Pulp Fractions Research Articles

Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Property Enhancement of Paper-Pulp-Based Packaging Materials Using Biodegradable Additives

Generally, paper-pulp-based materials are emerging in the packaging industry due to their high degree of biodegradability. Along with agricultural byproducts as an alternative, using additive or secondary materials in various processes and products has been a solution for implementing sustainability in material utilization. However, biodegradable materials still need to be improved due to the lack of properties which are essential for their use as packaging material. Currently, a number of research attempts have focused on enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties to increase the effectivity of those biodegradable materials for use as packaging material. The objective of this study is to analyze the effectivity of using sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and wheat flour (starch) as a strengthening and thermal resistive additive. Due to its proven nano range particle size and fibrous nature, this material could positively affect the material properties. A total of twelve samples were prepared by varying the weight fraction of SCBA, white flour, and paper pulp. A compression molding method was used to prepare cylindrical samples with a diameter of 50 mm and a height of 55 mm under a compression load of 2 tonnes. Wet molded cylindrical blocks were oven-dried at 105∘C for 48 h to remove excessive moisture from the samples. Subsequently, all the samples were dried further until no significant weight loss was observed after the drying process to ensure their uniform moisture conditions. The prepared samples were tested for compressive strength using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Both load and compressive stress acting on each sample were plotted against the deflection of the sample. For the analysis, the deflection of each sample was measured at 8.6 kN load and the sample with 10% SCBA and 12.5% starch exhibited the least displacement among all additives. The results show that the samples with 10% SCBA and 12.5% starch also had the highest compressive strength compared to the other samples. Further, samples with the same amount of SCBA were analyzed for thermal resistivity and to obtain the thermal behavior of samples which is crucial in food packaging.Overall, most of the SCBA and starch mixed samples showed superior compressive strength compared to the pure paper-pulp-based sample.

Enhancing the strength of tissue paper through pulp fractionation and stratified forming

Abstract The potential of combining stratified paper forming with pulp fractionation was investigated to improve the balance between low density, which enhances water absorbency and softness, and the dry strength of tissue papers. The selected fractionation approaches allowed us to separate especially stiff, low-fibrillated fibers (A fractions) from flexible, fibrillated fibers containing fines (detached segments of fibers, fibrils, or lamellae fragments) (B fractions). After characterizing the morphological properties of each fiber fraction, 20 g/m2 model papers were produced with and without wet pressing to tune the paper density. At a density of 0.3 g/cm³, the tensile breaking stress of B papers was at least three times higher than that of A papers. The strain at break of B papers was also close to two times higher than that of A papers. Interestingly, bilayer papers A/B exhibited breaking stress values intermediate between those of A and B papers, while native pulp papers, i.e., without fractionation and stratified forming, followed the trend of A papers. Notably, bi-layering the paper improved the breaking stress by up to twice as much without increasing the paper density, which could be highly beneficial in improving the balance of properties in tissue paper grades.

Bioactive Compounds Investigation and Antioxidant Activities in Extracts and Fractions of Tamarindus Indica (Aradib) From Sudan

Tamarindus indica is commonly used interest in Sudan for edible plant and medicinal use. This study aimed to determine bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities in extracts and fractions of Tamarindus indica pulp grown in Sudan. The powdered plant was extracted with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone using an ultrasonic technique. The residue of the ethanol extract was fractionated using successive solvents. The extracts and fractions were determined for their phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins contents, and analyzed bioactive compounds by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer, and also evaluate their antioxidant activities using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, reducing power and hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods. The results show that the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total tannins levels were significantly higher in the ethyl acetate fraction than in other extracts and fractions. GC-MS analyses of extracts and fractions showed a variety of bioactive compounds such as Hexadecanoic acid, Stigmasterol, Maltol, Sitosterol, Vitamin E, Allose, Tartaric acid, and Vaccenic acid. All the extracts and fractions exhibited good antioxidant activities. The extracts and fractions of Tamarindus indica pulp are sources of natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, which are beneficial effects on human health and the possibility of application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Assessment of bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, and enzymatic activity in different guava (Psidium guajava) cultivars

