bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of essential oils in chitosan or cellulose‐based materials for the production of active food packaging solutions: a review
Authors: Casalini Sara , Giacinti Baschetti Marco
Published: April 2022

In recent decades, interest in sustainable food packaging systems with additional functionality, able to increase the shelf life of products, has grown steadily. Following this trend, the present review analyzes the state of the art of this active renewable packaging. The focus is on antimicrobial systems containing nanocellulose and chitosan, as support for the incorporation of essential oils. These are the most sustainable and readily available options to produce completely natural active packaging materials. After a brief overview of the different active packaging technologies, the main features of nanocellulose, chitosan, and of the different essential oils used in the field of active packaging are introduced and described. The latest findings about the nanocellulose‐ and chitosan‐based active packaging are then presented. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the different solutions is discussed, focusing on their effect on other material properties. The effect of the different inclusion strategies is also reviewed considering both in vivo and in vitro studies, in an attempt to understand more promising solutions and possible pathways for further development. In general, essential oils are very successful in exerting antimicrobial effects against the most diffused gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, and affecting other material properties (tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate) positively. Due to the wide variety of biopolymer matrices and essential oils available, it is difficult to create general guidelines for the development of active packaging systems. However, more attention should be dedicated to sensory analysis, release kinetics, and synergetic action of different essential oils to optimize the active packaging on different food products. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of microencapsulation in dairy matrix on the quality characteristics and bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid astaxanthin
Authors: Gao Qun , Qiao Xing , Yang Lu , Cao Yunrui , Li Zhaojie , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Compared with free astaxanthin (Asta), docosahexaenoic acid astaxanthin monoester (Asta‐C22:6) has higher stability and bioavailability. However, Asta‐E is still unable to be used in the water system. Hence it is necessary to build a water‐soluble delivery system. In this study, Asta‐C22:6 microemulsion and microcapsule using whey protein isolate (WPI) and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβ‐CD) as composite wall material were prepared. They were added to three dairy products (milk powder, yogurt and flavored dairy product). A dairy product rich in Asta‐C22:6 with high bioavailability was designed by measuring quality characteristics, sensory evaluation and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

Compared with spray drying, the freeze‐drying microcapsule had a higher encapsulation efficiency (72.5%), water content (4%) and better solubility, and Asta‐C22:6 microcapsule (1 g L−1) yogurt had the best quality. The bioavailability of Asta‐C22:6 microcapsule yogurt was further evaluated. After a single oral dose in mice, the bioavailability of Asta‐C22:6 microcapsule in yogurt was significantly increased (Cmax = 0.31 μg mL−1, AUC0–T = 3.20 h μg mL−1).

CONCLUSION

We successfully prepared Asta‐C22:6 microcapsule yogurt, which improved the stability and bioavailability of Asta. The present research is meaningful for delivering unstable bioactive small molecules based on WPI and HPβ‐CD. It provides an experimental basis for the application of Asta‐C22:6 and the development of functional dairy products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rheology of dispersions and emulsions composed of chia mucilage and the application of chia in food
Authors: Garcia e Silva Larissa Lara , da Silva César Augusto Sodré , Santana Rejane de Castro
Published: April 2022

