Abstract: A tool assembly for use with an electrosurgical device for cutting tissue includes a base portion, a return lead, an electrical insulator, a center pin, and an active lead. The center pin extends from the base portion and through a lumen of the electrical insulator. The active lead is securely fixed to the base portion and extends between the base portion and a distal portion of the center pin such that a portion of the active lead extends around the distal portion of the center pin and first and second segments of the active lead are spaced apart from the return lead. Upon activation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted from the active lead through tissue to the return lead to cut tissue in contact with the active lead.

Abstract: A process of extracting procyanidins by alkaline hydrolysis. In particular, a procyanidin-containing material, pomace or residue is treated with an alkali, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, for a predetermined amount of time and at a predetermined temperature to release procyanidins bound to polysaccharides and/or proteins of the cell wall or depolymerize polymeric procyanidins. After the procyanidins are released by alkaline hydrolysis, the extracts are acidified to obtain a pH level where the procyanidins do not degrade. The process of extracting procyanidins may be utilized to estimate the total amount of bound procyanidins in a plant material, enhance the bioavailability of beneficial procyanidins monomers and/or to treat the residue remaining after conventional solvent extraction for increased procyanidin extraction.

Abstract: A process of extracting procyanidins by alkaline hydrolysis. In particular, a procyanidin-containing material, pomace or residue is treated with an alkali, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, for a predetermined amount of time and at a predetermined temperature to release procyanidins bound to polysaccharides and/or proteins of the cell wall or depolymerize polymeric procyanidins. After the procyanidins are released by alkaline hydrolysis, the extracts are acidified to obtain a pH level where the procyanidins do not degrade. The process of extracting procyanidins may be utilized to estimate the total amount of bound procyanidins in a plant material, enhance the bioavailability of beneficial procyanidins monomers and/or to treat the residue remaining after conventional solvent extraction for increased procyanidin extraction.