AbstractFresh fruits of five guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivars were assessed for ascorbic acid (AA) content and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and ascorbate peroxidase [APX]) activities, while extracted peel and pulp samples were analyzed for total phenol (TP) and total flavonoids (TFs). The hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity was evaluated using six different analytical assays. We noticed significant differences in the antioxidant compounds (AA, TP, and TF). SOD and APX activities varied from ∼54 to 71 and ∼41 to 59 U/g FW, respectively. Cv. KG Guava had the highest TP (in both hydrophilic and lipophilic peel and pulp fractions) and TF (in hydrophilic pulp and lipophilic peel and pulp fractions). Therefore, the strongest antioxidant potential was exhibited by KG Guava using most of the assays, which was followed by the cultivars Kimchu and Salithong. The results provide valuable information about antioxidant potential of guava peel and pulp fractions, which is essential for their future application in the food and health industry.

Antimutagenic and antitumor activities of a water-soluble fraction of soursop (syn Graviola, Annona muricata L.) fruit pulp

ABSTRACT Soursop (Annona muricata) is a tropical tree whose decoction derived from bark, root, seed, or leaf has been used for medicinal uses. In addition, the fruit itself is considered a food, and the juice is utilized to treat heart and liver diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic content. In addition, a water-soluble fraction of the soursop fruit pulp (WSSP) was examined for the following properties: antioxidant, mutagenic, and antimutagenicity. UV-visible spectrophotometry determined total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteu method to be 11.22 ± 0.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram dried extract, and free-radical scavenging activity by the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•) showed an EC50 of 1032 µg/ml. In the Salmonella/microsome assay, no marked mutagenicity was induced following WSSP treatment, and a chemopreventive capacity was observed in the antimutagenic assay. The cytotoxicity assays were carried out using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays demonstrated that WSSP induced significant cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells, indicating greater effectiveness of cytotoxic action by destroying cell membrane integrity. Data suggest that WSSP may exert beneficial effects as a DNA chemopreventive and antitumor agent.

A novel approach to the formulation of an encapsulated bioactive powder from palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L) fruit pulp for nutraceutical applications

This study aims to produce spray-dried encapsulated powder from Palmyrah fruit pulp that contains health-promoting bioactive nutrients and desirable product attributes, which can be incorporated into ice cream as a nutraceutical ingredient. The feed formulations, containing the aqueous fraction of Palmyrah fruit pulp (FP), skim milk (SM), and a minimal amount of maltodextrin (MD) & Gum Arabic (GA), were spray dried at an inlet temperature of 170 °C. Since four blends with three levels of variation, Taguchi's approach to the l-9 (34) array was used to design the experiments. The formulation (T7) of FP: SM: MD: GA range 45:50:10:2.5 gave the best results regarding physicochemical, functional, and sensory attributes. This matrix was the best formulation for preserving yielding powders with desirable density for packaging (i.e., 46.47% & 0.45 g/cm3), reconstitution properties in water(70.4%) and a good source of antioxidants and stability over storage time (Vita C-8.05 mg/100 g, total phenolic content-78.30 mg GAE/100 g, Radical scavenging activity of 27.08–73.61%). The test of FTIR confirmed effective encapsulation and interactions amongst the final coating layer of SM, MD &GA. The sensory evaluation revealed that 5% Powder contained ice cream formulation had the highest overall acceptability score.