Chia mucilage (CM) is an emerging resource in food applications. However, the mechanism of this biopolymer as a stabilizer/emulsifier ingredient has not yet been well defined. A non‐uniform viscoelastic tridimensional network was observed on emulsions with CM, while the surface activity of the CM ingredient has been associated with its protein content. To understand its functionality in food, this review focused on discussing and summarizing the rheological properties of dispersions and emulsions composed of CM under different conditions, such as pH, temperature, salt content, and mucilage content. For example, emulsions and dispersions with CM showed pseudoplastic behavior. An increase in the CM concentration increased the viscosity and the consistency index and decreased the behavior index. The consistency index of dispersions with CM increased with pH. The future evaluation of emulsions and dispersions properties, such as viscoelastic properties and microstructure, is particularly important for the successful use of CM in the food industry. The principal studies have evaluated the use of CM in dairy and meat systems as an emulsifier, stabilizer, or lipid replacer. The nutritional quality of the products with CM was maintained or improved, but sometimes an undesirable darkening was observed. Future evaluation of the cold extraction method of CM might improve the color and overall sensory acceptability of food products with CM. Integrated chia seed processing, including mucilage, oil, and protein extraction could be carried out to make chia seed industrial processing viable. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The self‐assembled zein hydrolysate–curcumin nanocomplex: improvement on the stability and sustainable release of curcumin
Authors: Lei Lei , Liang Xiang‐yao , Su Chun‐ru , Nag Anindya , Yang Xin‐quan , Yuan Yang
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The bioavailability of curcumin (Cur) is generally limited by its poor stability. However, it is beneficial to improve the stability of Cur by using self‐assembled zein hydrolysate (ZH) as delivery carrier. This paper aimed to explore the formation mechanism of zein hydrolysate–curcumin nanocomplexes as a function of critical micelle concentration (CMC).

RESULTS

In this work, The CMC of ZH (0.535 mg mL−1) was obtained by the pyrene fluorescent probe method. ZH–Cur nanocomplexes undergo hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, and the fluorescence quenching effect was concentration dependent with the process of static quenching. Moreover, the differences of colloidal properties on ZH and ZH–Cur nanocomplexes were systematically compared by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy near CMC. ZH presented irregular spherical shapes and would aggregate to form micelles at the CMC and above. The tight micellar structure promoted more uniform size distribution (double peaks reduced) and higher potentials (over −30 mV) within 10 days. In addition, the nanocomplexes demonstrated an obvious core–shell structure. Within 10 days of storage, the particle size distributions were uniform and the potentials increased significantly, indicating that the micellar nanostructure made the Cur stably embedded in the hydrophobic core of ZH. Finally, ZH–Cur nanocomplexes effectively improved the water solubility and encapsulation rate (over 70%) of Cur. Moreover, over 90% of Cur was released steadily within 91 h.

CONCLUSION

This work provided a theoretical basis for the application of amphiphilic peptide micellar nanostructure as novel food‐grade nanocarriers to transport hydrophobic bioactive substances. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cholecalciferol‐ and α‐tocopherol‐loaded walnut oil emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate and soy lecithin for food applications
Authors: Kim Yun Jeong , Lee In Young , Kim Tae‐Eun , Lee Jae Hoon , Chun Yong Gi , Kim Bum‐Keun , Lee Min Hyeock
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

To overcome the limitations in the use of protein as an emulsifier, soy lecithin, a natural surfactant, was used along with whey protein isolate (WPI) to produce o/w emulsions containing cholecalciferol and α‐tocopherol. The physical stability of the emulsions prepared with WPI and varying concentrations of lecithin (0, 1, 2, and 3% w/w) was measured in different heat, pH, and ionic‐strength food environmental conditions.

RESULTS

All emulsions were shown to be less than 250 nm in size and less than 0.3 in polydispersity index (PDI). The morphology of the emulsions was spherical, and the droplets of the emulsion containing lecithin were thicker and larger than those of the emulsion without lecithin (WPI_L0). After autoclaving, WPI_L0 increased in size from 197.8 ± 1.7 nm to 528.5 ± 28.4 nm, and the retention of cholecalciferol and α‐tocopherol decreased to 40.83 ± 0.63% and 49.68 ± 1.84%, respectively. At pH 5.5, near the isoelectric point of WPI, WPI_L0 increased in size due to aggregation, but emulsions containing lecithin remained stable at a PDI under 0.3. Turbiscan stability index of the emulsion prepared with WPI and 3% lecithin was the lowest, indicating good storage stability. In addition, it was confirmed that the higher the lecithin content, the higher the viscosity, and the higher the amount of free fatty acids released in the in vitro digestion model.

