Approximately 50% of the original whole fruit mass, after citrus processing for juice, consist of the peel, membranes and seeds. Citrus residues consist mainly of insoluble fiber (celluloses) and a small proportion of soluble fiber (hemicelluloses and pectin). For this reason, citrus residues could be considered as a potential high fiber ingredient that is used for food industry. In this study, lemon residues were extruded to modify and increase their soluble fiber fraction. Surface response methodology with six central points and six axial points was used to evaluate the changes in dietary fiber fractions in lemon residues. The independent variables studied were extrusion temperature (from 59.77 to 110.63°C), moisture content of the sample (from 33.18 to 66.82%) and screw speed (from 3.18 to 36.82). The extrusion process increased the soluble fiber from 38.60% in unprocessed lemon residues to 40.00 to 50.01% in extruded samples. The highest content of soluble fiber was 50.00% when operating conditions were high in temperature (100°C), low in moisture content (40%) and low in screw speed (10 rpm). The results of this study indicate that extrusion is a process that has the capability to transform insoluble fiber to soluble fiber in lemon residues.
A breakthrough in peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy occurred in 1977 with the development of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Its simplicity, low cost, and ease with which CAPD could be performed on patients at home contributed to the popularity of this procedure. However, there is a need for continuous improvement in building optimal systems for incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. This research showed the design and construction of a simplified prototype of low-cost automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) equipment that meets international standards to automatically regulate infusion and fluid drainage in and out of a patient with low margins of error. Experimental tests allowed the adjustment of the RPM values concerning the flow rate provided. In addition, thanks to the pressure sensor, it was possible to observe a fluctuation ranging from 9 to 13 kPa, which is within the permissible average specified in the catalogs of medical instruments and equipment. Furthermore, a turbidity sensor was added to decrease the possibility of presenting peritonitis. The results showed absolute values of flow, angular velocity, and pressure that it could deliver for use in APD therapies. Finally, the construction of the APD equipment is presented generally, showing the electronic and mechanical components that constitute it.
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