scores noted for dry mouth, weight loss and sticky saliva. Patients with hyposalivation (≤ 0.7 mL/min) posttreatment reported more problems and symptoms compared with those with a secretion rate of &gt; 0.7 mL/min, especially regarding dry mouth, sticky saliva and social eating (p &lt; 0.001 for all three).ConclusionProblems and symptoms during and postoncologic treatment seem to differ between women and men, which must be taken into consideration by healthcare and dental professionals. Patients with hyposalivation posttreatment have more problems and symptoms and are therefore in greater need of supportive care.

Effects of Temperature and Packaging Atmosphere on Shelf Life, Biochemical, and Sensory Attributes of Glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) Grown Hydroponically at Different Salinity Levels.

Halophytes, such as Salicornia species, are promising new foods and are consumed for their pleasant salty taste and nutritional value. Since Salicornia is perishable, modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) can be a useful tool, in combination with proper temperature, to halt further quality degradation in this type of product. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MAP, with or without refrigeration, to extend the shelf life of glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) grown hydroponically (floating raft system) in a greenhouse with a nutrient solution containing 0 g/L (C) or 12.5 g/L of NaCl (T). The dry matter content, weight loss, respiration rate, biochemical composition, color, antioxidant capacity, and sensorial attributes were determined in shoots after harvest and during storage in plastic bags filled with technical air or with MAP at 4 or 20 °C for 120 h. At harvest, plants supplied with salt-enriched solution (T) showed a significant improvement in nutritional value and sensory profile. Storage in air at room temperature (20 °C) accelerated weight loss and diminished color stability, particularly in non-salinity samples (C), while MAP extended the shelf life of all the samples regardless of the storage temperature adopted. Optimal storage conditions were observed when MAP was combined with refrigeration, which allowed to effectively preserve shoots sensory acceptability for a period of about seven days. Future research could further explore the long-term effects on the nutritional value and sensory quality of S. europaea under various combinations of MAP and different storage temperatures ranging between 4 °C and 20 °C.

Localized Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a malnourished, non-HIV-infected man in the absence of any established or diagnosed immunosuppressive condition: a case report

BackgroundPneumocystis jirovecii infection is an opportunistic infection that mostly affects patients with immunosuppressive conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or medications, like corticosteroids. This study reports a rare case of Pneumocystis Jiroveci infection in a relatively immunocompetent patient which presented with uncommon radiological findings.Case presentationA 46-year-old man with a malnourished appearance and a history of opium dependence presented with dry cough, dyspnea, and weight loss to the hospital. There was no evidence of an immunocompromised condition or use of any immunosuppressive medication in the history of the patient. A lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan revealed a crazy-paving appearance and localized infiltration. Methenamine silver staining and the histopathological findings in the transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PJP. Antibiotics and bronchodilators were administrated and the patient was discharged after 6 days of hospitalization. HIV testing and immunoglobulin levels were normal in the hospital course as well as his follow-up visits. After a 2-month follow-up, the patient was in good condition despite of mild remaining infiltration in his lung.ConclusionsPJP typically affects HIV-infected patients, but due to excessive use of immunosuppressive medications, its prevalence is increasing in non-HIV-infected patients. Malnutrition may predispose the patients to PJP, even in the absence of immunosuppressive conditions.

Urban scavenging: vertebrates display greater sensitivity to land-cover and garden vegetation cover than invertebrates

Scavenging removes carrion or littered food waste from the environment, promoting nutrient cycling, and reducing waste management costs. These ecosystem services are important in urban environments, where high human population densities result in increased littered food waste. It is unclear how the magnitude of scavenging across urban-rural gradients is influenced by agent, land-cover type, and patch size. We investigated scavenging provision by vertebrates and invertebrates across a gradient of urbanisation, based on impervious surface cover, in woodlands and gardens in Liverpool, UK. The percentage dry weight loss of bait after 48 h, deployed within vertebrate exclusion cages or exposed to vertebrates and invertebrates, was used to quantify scavenging provision. General linear mixed effects models were used to assess the relative contributions of vertebrates and invertebrates across an urban-rural gradient, variation in scavenging between woodlands and gardens, and the effects of semi-natural vegetation cover on scavenging in gardens. We consider patch size as a preliminary assessment of how fragmentation influences scavenging. Vertebrates contributed substantially more to scavenging than invertebrates across the urbanisation gradient. Vertebrate scavenging was greater in woodlands than gardens, while invertebrate scavenging remained consistent. Scavenging increased with patch size in gardens, but not woodlands. Vertebrate scavenging increased with patch size and garden semi-natural vegetation cover. Urban woodlands and gardens make important contributions to scavenging-mediated ecosystem services. There is a need to increase the cover of semi-natural vegetation in gardens to increase their contributions, and protect and expand woodlands, especially in areas with a high demand for scavenging-mediated ecosystem services.

