Browsing by Author "Brandt, Michael"

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    Mineral Properties and Dietary Value of Raw and Processed Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)
    Rutto, Laban K.; Xu, Yixiang; Ramirez, Elizabeth Maria; Brandt, Michael (Hindawi, 2013-05-16)
    Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) has a long history of usage and is currently receiving attention as a source of fiber and alternative medicine. In many cultures, nettle is also eaten as a leafy vegetable. In this study, we focused on nettle yield (edible portion) and processing effects on nutritive and dietary properties. Actively growing shoots were harvested from field plots and leaves separated from stems. Leaf portions (200 g) were washed and processed by blanching (1 min at 96–98°C) or cooking (7 min at 98-99°C) with or without salt (5 g·). Samples were cooled immediately after cooking and kept in frozen storage before analysis. Proximate composition, mineral, amino acid, and vitamin contents were determined, and nutritive value was estimated based on 100 g serving portions in a 2000 calorie diet. Results show that processed nettle can supply 90%–100% of vitamin A (including vitamin A as β-carotene) and is a good source of dietary calcium, iron, and protein. We recommend fresh or processed nettle as a high-protein, low-calorie source of essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins particularly in vegetarian, diabetic, or other specialized diets.
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    Polyethylene Glycol 20k. Does It Fluoresce?
    Laatsch, Bethany F.; Brandt, Michael; Finke, Brianna; Fossum, Carl J.; Wackett, Miles J.; Lowater, Harrison R.; Narkiewicz-Jodko, Alex; Le, Christine N.; Yang, Thao; Glogowski, Elizabeth M.; Bailey-Hartsel, Scott C.; Bhattacharyya, Sudeep; Hati, Sanchita (American Chemical Society, 2023-04)
    Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polyether compound commonly used in biological research and medicine because it is biologically inert. This simple polymer exists in variable chain lengths (and molecular weights). As they are devoid of any contiguous pi-system, PEGs are expected to lack fluorescence properties. However, recent studies suggested the occurrence of fluorescence properties in non-traditional fluorophores like PEGs. Herein, a thorough investigation has been conducted to explore if PEG 20k fluoresces. Results of this combined experimental and computational study suggested that although PEG 20k could exhibit "through-space" delocalization of lone pairs of electrons in aggregates/clusters, formed via intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, the actual contributor of fluorescence between 300 and 400 nm is the stabilizer molecule, i.e., 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole present in the commercially available PEG 20k. Therefore, the reported fluorescence properties of PEG should be taken with a grain of salt, warranting further investigation.