Probiotic fermentation enhances bioaccessibility of lycopene, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of guava fruit (Psidium guajava L)

This study investigated bio-accessibility of lycopene and total polyphenols using simulated gastrointestinal digestion, in guava pulp (Psidium guajava L) pulp fermented with two probiotic LAB strains Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis and Lactobacillus casei. Physicochemical parameters, and antioxidant contents were also evaluated. Results indicated that LAB fermentation reduced the pH of pulp from 3.8 to 2.6, with increase of TA and reduced the TSS content of the pulp to 13.06 and 12.67◦Bx, respectively after 8 h of fermentation. Compositional analysis of fermented guava pulps indicated decrease in carbohydrates (29.6%), lipids (4.6%), moisture (19.7%) and slight increase in proteins (0.7%). The total poly phenolics (701mg/GAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (81%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in comparison to unfermented counterparts while Vitamin C content was not affected. Guava pulp fermented by both strains improved overall sensorial acceptability with no notable differences in sensory scores after storage under refrigerated conditions for up to 7 days. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion studies revealed that pulp fermentation substantially improved the bioaccessibility of total phenols by 70% and 63% and lycopene content by 13.33 and 12.24% in L. lactis and L. casei fermented pulp in comparison to control (unfermented pulp). DPPH free radical scavenging activities of the dialyzable fractions of fermented guava pulp were 71.3 and 69.3% respectively. Overall, the results of this study were encouraging and indicate that fermentation of guava pulp with LAB can potentially enhance bioactives and their subsequent bioaccessibility implying beneficial impacts upon consumption.

Characterization of Green and Yellow Papaya (Carica papaya) for Anti-Diabetic Activity in Liver and Myoblast Cells and Wound-Healing Activity in Fibroblast Cells.

Obesity and diabetes, often characterized as "metabolic syndrome", have been recognized as two of the most important public health issues worldwide. The objective of the present research was to evaluate green and yellow papaya for anti-oxidation and anti-diabetic properties. Leaves, skin, pulp, and seed samples from papayas were freeze-dried and then extracted in water or 80% methanol. The extracts were used to determine total polyphenolic content and anti-oxidation activities, and to determine biological activities, including glucose uptake, Glut-2 expression, triglyceride reduction, and wound-healing activity. Our data demonstrated that methanol and water extracts of green and yellow papaya have similar concentrations of polyphenols in skin (10-20 mg/g dry powder), leaf (25-30 mg/g dry powder), and pulp (1-3 mg/g dry powder) fractions. However, both methanol and water extracts of seeds from yellow papaya have substantially higher concentrations of polyphenols compared to green papaya. Both water and methanol extracts of yellow papaya exhibited higher anti-oxidation activity compared to green papaya in skin (50-60%), pulp (200-300%), and seeds (10-800%). Old leaves also showed greater anti-oxidation activity (30-40%) compared to new leaves. Pulp extracts from both yellow and green papaya stimulated greater glucose uptake, but only pulp from green papaya stimulated glucose uptake in muscle cells. Similarly, pulp extract stimulated glucose transporter Glut-2 expression in liver cells. The skin, pulp, and seeds of green or yellow papaya showed triglyceride-lowering activity in liver cells by 60-80%, but samples taken from yellow papaya had a more potent effect. Seeds from both green and yellow papaya significantly stimulated the migration of fibroblasts in the wounded area by 2-2.5-fold compared to the untreated control. Consistent with these data, seeds from both green and yellow papaya also significantly stimulated collagen synthesis in fibroblast cells by almost 3-fold. In conclusion, our data indicate that different parts of papaya produce stimulatory effects on glucose uptake, Glut-2 expression, TG reduction, and wound-healing activities. This study concludes that different parts of the papaya can be beneficial for preventing diabetes and diabetes-related wound healing.

The impact of refractance window drying on the physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of malbhog banana slice and pulp

The present study aimed to design and evaluate the effect of different drying methods, viz. refractance window drying (RWD), hot air drying (HD), freeze-drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD) on qualitative properties such as crude fiber, ash content, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), Antioxidant activity (AA), FTIR spectra, color and texture of banana slice and pulp fractions. In this experimental investigation, malbhog variety banana was selected. The average drying time of the banana sample in RWD, HD, FD and VD was found as 760 min, 930 min, 1125 min and 975 min at drying temperatures of 60 °C, 60 °C, -40 °C and 60 °C respectively. A qualitative evaluation revealed that the anti-oxidant, phenolic and flavonoid content were rich in freeze-dried and RWD-dried samples compared to that of hot air-dried and vacuum-dried samples. The color retention was also significant in FD and RWD samples. Total phenolic content (TPC) of 441mg GAE/100 gm and crude fiber content of 1.92% was found to be higher in RWD banana samples in comparison to other drying methods. Antibrowning agents coated dried banana samples viz. slice and pulp has shown less color change and nutrient retention as compared to untreated dried banana samples. The highest nutrient retention in less drying time was found in RWD banana samples.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Cytocompatibility of Polyphenolic Compounds Extracted from Food Industry Apple Waste: Potential in Biomedical Application.