Comparative analysis of salinity tolerance mechanisms in two maize genotypes: growth performance, ion regulation, and antioxidant responses

This study investigates the differential responses of two maize genotypes, SC180 and SC168, to salt stress, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance and identify traits associated with improved stress resilience. Salinity stress, imposed by 150 mM NaCl, adversely affected various growth parameters in both genotypes. SC180 exhibited a more pronounced reduction in shoot length (13.6%) and root length (13.6%) compared to SC168, which showed minimal reductions (3.0% and 2.3%, respectively). Additionally, dry weight losses in SC180's leaves, stems, and roots were significantly greater than those in SC168. Under salinity stress, both genotypes accumulated Na+ in all organs, with SC168 showing higher Na + concentrations. However, K+ levels decreased more significantly in SC180's leaves than in SC168's. The study also assessed physiological responses, noting that SC180 experienced a substantial reduction in relative water content (RWC) in leaves (22.7%), while SC168's RWC remained relatively stable (5.15%). Proline accumulation, a marker for osmotic adjustment, increased 2.3-fold in SC168 compared onefold in SC180. Oxidative stress indicators, such as electrolyte leakage and hydrogen peroxide levels, were elevated in both genotypes under salt stress, with SC180 showing higher increases (48.5% and 48.7%, respectively) than SC168 (35.25% and 22.0%). Moreover, antioxidant enzymes (APX, CAT, POD, SOD, GR) activities were significantly enhanced in SC168 under salinity stress, whereas SC180 showed no significant changes in these activities. Stress indices, used to quantify and compare salinity tolerance, consistently ranked SC168 as more tolerant (average rank = 1.08) compared to SC180 (average rank = 1.92). Correlation analyses further confirmed that SC168's superior tolerance was associated with better Na + regulation, maintenance of K+ levels, and a robust antioxidant defense system. In conclusion, SC168 demonstrated greater resilience to salinity stress, attributed to its efficient ion regulation, stable water status, enhanced osmotic adjustment, and strong antioxidant response. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding and developing salinity-tolerant maize varieties.

Do vitamins change the morphophysiological characteristics of sweet pepper grown under irrigation with saline water?

The exogenous application of vitamins in plants has been highlighted by the increase in plant vigor, increase in reproductive rates, and greater resistance to edaphoclimatic adversities. Based on the hypothesis that the application of B-complex vitamins can change the morphophysiological characteristics of vegetables and mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the application of B-complex vitamins on pepper crops submitted to irrigation. with saline water. Five treatments were performed, with the control, as follows: irrigation with water and without application of vitamins; irrigation with saline solution and without application of vitamins; irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin thiamine (NaCl+B1); irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin niacin (NaCl+B3); and, irrigation with saline solution and application of vitamin pyridoxine (NaCl+B6). The use of saline water during irrigation had significant effects on net photosynthesis, water use efficiency and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, when compared to the control treatment, irrigated with water, with no differences in transpiration characteristics and relative content. of chlorophyll. It was observed that the exogenous application of vitamins mitigates the effects caused by irrigation with saline water in pepper seedlings, attenuating the loss of dry weight and reducing the stress on photosynthetic mechanisms, increasing photosynthetic activity and decreasing the deleterious effects of salinity on the accumulation of dry weight.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and Wharton Jelly-mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) for Corneal Regenerative Therapeutic Strategy