CONCLUSION

This study can provide theoretical evidence for enhancing the physical stability of protein emulsions by co‐stabilization with lecithin, promoting their application in various foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Isolation of three glucaric acids from Leonurus japonicus Houtt. by using high‐speed countercurrent chromatography combined with semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Li Yujie , Jia Qiangqiang , Zhang Min , Kang Lu , Li Zihan , Liu Yu , Zhang Hongyang , Hu Ping
Published: April 2022

The isomerism of glucaric acids and the complexity of the composition of Leonurus japonicus Houtt. increased the difficulty of the separation of glucaric acids from the herb. In the present study, three glucaric acids were isolated from Leonurus japonicus Houtt. by using high‐speed countercurrent chromatography combined with semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography. Cation exchange resin chromatography was applied to remove the alkaloids and enrich the glucaric acid fractions. Preliminary separation of the glucaric acid extract by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was carried out at 45℃ by using an optimized solvent system of ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/formic acid/water (1:1:0.01:2, v/v/v/v) with satisfied stationary phase retention and separation factor. The semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography was used for further separation and purification of the target fractions, and three monomeric compounds were obtained with purities of 90.0, 91.0, and 95.3%. UV spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry were employed to identify their structures, which were assigned as 2‐syringyl glucaric acid, 2,4‐disyringyl glucaric acid, and 3,4‐disyringyl glucaric acid, respectively, and 2,4‐disyringyl glucaric acid was reported for the first time.
A full‐scale tracing study of “ghost peaks” encountered in impurity analysis of budesonide based on experimental operation inspection‐liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry fingerprint‐mechanism based stress studies integrated strategy
Authors: Zhang Li , Hu Qing , Wang Jie , Zhang Huamin , Han Jiangbin
Published: April 2022

Budesonide is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in various dosage forms of finished products for the treatment of asthma. During the process of drug development, unbiased analysis of related substances is of utmost significance for both pharmaceutical research and quality control purposes. In this work, the official method documented in the United States Pharmacopoeia was selected to determine the related substances of budesonide considering the pros and cons of critical chromatographic parameters, compared to the European Pharmacopoeia. In doing so, several unpredictable interference peaks, namely “ghost peaks”, were observed occasionally during analysis. A strategy that integrated information derived from experimental operation inspection, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry fingerprint analysis, and mechanism‐based stress studies was then proposed for comprehensively and quickly exploring those non‐degradable and degradable peaks. Some ghost peaks were found to originate from nylon syringe filter, illumination, and alkali borosilicate glass high‐performance liquid chromatography vials. Besides, degradation pathways under alkaline conditions were also unraveled through liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry qualitative analysis. Overall, an optimization of the analytical methodology based on the United States Pharmacopoeia for its application in impurity analysis of budesonide and corresponding formulations was carried out with the design of experiments, by which “ghost peaks” could be suppressed or prevented. The results obtained herein are not only crucial to studies on budesonide's stability or degradation kinetics but also contribute to clarifying the impurity research of other drugs.
Simultaneous analysis of six inorganic anions in urine by double‐suppress ion‐exchange chromatography
Authors: Gong Ruomei , Luo Zhi , Wang Ying , Shen Mei
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed to establish a simple, rapid, and accurate ion chromatography approach for the simultaneous detection of six inorganic anions in urine. Various performance parameters affecting the determination of anions were optimized, including the selection of sample protein precipitation agent, eluent, and flow rate. The final eluent was 3.6 mmol/L sodium carbonate and 12% isopropanol with a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. Acetonitrile was used for pretreatment to precipitate proteins, and the volume ratio of urine to acetonitrile was 1:4. The correlation coefficient of the target anion calibration curve ranged from 0.9973 to 0.9999. The limit of detection ranged from 1.50 to 12.0 μg/L, and the method detection limit ranged from 15.0 to 120 μg/L. The standard recovery rate for low, medium, and high concentrations ranged from 90 to 110%. The inter‐day and intra‐day relative standard deviations were <5%. The method has high accuracy and good reproducibility and is suitable for the separation and determination of anions in urine.
Fetal Micro and Macroglossia
Authors: Koren Natalie , Shust‐Barequet Shir , Weissbach Tal , Raviv Oshrat , Abu Snenh Samar , Abraham Efrat , Cahan Tal , Eisenberg Vered , Yulzari Vered , Hadi Efrat , Adamo Laura , Mazaki Tovi Shali , Achiron Reuven , Kivilevitch Zvi , Weisz Boaz , Kassif Eran
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Abnormal fetal tongue size is a phenotypic feature of various syndromes including Beckwith‐Wiedemann, Pierre‐Robin, oromandibular limb hypoplasia, chromosomal aberrations, etc. Current data regarding normal fetal tongue size are limited. Hence, micro/macroglossia are subjectively determined. The aim of the study was to construct a contemporary fetal tongue nomogram and to assess its clinical contribution.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was performed in well dated, low risk, singleton pregnancies. Fetal tongues were measured by 5 trained sonographers. Highest quality images were selected. Intra‐ and interobserver variability was assessed. Tongue length, width, area, and circumference 1st to 99th centiles were calculated for each gestational week. Based on the normal tongue size charts, we created a Tongue Centile Calculator.