Apple pomace (AP) from the food industry is a mixture of different fractions containing bioactive polyphenolic compounds. This study provides a systematic approach toward the recovery and evaluation of the physiochemical and biological properties of polyphenolic compounds from AP. We studied subcritical water extraction (SCW) and solvent extraction with ethanol from four different AP fractions of pulp, peel, seed, core, and stem (A), peel (B), seed and core (C), and pulp and peel (D). The subcritical water method at the optimum condition resulted in total polyphenolic compounds (TPC) of 39.08 ± 1.10 mg GAE per g of AP on a dry basis compared to the ethanol extraction with TPC content of 10.78 ± 0.94 mg GAE/g db. Phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin were the main identified polyphenolics in the AP fractions using HPLC. DPPH radical scavenging activity of fraction B and subcritical water (SW) extracts showed comparable activity to ascorbic acid while all ethanolic extracts were cytocompatible toward human fibroblast (3T3-L1) and salivary gland acinar cells (NS-SV-AC). Our results indicated that AP is a rich source of polyphenolics with the potential for biomedical applications.

Phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activities of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a common worldwide medicinal plant. Due to high medical importance, tamarind seed and pulp fraction and sub fractions were compared. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activities of different extracts of tamarind by demonstrating different extraction methods and then selection of best and less time taking method. Biological activities including 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) showed maximum inhibition for seed (74.09±0.76) as compare to pulp (72.09±0.43) at 300 μg/ml for butanol fraction, 2, 2'-azino-Bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) showed maximum inhibition for seed (79.19±0.36) as compare to pulp (75.69±0.23) at 300 μg/ml for butanol. Metal chelation showed maximum inhibition for seed (81.39±0.70) as compare to pulp (77.49±0.93) at 300 μg/ml for butanol fraction, whereas lipid-peroxidation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) inhibition showed maximum value for seed at 120 μg/ml as compare to pulp with FeSo4 for butanol fraction and with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), TBARS inhibition showed maximum values for seed at 120 μg/ml as compare to pulp for butanol faction. The total antioxidant activity phosphomolybdenum assay was performed, which showed maximum values for seed at 120 μg/ml as compare to seed for butanol fraction. Total phenolic contents of seed for butanol fraction were 1.83 ± 0.31 mg/g for seed and 2 .83 ± 0.44 mg/g for pulp. Similarly, high amount of flavonoid content for seed was 1.31 ± 0.09 mg/g was given for dichloromethane and for pulp it was given as 1.91 ± 0.96 mg/g for butanol fraction. The results suggested that the extract of T. indica is potential source of the phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activity and utilized in diseases arising from oxidative stress in near future by using ultra-sonication method which is precise and time-consuming method.

Phytochemical profile of Brazilian grapes (Vitis labrusca and hybrids) grown on different rootstocks.

Important factors may influence the bioactive compounds in grapes, including scion–rootstock interaction. Therefore, the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in grape skin and pulp fractions of ‘Isabel Precoce’, ‘BRS Carmem’, ‘BRS Cora’, ‘BRS Violeta’ and ‘IAC 138–22 Máximo’ were assessed. These cultivars, from genetic improvement programs in Brazil, have good adaptation to subtropical and tropical climate conditions, and can be widely used by winegrowers aiming at adding value to the grape. All grapevines were grafted onto ‘IAC 766’ and ‘IAC 572’ rootstocks under tropical conditions in Brazil. The highest concentration of bioactive compounds was found in skins of ‘BRS Violeta’, followed by ‘IAC 138–22 Máximo’, both grafted onto ‘IAC 766’. There was a strong correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant properties, since antioxidant activity also decreased in the sequence: ‘BRS Violeta’ > ‘IAC 138–22 Máximo’ > ‘BRS Cora’ > ‘BRS Carmem’ > ‘Isabel Precoce’. Skin from hybrid grapes (‘BRS Violeta’, ‘IAC 138–22 Máximo’, ‘BRS Cora’ and ‘BRS Carmem’) grafted in both rootstocks contains higher levels of (poly)phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity than ‘Isabel Precoce’ (V. labrusca). Skin from ‘BRS Violeta’ grafted onto ’IAC 766’ stand out from the others due to their high content of bioactive compounds.

