In this study, the extraction of anthocyanin colorant from karanda fruit (Carissa carandas L.) was carried out and optimized with multiple single factor assays. Selected conditions for yield maximization consisted of ripen fruits with black-purple color, material size of thin slices (1.0–1.5 mm), solvent of EtOH 50%, material/ solvent ratio of 1:3, temperature of 50 °C, extraction time of 45 min, and two extraction cycles. The anthocyanin content in the extract was 277.2 mg/L, which is equivalent to 9.33 mg anthocyanin per gram of dry material. Aqueous solutions of the extract and dried extracts from Carissa carandas fruit were evaluated for stability at two temperature conditions, namely room temperature (30 ± 2 °C) and 45 °C. The temperature exerted great impact on color change, anthocyanin content and the degree of polymerization of anthocyanin. Aqueous solutions of extract with citric acid (3.0–5.0 g/L) were generally more color stable and less anthocyanin degradable than those without citric acid. In the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assay, The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the dried extract was 87.56 μg/mL, which was approximately 29 times higher than that of vitamin C. After 3-month storage at −18 °C, IC50 of the dried extract was 173.67 μg/mL.

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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may cause long-lasting adverse consequences after acute recovery, including functional limitations and reduced work capacity. Individuals with long-lasting complications of COVID-19 are known as long-haulers. There is a knowledge gap on how COVID-19 complications affect return-to-work (RTW) efforts. We aimed to describe the challenges that long-haulers encounter when RTW from the perspectives of rehabilitation professionals. In this study, four certified rehabilitation counselors and four rehabilitation physicians in outpatient rehabilitation centers participated in focus groups. Participants discussed challenges in working with long-haulers, including personal attributes, post-COVID-19 symptoms and complications, uncertain recovery and unpredictable outcomes, limited health care accessibility and support, and unsupportive work environments. Participants provide individualized services to meet long-haulers’ diverse needs as they do for all persons with disabilities, although they expressed uncertainty due to the variable disease course and risk of infection. Modifying workplace policies, especially gradual RTW, were frequently mentioned accommodations. The findings highlight the RTW issues of long-haulers. We provide recommendations on increasing awareness of the challenges and job accommodations of long-haulers.

Cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale) is considered as a by-product of the cashew processing industry. Efficient utilization of this material source contributes to valorization of cashew and reduces the burden of agricultural waste placed on the environment. This study investigated the effects of various blanching conditions on the total tannins, the ascorbic content and the phenolic contents of cashew apples. The three parameters including blanching temperature, blanching duration and salt concentration of the blanching solution were considered. It was found that optimal blanching conditions (heating at 70°C, NaCl concentration at 1% within 2 mins) resulted in cashew apples with vitamin C content and tannin retention rate of about 78.125% and 45% compared to those of the fresh samples, respectively. The cashew apple texture seemed to be insensitive to the heating process, however, the colors (mainly red gamuts of carotenoids) were lost during blanching.

We examined children in Da Nang, a dioxin contamination hotspot in Vietnam, twice at 5 and 8 years of age, and investigated sex- and age-dependent differences in the effects of dioxin exposure on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. We also studied autistic traits in children with ADHD symptoms. A total of 163 children participated in follow-up surveys at 5 and 8 years of age and were included in the present analysis. ADHD symptoms were assessed using an ADHD rating scale with inattention and hyperactivity-and-impulsivity (hyperactivity) subscales. Autistic behaviors were evaluated using the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS). Perinatal dioxin exposure was indicated by dioxin levels in maternal breast milk. In boys, hyperactivity scores were significantly higher in the high 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) group only at 5 years of age. In girls, hyperactivity scores at 8 years of age were significantly higher in the high TCDD group, which was significantly associated with those at 5 years of age. In girls, ASRS unusual behavior scores were significantly higher with higher TCDD exposure and hyperactivity scores at 8 years of age. These results suggest that high perinatal TCDD exposure may increase ADHD likelihood and autistic traits, particularly in girls of 7–8 years of age.