Results

Over 18 months, 664 tongue measurements were performed. A cubic polynomial regression model best described the correlation between tongue size and gestational age. The correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.934, 0.932, 0.925, and 0.953 for tongue length, width, area, and circumference, respectively (P < .001). Intra‐ and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.9). Using the new charts, we were able to identify 2 cases of macroglossia, subsequently diagnosed with Beckwith‐Wiedemann, and 4 cases of microglossia, 3 associated with Pierre‐Robin sequence, and 1 associated with persistent buccopharyngeal membrane.

Conclusions

We present novel fetal tongue size charts from 13 to 40 weeks of gestation. Clinical application of these nomograms may be beneficial in the prenatal diagnosis of syndromes or malformations associated with abnormal fetal tongue size.
Long noncoding RNA ANRIL up‐regulates CCND1 via sponging miR‐98‐5p to promote TGF‐β1‐induced human airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition
Authors: Zhong Zhao‐Gang , Dong Chun‐Ping , Guo Xi‐Hong , Chen Jing , Zhu Li‐Ping , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2022

Excessive proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to take part in asthma pathogenesis. This study is targeted at deciphering the role of the lncRNA antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) in ASMC proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. qRT‐PCR was performed to determine ANRIL, miR‐98‐5p, and cyclin D1 (CCND1) mRNA expression levels in transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐treated ASMCs. CCK‐8 and Transwell assays were employed to examine ASMC proliferation and migration, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were carried out for analyzing the targeted relationship of miR‐98‐5p with ANRIL or CCND1 mRNA 3′‐UTR. The levels of CCND1 and ECM proteins (such as fibronectin, COL3A1, and COL1A2) in ASMCs were detected through Western blot. In this work, we found that ANRIL and CCND1 were up‐regulated in TGF‐β1‐treated ASMCs, whereas miR‐98‐5p was down‐regulated. ANRIL overexpression facilitated the proliferation, ECM deposition and migration of TGF‐β1‐induced ASMCs, while knocking down ANRIL had the opposite effect. Furthermore, ANRIL targeted miR‐98‐5p directly, and CCND1 was miR‐98‐5p's downstream target. ANRIL indirectly increased CCND1 expression in ASMCs via competitively binding to miR‐98‐5p. MiR‐98‐5p inhibition or CCND1 overexpression counteracted the inhibiting effect that ANRIL knockdown had on TGF‐β1‐stimulated ASMC proliferation, migration and ECM deposition. In conclusion, ANRIL indirectly up‐regulates CCND1 expression by targeting miR‐98‐5p to promote ASMC proliferation, migration and ECM deposition, thus facilitating the pathogenesis of asthma.
Evaluation of the impact of the Gully Land Consolidation Project on runoff under extreme rainfall
Authors: Long Shaobo , Gao Jianen , Shao Hui , Kang Youcai , Gao Zhe , Guo Zihao , Zhang Xingchen , Wang Lu
Published: April 2022