Evaluating Hypoglycaemic Activity of Pomegranate Peel Powder and Defatted Soybean Flour Formulated Cookies in STZ Induced Diabetic Rats

Pomegranate fruit peel is an inedible part obtained during the processing of pomegranate juice. Compared to the pulp fraction, it contains more total polyphenols and has a better antioxidant potential. Even though they are good sources of protein, dietary fiber, a variety of minerals, and phytochemicals, soybeans often have a nutritional function. When soybeans are utilized to partially replace wheat in bread items, the nutritional quality will be improved. In the present investigation, defatted soybean flour (DSF) and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) based cookies were made, and their effectiveness on the glycemic activity at the serum level was investigated using two concentrations—5 g and 10 g/rat/day in diabetic and non-diabetic induced rats for up to 21 days. Serum glucose, cholesterol, and haemoglobin levels were favourably affected (-56.92%, -56.33%, and +22.34% correspondingly) by the laboratory diet plus 10g of cookies per rat per day in the G6 group of rats after the trial (21 days). In diabetic and non-diabetic rats, PPP and DSF included cookies that lowered blood glucose and cholesterol levels and raised haemoglobin content, but it kept their levels at the required range regardless of the dosage of cookies.

Free, Conjugated, and Bound Phenolics in Peel and Pulp from Four Wampee Varieties: Relationship between Phenolic Composition and Bio-Activities by Multivariate Analysis.

Free, conjugated, and bound phenolic fractions of peel and pulp in four wampee varieties from South China were analyzed for their contents, composition, antioxidant capacities, and inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase. We found that there were significant differences in phenolic/flavonoid contents among diverse varieties and different parts (peel and pulp), and the contents were highest in the peel’s bound form. The results of UHPL-Q-Exactive HF-X and HPLC showed that chlorogenic acid, gentisic acid, and rutin were abundantly distributed over the three phenolic fractions in peel and pulp of all wampee samples, while isoquercitrin was the most abundant in the conjugated form of peel/pulp and myricetin had the richest content in the free form of peel/pulp. Wampee peel had stronger antioxidant capacities of ABTS+, DPPH, ·OH, and FRAP than the pulp, and the bound phenolic fraction of the peel/pulp had much higher antioxidant activities than FP and CP fractions. It is interesting that the same phenolic fraction of the wampee peel displayed roughly close IC50 values of α-glucosidase inhibition to those from the pulp samples. The relationship between individual phenolic and TPC/TFC/the bio-activities and the similarity among the free, conjugated, and bound phenolic fractions in peel and pulp samples were explored by using Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. This work provides a systematic and comprehensive comparison of the three phenolic fractions of diverse wampee varieties and different parts, and a rationale for applying phenolics from wampee fruits.

