2 research outputs found
Physicochemical, structural, and techno-functional characterization of Solanum scabrum leaf protein concentrates obtained by alkaline extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and ultrafiltration
No full textGlobal demand for plant-based proteins is rapidly increasing, driven by sustainability concerns and health-conscious consumer preferences. In this context, African nightshade (Solanum scabrum), an underutilized leafy biomass rich in protein, represents a promising alternative protein source. This study investigated the influence of alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation (AE-IP), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and ultrafiltration (UF), on the yield, composition, structural and functional characteristics of Solanum scabrum protein concentrates (AE‑IP_SPC, UAE_SPC, UF_SPC). UAE significantly enhanced protein yield (48.71%) compared to AE-IP (34.02%), while UF produced concentrates with lowest yield (26.45%) but highest protein content (71.43%). UF_SPC exhibited a lighter color (L*=71.53±0.22) and lower browning index (20.76±0.11%) than AE-IP_SPC (L*=57.89±0.17; browning index=42.90±0.54%), indicating reduced pigment co-extraction. Scanning electron microscopy revealed dense, fibrous structures with irregular cracks in AE-IP_SPC, smooth, layered structures with interconnected channels and cavities in UAE_SPC, and irregular wavy patterns and shallow depressions in UF_SPC. UF_SPC displayed the highest absolute zeta potential values at both acidic (36 mV at pH 2) and alkaline pH (-39 mV at pH 10), indicating enhanced electrostatic repulsion and improved colloidal stability. Functionally, UF_SPC and UAE_SPC exhibited superior solubility at alkaline pH, along with enhanced emulsifying and foaming properties. Spectroscopic analysis suggested extraction-dependent alterations in protein conformation associated with improved hydration behavior. Overall, ultrasound-assisted and ultrafiltration approaches effectively improved the functional and nutritional performance of Solanum scabrum protein concentrates, supporting their potential application as sustainable plant-based protein ingredients and establishing clear process-structure–function relationships
Maternal and fetal characteristics and causes of stillbirth in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal: secondary analysis of registry-based surveillance data
No full textObjectives Stillbirth is one of the vital indicators of quality care. This study aimed to determine maternal-fetal characteristics and causes of stillbirth in Nepal.Design Secondary analysis of single-centred registry-based surveillance data.Setting The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, a tertiary care hospital located in Bharatpur, Nepal.Participants All deliveries of intrauterine fetal death, at or beyond 22 weeks’ period of gestation and/or birth weight of 500 g or more, conducted between 16 July 2017 and 15 July 2019 were included in the study.Main outcome measures The primary outcome measure of this study was stillbirth, and the secondary outcome measures were maternal and fetal characteristics and cause of stillbirth.Results Out of 5282 institutional deliveries conducted over 2 years, 79 (1.5%) were stillbirths, which gives the stillbirth rate of 15 per 1000 births. Of them, the majority (75; 94.9%) were vaginal delivery and only four (5.1%) were caesarean section (p<0.0001). The proportion of the macerated type of stillbirth was more than that of the fresh type (58.2% vs 41.8%; p=0.13). Only half of the mothers who experienced stillbirth had received antenatal care. While the cause of fetal death was unknown in one-third of cases (31.6%; 25/79), among likely causes, the most common was maternal hypertension (29.1%), followed by intrauterine infection (8.9%) and fetal malpresentation (7.6%). Four out of 79 stillbirths (5%) had a birth defect.Conclusion High rate of stillbirths in Nepal could be due to the lack of quality antenatal care. The country’s health systems should be strengthened so that pregnancy-related risks such as maternal hypertension and infections are identified early on. Upgrading mothers’ hygiene and health awareness is equally crucial in reducing fetal deaths in low-resource settings