Extreme rainfall is an important driver of soil erosion and land damage. The Gully Land Consolidation program (GLCP) was first launched in 2011 as a major land reclamation practice to increase farmland in the Loess Plateau of China. Studying the impact of artificial projects on hydrology can help humans to respond to the various water issues, but the assessment of the effects of the GLCP on extreme rainfall‐induced water runoff at watershed scale is currently lacking. Our study used the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) to evaluate the influence of the GLCP at different locations and areas on water runoff under extreme rainfall events in the Yanhe watershed. Results showed that: (1) the GLCP can improve the interception of surface runoff, with interception efficiency in downstream of the watershed approximately twice that at midstream and entire watershed as well as seven‐times that at the upstream; (2) when GLCP measures are evenly distributed in a watershed, as the area of GLCP increases from 76.40 km2 (1% of watershed area) to 382.01 km2 (5%), the interception of surface runoff increases by 0.77 mm; (3) and the GLCP can increase soil infiltration and groundwater recharge. This research is expected to provide insights into the optimized layout of the GLCP at watershed scale. Correspondingly, policymakers can refer to this information in developing policies on the sustainable use of land.
Comparative soil restoration potential of exotic and native woody plantations on coal mine spoil in a dry tropical environment of India: A case‐study
Authors: Singh Anand Narain , Kumar Abhishek
Published: April 2022

Overburden excavated during opencast mining has poor soil properties due to non‐salvage and inversion of soil profiles. The soil properties of such overburden are often improved by biological reclamation techniques such as planting suitable plant species; however, the performance of species varies from site‐to‐site. Therefore, this article aims to evaluate the effects of woody plantations on coal mine spoil's physicochemical and biological properties. We synthesised the available data from previous studies conducted on 5‐year‐old plantations in the Singrauli Coalfields of India. These plantations have monocultures of eight species, in which four were exotic (Acacia auriculiformis, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cassia siamea and Grevillea pteridifolia) and four were native species (Albizia lebbeck, Albizia procera, Dendrocalamus strictus and Tectona grandis). We compared the soil properties under exotic and native species plantations to evaluate the effect of species and origin. The Wilcoxon's test showed that the clay content (p = 0.000), ammonium‐nitrogen (p = 0.002), phosphate‐phosphorus (p = 0.000) and microbial biomass nutrients (C, N and P; p = 0.000) were significantly higher under native plantations than the exotic plantations. Further, we observed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.86, p < 0.001) between soil organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon for native species. We also found that microbial biomass nutrients are negatively associated with nitrification rates and positively associated with nitrogen mineralisation rates. Overall, our study suggested that exotic species plantations are not as effective as native species in mine spoil rehabilitation. Thus, native species plantations should be promoted while restoring degraded coal mine habitats in a dry tropical environment.
Species‐specific biomass estimation from gene copy number in metazoan plankton
Authors: Jungbluth Michelle J. , Hanson Katharine M. , Lenz Petra H. , Robinson H. Eve , Goetze Erica
Published: April 2022

Despite the importance of early life‐history stages to ecosystem processes, challenges in the identification of the larval stages of species continue to slow progress in understanding the dynamics of marine ecosystems. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction‐based method was developed and tested for estimating the species‐specific biomass of juvenile copepods through targeted measurements of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene copies in size‐fractionated, mixed‐species plankton samples. The assays are species‐specific, amplifying a single product in the presence of focal‐species DNA at levels as low as 2 pg total DNA, and in mixed‐species samples where the focal species represented <1% of total DNA. Tests comparing mtCOI copy number to measurements of biomass across developmental stages found a robust linear relationship across a five order of magnitude range in animal biomass and DNA copy number (r2 = 0.998). These results demonstrate that quantification of DNA copy number can be used to obtain estimates of species‐specific biomass for metazoan plankton, which could transform population and community dynamics studies that include early life history stages.
Graphene‐Based Hydrogel Strain Sensors with Excellent Breathability for Motion Detection and Communication
Authors: Liu Xingchi , Huang Zepeng , Ye Changqing , Luo Zewei , Chen Lei , Yao Xingye , Liang Fang , Yang Tao , Bi Hengchang , Wang Chaolun , Cai Chunhua , Lyu Liangjian , Wu Xing
Published: April 2022