Introduction: Corneal regenerative medicine is a contemporary approach involving the use of biomaterials, biological factors and stem cells to reduce dependence on native tissue supply for transplantation. This study aims to investigate cellularized polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) scaffold with human telomerase-immortalized cornea epithelial cells (HTCEC) in combination with Wharton Jelly-Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or its conditioned media (CM) for ocular surface regeneration. Materials and methods: The PHA employed in this investigation, P(3HB-co-4HB-co-5HV-co3HHx), was biosynthesized from Cupriavidus necator. The water contact angle as a measure of scaffold wettability was determined, and in vitro PHA biodegradation by lipase enzyme was conducted. The effects of MSC on the focal adhesion proteins were determined by immunofluorescence and immune regulatory proteins were studied. Common corneal genes’ expression was evaluated using qPCR. Results: There was a significant loss of PHA dry weight due to lipase biodegradation. MSC-conditioned media (CM) significantly improved HTCEC viability (121%) as compared to control (100%), p &lt; 0.005. The effect of HTCEC/MSC co-culture on focal adhesion protein expression was significantly higher as compared to HTCEC single culture (p &lt; 0.05). MSC co-culture with HTCEC showed increased secretion of IL-1β and TGF-β1 more than single HTCEC culture in a pro-inflammatory stimulated HTCEC model. Gene expressions for common corneal markers ITGB1, ABCG2, ABCB5, CK3, CK12, CX43, and ΔNP63 were upregulated in the presence of CM p &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: Cellularized PHA scaffold used in combination with MSC is a novel regenerative medicine approach which has a huge potential for anterior ocular surface diseases.

Evaluation of Postharvest Behaviour of Bitter Gourd as Influenced by Gamma Irradiation and Modified Atmosphere Packaging

An experiment was conducted at the Postharvest Laboratory of Horticulture Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture during November to December 2022to examine the effects of different doses of gamma irradiation and Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life and quality of bitter gourd at ambient condition. The experiment comprised ten postharvest treatment viz., T0 =Control (untreated, unwrapped and non-irradiated); T1 =Gourds wrapped in Polypropylene (PP) bag; T2 =Gourds treated with 3% CaCl2; T3 = Irradiated at1000 Gy, T4= Irradiated at2000 Gy, T5 =3% CaCl2+ PP bag, T6 = 1000 Gy+ PP bag, T7 = 2000 Gy+ PP bag, T8 =3% CaCl2, + 1000 Gy+ PP bag and T9 = 3% CaCl2 + 2000 Gy+ PP bag. The single-factor experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Parameters investigated were fruit colour, shrinkage, moisture content, dry matter content, weight loss, disease incidence (DI), disease severity (DS) and shelf life. The minimum weight loss (3.49%), shrinkage (0.00%), DI (11.11%),DS (6.67%) and longest shelf life (10 days) were found in bitter gourds treated with T8 treatment, whereas the maximum weight loss (52.31%), shrinkage (3.89%), DI (77.78%), DS (76.67%) and shortest shelf life (4 days) were T0 treatment at 8 days after storage. The findings would have great impact in reducing enormous postharvest loss of bitter gourd and maintain their quality during postharvest handling and marketing under ambient condition. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 57-68, 2023

Effects of Storage Containers on Postharvest Properties of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

This study investigated the effect of three storage containers on postharvest properties of tomato fruits under ambient temperature, 30 ± 3°C and relative humidity, 70 ± 3%. In Nigeria, the main issues with tomato preservation are loss of quality and shortened shelf life. Postharvest storage containers are important for maintaining the quality of tomato fruits in marketing chains and consumption. Raffia baskets, plastic bowls and Ziploc bags were used to store tomato fruits for seven days. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Data was taken on weight loss, dry matter, moisture content, pH, total ash content and colour. Results revealed that the storage containers had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on dry matter, moisture content and weight loss of the tomato fruits. Tomato fruits stored in raffia basket, plastic bowl and Ziploc bag gave moisture content of 92.13%, 93.07% and 92.97% at seven days of storage, respectively. There was no significant difference (p˃0.05) in the effects of the three storage containers on total ash content and pH of the tomato fruits. For efficient storage without excessive deterioration, plastic bowls were considered the best storage container for improved shelf-life of tomato fruits.