Caprylic acid in Vitex mollis fruit and its inhibitory activity against a thiabendazole‐resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose in a large number of crops. Synthetic fungicides are employed to prevent this disease, even though their effectiveness and safety is questionable. Thus, effective and innocuous antifungal compounds are proposed as natural alternatives against anthracnose. The hexane fraction of Vitex mollis pulp (HF-VM) reduces anthracnose incidence in papaya fruit; however, the active compounds and antifungal mechanism of HF-VM are unknown. The aims of this study were to characterize the activity of HF-VM sub-fractions (sHF1 -sHF7 ) against a thiabendazole-resistant Colletotrichum gloeosporioides strain, identify the chemical components and investigate the mechanism of the most active sub-fraction. The sHF3 showed the highest inhibitory activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5mg mL-1 , whereas thiabendazole (TBZ) had a MIC value higher than 2mg mL-1 . The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the compounds in sHF3 were methyl 4-decenoate, caprylic acid, and 24-methylencycloartanol. These compounds are rarely found in fruits and are reported for the first time on Vitex species. The purified 24-methylencycloartanol was inactive (MIC > 0.5mg mL-1 ). In contrast, the commercial standard of caprylic acid presented an elevated activity (MIC=0.125 mg mL-1 ), indicating that this compound is the main one responsible for the antifungal properties of sHF3 . Furthermore, the sHF3 inhibited the spore germination and induced membrane disruption in both the spore and mycelium of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Vitex mollis fruit is a novel source of antifungal caprylic acid that could be employed as a marker to prepare standardized extracts with antifungal properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical Composition Assessment of Structural Parts (Seeds, Peel, Pulp) of Physalis alkekengi L. Fruits.

In recent years there has been an extensive search for nature-based products with functional potential. All structural parts of Physalis alkekengi (bladder cherry), including fruits, pulp, and less-explored parts, such as seeds and peel, can be considered sources of functional macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietetic fiber. The chemical composition of all fruit structural parts (seeds, peel, and pulp) of two phenotypes of P. alkekengi were studied. The seeds were found to be a rich source of oil, yielding 14–17%, with abundant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (over 88%) and tocopherols, or vitamin E (up to 5378 mg/kg dw; dry weight). The predominant fatty acid in the seed oils was linoleic acid, followed by oleic acid. The seeds contained most of the fruit’s protein (16–19% dw) and fiber (6–8% dw). The peel oil differed significantly from the seed oil in fatty acid and tocopherol composition. Seed cakes, the waste after oil extraction, contained arginine and aspartic acid as the main amino acids; valine, phenylalanine, threonine, and isoleucine were present in slightly higher amounts than the other essential amino acids. They were also rich in key minerals, such as K, Mg, Fe, and Zn. From the peel and pulp fractions were extracted fruit concretes, aromatic products with specific fragrance profiles, of which volatile compositions (GC-MS) were identified. The major volatiles in peel and pulp concretes were β-linalool, α-pinene, and γ-terpinene. The results from the investigation substantiated the potential of all the studied fruit structures as new sources of bioactive compounds that could be used as prospective sources in human and animal nutrition, while the aroma-active compounds in the concretes supported the plant’s potential in perfumery and cosmetics.

Nutritional Content Of Fresh Seed, Pith, Pulp And Red Fruit Paste (Pandanus conoidus lamk) Type Of Mbarugum Origin Papua

Red fruit is an endemic plant of Papua which is rich in bioactive compounds both antioxidants and antimicrobials, the form or fraction of red fruit that is often used is red fruit oil and red fruit paste. Several other red fruit fractions are wasted and have not been utilized because information about their nutritional composition does not yet exist. This study aims to determine the comparison of the nutritional composition of each red fruit fraction starting from fresh seeds, pith, pulp and paste. This study uses laboratory analysis of the proximate value of each fraction, FFA value and carotene value. The results showed that the nutritional value of each red fruit fraction was different, for the value of protein, fat, carbohydrates and crude fiber the highest nutritional value was found in fresh seeds while the lowest value for all compositions except for water content was in the pith fraction. The FFA and carotene values ​​were highest in fresh seeds, then in the pasta and pulp fractions, while FFA and carotene pith were not detected.

Climatic niche pre-adaptation facilitated island colonization followed by budding speciation in the Madeiran ivy (Hedera maderensis, Araliaceae).