Hydrogels are considered as promising materials in developing next‐generation wearable sensors due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and low Young's modulus. However, there are few reports on their breathability which is very important for wear comfortability of wearable sensors. Here graphene‐based hydrogel is presented with regular pores using microneedles as templates endowing them with excellent breathability (water vapor transmitting rate 2.8 kg d–1 m–2), which is near ten times that of human skin (water vapor transmitting rate less than 0.3 kg d–1 m–2). A high‐performance strain sensor based on this breathable hydrogel is developed. This sensor not only possesses high sensitivity but also has an excellent linearity with strain ranging from 0% to 110%. Based on these performances, this sensor can be applied in monitoring various joint movements and muscle movements. Moreover, it can achieve barrier‐free communication through Morse code.
Shaping Block Copolymer Microparticles by Positively Charged Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Ren Min , Zhang Yuping , Hou Zaiyan , Liu Simeng , Zhang Lianbin , Xu Jiangping , Zhu Jintao
Published: April 2022

Shape‐transforming block copolymer (BCP) microparticles have attracted extensive attention due to their promising applications in nanotechnology, biomedicines, interfacial science, and other fields. As their performance is highly associated to their shape and structure, it is very important to realize the precise control of particle shape. In this report, a method is proposed to regulate the shape and structure of polystyrene‐b‐polydimethoxysiloxane (PS‐b‐PDMS) microparticles by using positively charged core‐crosslinked nanoparticles (CNPs) as a cosurfactant, combining with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The electrostatic repulsive interactions between CNPs and CTAB dominate the shape of PS‐b‐PDMS particles. Upon introducing NaCl, the electrostatic repulsion is reduced, resulting in the reshape of PS‐b‐PDMS particles from striped Janus ellipsoids to onion‐like microspheres at a critical concentration of NaCl (cNaCl). Interestingly, it is found that the critical cNaCl first increases then reaches a plateau, with the increase in the crosslinking degree of the CNPs. The work provides a simple strategy to tailor the morphology of BCPs by manipulating the electrostatic interaction.
Prosaccade and Antisaccade Behavior in Fragile X‐Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome Progression
Authors: McLennan Yingratana A. , Mosconi Matthew W. , McKenzie Forrest J. , Famula Jessica , Krawchuk Bennet , Kim Kyoungmi , Clark Courtney J. , Hessl David , Rivera Susan M. , Simon Tony J. , Tassone Flora , Hagerman Randi J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Quantitative measurement of eye movements can reveal subtle progression in neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective

To determine if quantitative measurements of eye movements may reveal subtle progression of fragile X‐associated tremor and ataxia (FXTAS).

Methods

Prosaccade (PS) and antisaccade (AS) behavior was analyzed in 25 controls, 57 non‐FXTAS carriers, and 46 carriers with FXTAS.

Results

Symptomatic individuals with FXTAS had longer AS latencies, increased rates of AS errors, and increased AS dysmetria relative to non‐FXTAS carriers and controls. These deficits, along with PS latency and velocity, were greater in advanced FXTAS stages.