Physicochemical and Physiological Properties of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] Fruits Coated with Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings

Okra is highly perishable due to its high respiration rate and high-water content, thus reducing its marketability. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different polysaccharide-based edible coatings on the physicochemical and physiological properties of okra fruits. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with nine treatments and three replications. Four edible coatings were assessed at two different concentrations. The treatments comprised T0: uncoated (control), T1: 1% sodium alginate (AL), T2: 2% sodium alginate, T3: 1% pectin, T4: 2% pectin, T5: 1% carboxymethyl cellulose, T6: 2% carboxymethyl cellulose, T7: 1% cornstarch and T8: 2% cornstarch. Okra fruits were stored in refrigerated conditions with the temperature ranging from 9 to 11 °C and relative humidity of 76 to 85%. Samples were collected on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 for analysis of weight loss, firmness, shriveling, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C, respiration rate, ethylene production and microbial growth. The results indicated that the use of polysaccharide-based edible coatings significantly influenced moisture and dry matter content, weight loss, firmness, shriveling, pH, TSS, TA, vitamin C, respiration and microbial count of okra fruits. The various coatings, including alginate, pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose and cornstarch, significantly preserved the quality of okra compared with the control treatment. Among the four coatings used, 2% alginate (w/v) demonstrated the most effective preservation of the fruit quality of okra.

Differences in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus release of decomposed branch litter due to potential sea level rise

Influences of potential sea level rise on the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus release of decomposed branch litter (an important component of the total litter production) in mangrove forests have seldom been reported. In the present study, differences in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus release of decomposed branch litter due to potential sea level rise were analyzed at three sites with different inundation situations, simulating tidal flooding situations with rising sea level of 0, 40 and 80 cm (R0, R40 and R80). Sea level rise significantly decreased mean decomposition rate of branch litter, while dry weight loss rate of branch litter was not significantly changed with rising sea level. Release percentage of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in branch litter within 50 weeks of decomposition at site R0 was approximately 35%, 32% and 60%, respectively. Compared with site R0, changes in mean decomposition rate caused by sea level rise resulted in lower release rates of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in branch litter at site R40 and site R80. These results suggested that ecological role of nutrient (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) release through branch litter decomposition on mangrove forests and adjacent coastal ecosystems should be considered. Sea level rise will reduce the chance of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in branch litter to be transferred into adjacent coastal ecosystems through branch litter decomposition.

Investigating biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in Tehran DWTPs.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing concern and various methods are being sought to alleviate the level of pollution worldwide. This study investigates the biodegradation capacity of MPs by indigenous microorganisms of raw water from Tehran drinking water treatment plants. By exposing polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) MPs to selected microbial colonies, structural, morphological, and chemical changes were detected by scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell weight measurement, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy test, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Selected bacterial strains include Pseudomonas protegens strain (A), Bacillus cereus strain (B), and Pseudomonas protegens strain (C). SEM analysis showed roughness and cracks on PP MPs exposed to strains A and C. However, PE MPs exposed to strain B faced limited degradation. In samples related to strain A, the Raman spectrum was completely changed, and a new chemical structure was created. Both TGA and FTIR analysis confirmed changes detected by Raman analysis of PP and PE MPs in chemical changes in this study. The results of cell dry weight loss for microbial strains A, B, and C were 13.5, 38.6, and 25.6%, respectively. Moreover, MPs weight loss was recorded at 32.6% for PP MPs with strain A, 13.3% for PE MPs with strain B, and 25.6% for PP MPs with strain C.

Biodegradation of LDPE (low density polyethylene) using bacterial strain

The applications of polyethylene are enormous and they are popular because of their relatively low cost, lack of difficulty in manufacture, adaptability and durability. In the past decade, the increase in the utilization of plastics and the accumulation of polyethylene in the environment all around the globe has drawn the attention of environmentalists and scientists. The plastic materials are commonly derived from petrochemicals extracted from coal and natural gas. They are produced in a wide range in synthetic, semi synthetic organic polymers. The degradation of LDPE film was determined by residual dry weight loss of the LDPE films. The potent strain showed 42.5% degradation ability in 90 d. Degradation of LDPE results in the breakdown of the polymer backbone chain producing CO2 which was checked by gravimetric analysis. Enzyme kinetic studies showed the production of three ligninolytic extracellular enzymes- lignin, laccase and manganese peroxidase by bacterial strain AJ01 in LDPE degradation. Degradation of LDPE strips followed first order kinetics model with a rate constant (R2) of 0.9783 d-1. Estimation of protein from post treated LDPE using bacterial isolate showed a total concentration of 0.440mg/0.1mL and 0.703mg/0.2mL. LDPE degradation was confirmed by using analytical techniques such as SEM which showed changes in the surface topology of LDPE strips and FTIR analysis showed changes in complex chemical structure of LDPE post 90 d of degradation using microorganisms thereby reducing carbonyl index (CI) value.