The path followed by species in the colonization of remote oceanic islands ultimately depends on their phylogenetic constraints and ecological responses. In this study, we aim to evaluate the relative role of geographical and ecological forces in the origin and evolution of the Madeiran ivy (Hedera maderensis), a single-species endemic belonging to the western polyploid clade of Hedera. To determine the phylogenetic placement of H. maderensis within the western polyploid clade, we analyzed 40 populations (92 individuals) using genotyping-by-sequencing and including Hedera helix as outgroup. Climatic niche differences among the study species were evaluated using a database with 867 records representing the entire species ranges. To test species responses to climate, 13 vegetative and reproductive functional traits were examined for 70 populations (335 individuals). Phylogenomic results revealed a nested pattern with H. maderensis embedded within the south-western Iberian H. iberica. Gradual niche differentiation from the coldest and most continental populations of H. iberica to the warm and stable coastal population sister to H. maderensis parallels the geographical pattern observed in the phylogeny. Similarity in functional traits is observed for H. maderensis and H. iberica. The two species show leaves with higher specific leaf area (SLA), lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and thickness and fruits with lower pulp fraction than the other western polyploid species H. hibernica. Acquisition of a Macaronesian climatic niche and the associated functional syndrome in mainland European ivies (leaves with high SLA, and low LDMC and thickness, and fruits with less pulp content) was a key step in the colonization of Madeira by the H. iberica/H. maderensis lineage, which points to climatic pre-adaptation as key in the success of island colonization (dispersal and establishment). Once in Madeira, budding speciation was driven by geographical isolation, while ecological processes are regarded as secondary forces with a putative impact in the lack of further in situ diversification.

Porcine spleen as a model organ for blunt injury impact tests: An experimental and histological study.

The spleen is a large and highly vascularized secondary lymphatic organ. Spleen injuries are among the most frequent trauma-related injuries in the abdominal region. The aims of the study were to assess the volume fractions of the main splenic tissue components (red pulp, white pulp, trabeculae and reticular fibres) and to determine the severity of splenic injury due to the experimental impact test. Porcine spleens (n=17) were compressed by 6.22kg wooden plate using a drop tower technique from three impact heights (50, 100 and 150 mm corresponding to velocities 0.79, 1.24 and 1.58 m/s). The pressure was measured via catheters placed in the splenic vein. The impact velocity was measured using lasers. The severity of induced injuries was analysed on the macroscopic level. The volume fractions of splenic components were assessed microscopically using stereology. The volume fraction of the red pulp was 76.4%, white pulp 21.3% and trabeculae 2.7% respectively. All impact tests, even with the low impact velocities, led to injuries that occurred mostly in the dorsal extremity of the spleen, and were accompanied by bleeding, capsule rupture and parenchyma crushing. Higher impact height (impact velocity and impact energy) caused more severe injury. Porcine spleen had the same volume fraction of tissue components as human spleen, therefore we concluded that the porcine spleen was a suitable organ model for mechanical experiments. Based on our observations, regions around hilum and the diaphragmatic surface of the dorsal extremity, that contained fissures and notches, were the most prone to injury and required considerable attention during splenic examination after injury. The primary mechanical data are now available for the researchers focused on the splenic trauma modelling.

Combining pressing and alkaline extraction to increase protein yield from Ulva fenestrata biomass

Many seaweed species have a high production potential and attract interest as future protein sources. A high fiber and ash content, however, demand extraction of the protein to improve its digestibility and protein utilization in food or feed. This study explores three different approaches for protein extraction from Ulva fenestrata in order to maximize the protein extraction yield. Soluble protein was recovered either by mechanical pressing or by homogenization and osmotic shock of the biomass followed by alkaline extraction. The soluble protein was then concentrated by isoelectric precipitation. A combined procedure was carried out by pressing the biomass and following subjecting the residual pulp fraction to homogenization, osmotic shock and alkaline extraction. The three methods were ranked as follows with respect to protein extraction yield (as % of biomass protein); the combined method (23.9 ± 0.3%)> the alkaline extraction (6.8 ± 0.2%)> mechanical pressing (5.0 ± 0.2%). The significant increase when combining the methods was ascribed to a high precipitation yield after alkaline extraction of the pulp, hypothesized to be due to a reduced conductivity of the alkali-soluble protein fraction when derived from pulp rather than whole biomass.