Conclusion

AS deficits differentiated FXTAS from non‐FXTAS premutation carriers implicating top‐down control and frontostriatal deterioration. However, the absence of group differences between non‐FXTAS carriers and controls in AS and PS markers suggests saccade performance may not be a sensitive enough measure for detecting conversion to FXTAS, but instead more helpful as translational biomarkers of FXTAS progression.
The Phenomenology of Primary Orthostatic Tremor
Authors: Swinnen Bart E.K.S. , de Waal Hanneke , Buijink Arthur W.G. , de Bie Rob M.A. , van Rootselaar Anne‐Fleur
Published: April 2022

Background

The presence and prevalence of several neurological signs in patients with primary orthostatic tremor have not been systematically studied.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of clinical features of primary orthostatic tremor.

Methods

Video‐based assessment by four raters of standardized neurological examination of 11 patients with primary orthostatic tremor.

Results

On standing, bent knees (7/11), hem sign (6/10), and a broad base of support (6/11) were the three most prevalent signs. Examination of gait revealed abnormal tandem gait (9/11) and bent knees (6/11) as the most prevalent clinical signs. In the arms, none of the patients displayed bradykinesia, ataxia, or dystonia. In the legs, ataxia was absent in all patients and bradykinesia was present in only one patient.

Conclusions

Abnormal tandem gait, bent knees, hem sign, and broad base on standing are the most prevalent clinical signs in primary orthostatic tremor. We did not encounter clear extrapyramidal or unequivocal cerebellar signs.
Microcornea, iris and choroidal coloboma, and global developmental delay caused by TENM3 pathogenic variants in a Chinese patient
Authors: Zhou Youfeng , Xu Ke , Gu Weiyue , Huang Yan
Published: April 2022

Background

Biallelic TENM3 pathogenic variants cause isolated or syndromic microphthalmia. Syndromic microphthalmia 15 (MCOPS15) is characterized by microphthalmia, coloboma, and developmental delay. Currently, only four cases of MCOPS15 have been reported and the clinical features varied among the patients indicating potential broad phenotypic spectrum.

Methods

The present case was a 6‐month‐old male at diagnosis. The patient exhibited long philtrum, large ears, bilateral ptosis, and nystagmus. Ophthalmic tests showed that he had microcornea, iris and choroidal coloboma. The patient presented with global developmental delay (GDD). Trio‐whole exome sequencing and genome copy number sequencing were conducted to explore the disease‐causing mutations.

Results

Exome sequencing and genome copy number sequencing showed the presence of L1471F and E661G compound mutations in TENM3, which were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. Sanger sequencing was conducted to verify association of the mutations with the disease in the present family.

Conclusion

Two TENM3 variants were identified in a patient with Syndromic microphthalmia 15 in the present study. However, further studies should be conducted to explore the pathogenicity of the variants.
A novel use of time separation technique to improve flat detector CT perfusion imaging in stroke patients
Authors: Kulvait Vojtěch , Hoelter Philip , Frysch Robert , Haseljić Hana , Doerfler Arnd , Rose Georg
Published: April 2022

Background

CT perfusion imaging (CTP) is used in the diagnostic workup of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). CTP may be performed within the angio suite using flat detector CT (FDCT) to help reduce patient management time.

Purpose

In order to significantly improve FDCT perfusion (FDCTP) imaging, data‐processing algorithms need to be able to compensate for the higher levels of noise, slow rotation speed, and a lower frame rate of current FDCT devices.

Methods

We performed a realistic simulation of FDCTP acquisition based on CTP data from seven subjects. We used the time separation technique (TST) as a model‐based approach for FDCTP data processing. We propose a novel dimension reduction in which we approximate the time attenuation curves by a linear combination of trigonometric functions. Our goal was to show that the TST can be used even without prior assumptions on the shape of the attenuation profiles.

Results

We first demonstrated that a trigonometric basis is suitable for dimension reduction of perfusion data. Using simulated FDCTP data, we have shown that a trigonometric basis in the TST provided better results than the classical straightforward processing even with additional noise. Average correlation coefficients of perfusion maps were improved for cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume, mean transit time (MTT) maps. In a moderate noise scenario, the average Pearson's coefficient for the CBF map was improved using the TST from 0.76 to 0.81. For the MTT map, it was improved from 0.37 to 0.45. Furthermore, we achieved a total processing time from the reconstruction of FDCTP data to the generation of perfusion maps of under 5 min.