Performances of 34 shallot accessions in Lembang highland

Identification of the appearance of shallot accession is needed in the selection of new superior varieties of shallots. Therefore, performance identification of shallot accessions from various parental backgrounds was carried out. Thirty-four shallot accessions were planted on open land in Lembang highlands (1250 m asl) from May to September 2022. The performance of shallot plants was observed starting from percentage of flowering, number of tillers, plant fresh weight, bulb dry weight, weight loss, bulb number, weight, height and diameters of bulbs and cloves. The data were analysed descriptively. The results showed that there were 11 accessions with 100% flowering percentage, 10 accessions with more than 5 tillers per plant, 5 accessions with weight loss potential of less than 40%, 3 accessions with more than 10 bulbs per plant, 6 accessions with bulb weight more than 10 grams, 11 accessions with bulb diameter more than 2.5 cm and 6 accessions with clove diameter more than 2.5 cm. There were 2 accessions that have a combination of superior traits, namely accessions BLK and C89.

Establishment of a standardized ethanolic extract of Avicennia officinalis leaves in Vietnam

The mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis is widespread throughout the subtropical coast and is known for its many pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant. This study determined the physicochemical parameters of the standardized extract, qualitative by phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography (TLC), qualitative total phenolic content, and the content of the marker compound by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Compounds such as p-coumaric acid and cinnamic acid have been found to be major phenolic acids in the leaves of this plant. These results provided useful information for the evaluation of the quality of Avicennia officinalis raw materials and its commercial products. The parameters of the ethanol extract of Avicennia officinalis leaves were obtained as follows: the loss of dry weight (10.9±2.09%), total ash content (22.31%), microbiological limits achieved to meet the requirements of medicinal standards, and total heavy metal content not detected. The content of total phenolics determined amounted to 81.83 mg GAE/g extract. The quantification method by HPLC was validated according to AOAC, and the content of two markers in the extract was p-coumaric acid (1.19 mg/g) and cinnamic acid (3.82 mg/g). The outputs of this research will be standardized extracts that’s the source of medicinal plants in Vietnam.

A method for gel grade determination and application evaluation of two citrus pectins

Citrus paradisi Macf. cv. Changshanhuyou and Citrus paradisi Macf. cv. Star Ruby are two emerging processed citrus fruits. The processing produces lots of peel wastes rich in pectin. While more attentions were paid on pectin's functional properties, the quality about commercial application like gel grade was little investigated. In this study, we established a method for gel grade determination based on texture analyzer, the new method is economical and can be used on a large scale in the laboratory. The commercial application related qualities of two citrus pectins were also studied in detail. The results showed that the yields of Changshanhuyou and Star Ruby pectins (CHP and SRP) were 20.23 % and 18.33 %, respectively. The indexes of CHP and SRP mostly were in line with the commodity standards, except the dry weight loss. The gel grades of CHP and SRP determined by the new method were 109.9 and 96.8, respectively. The CHP aqueous solution exhibited higher apparent viscosity and better performance in stabilizing acidified milk drink (AMD) compared with commercial pectin. From the view of commercial application related qualities and functional properties, CHP could be a good potential commercial pectin.

Correlation of Two Biodegradability Indices of PLA-Based Polymers under Thermophilic Aerobic Laboratory Conditions

The biodegradation of bioplastics is a topic of interest worldwide. This work aims to measure the biodegradability of five polylactic acid (PLA)-based bioplastics under aerobic, thermophilic laboratory conditions and correlate their weight loss with their CO2 generation over a 3-month period, as both are considered indexes of biodegradation. The experimental design was based on the simulation of composting conditions by placing the bioplastic samples mixed with compost in sealed glass vessels that were regularly opened. The results showed significant variability in biodegradation, as dry weight losses ranged from 15.1–99.7%, while CO2 generation ranged from 9.2–14.9 g C–CO2/kg dry mixture (bioplastic + inoculum) depending on the sample. Moreover, no significant correlation between the weight losses and the gross CO2 production was calculated (p = 0.656), indicating the importance of carefully selecting the methods to assess biodegradation potential. This lack of correlation also reveals that different pathways are likely involved during the biodegradation of bioplastics and that the weight loss alone cannot indicate the conversion of solid C to CO2. This work proposes the need to develop an optimal degradation index for bioplastics that would provide a better understanding of their biodegradability in composting reactors. This index should combine dry weight loss and CO2 generation to assess the biodegradation of bioplastics with high confidence.