Conclusions

In our study cohort, perfusion maps created from FDCTP data using the TST with a trigonometric basis showed equivalent perfusion deficits to classic CT perfusion maps. It follows, that this novel FDCTP technique has potential to provide fast and accurate FDCTP imaging for AIS patients.
Comparative accuracy and resolution assessment of two prototype proton computed tomography scanners
Authors: Dedes George , Drosten Hubertus , Götz Stefanie , Dickmann Jannis , Sarosiek Christina , Pankuch Mark , Krah Nils , Rit Simon , Bashkirov Vladimir , Schulte Reinhard W. , Johnson Robert P. , Parodi Katia , DeJongh Ethan , Landry Guillaume
Published: April 2022

Background

Improving the accuracy of relative stopping power (RSP) in proton therapy may allow reducing range margins. Proton computed tomography (pCT) has been shown to provide state‐of‐the‐art RSP accuracy estimation, and various scanner prototypes have recently been built. The different approaches used in scanner design are expected to impact spatial resolution and RSP accuracy.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to perform the first direct comparison, in terms of spatial resolution and RSP accuracy, of two pCT prototype scanners installed at the same facility and by using the same image reconstruction algorithm.

Methods

A phantom containing cylindrical inserts of known RSP was scanned at the phase‐II pCT prototype of the U.S. pCT collaboration and at the commercially oriented ProtonVDA scanner. Following distance‐driven binning filtered backprojection reconstruction, the radial edge spread function of high‐density inserts was used to estimate the spatial resolution. RSP accuracy was evaluated by the mean absolute percent error (MAPE) over the inserts. No direct imaging dose estimation was possible, which prevented a comparison of the two scanners in terms of RSP noise.

Results

In terms of RSP accuracy, both scanners achieved the same MAPE of 0.72% when excluding the porous sinus insert from the evaluation. The ProtonVDA scanner reached a better overall MAPE when all inserts and the body of the phantom were accounted for (0.81%), compared to the phase‐II scanner (1.14%). The spatial resolution with the phase‐II scanner was found to be 0.61 lp/mm, while for the ProtonVDA scanner somewhat lower at 0.46 lp/mm.

Conclusions

The comparison between two prototype pCT scanners operated in the same clinical facility showed that they both fulfill the requirement of an RSP accuracy of about 1%. Their spatial resolution performance reflects the different design choices of either a scanner with full tracking capabilities (phase‐II) or of a more compact tracker system, which only provides the positions of protons but not their directions (ProtonVDA).
Image guidance for FLASH radiotherapy
Authors: El Naqa Issam , Pogue Brian W. , Zhang Rongxiao , Oraiqat Ibrahim , Parodi Katia
Published: April 2022

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT) is an emerging ultra‐high dose (>40 Gy/s) delivery that promises to improve the therapeutic potential by limiting toxicities compared to conventional RT while maintaining similar tumor eradication efficacy. Image guidance is an essential component of modern RT that should be harnessed to meet the special emerging needs of FLASH‐RT and its associated high risks in planning and delivering of such ultra‐high doses in short period of times. Hence, this contribution will elaborate on the imaging requirements and possible solutions in the entire chain of FLASH‐RT treatment, from the planning, through the setup and delivery with online in vivo imaging and dosimetry, up to the assessment of biological mechanisms and treatment response. In patient setup and delivery, higher temporal sampling than in conventional RT should ensure that the short treatment is delivered precisely to the targeted region. Additionally, conventional imaging tools such as cone‐beam computed tomography will continue to play an important role in improving patient setup prior to delivery, while techniques based on magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography may be extremely valuable for either linear accelerator (Linac) or particle FLASH therapy, to monitor and track anatomical changes during delivery. In either planning or assessing outcomes, quantitative functional imaging could supplement conventional imaging for more accurate utilization of the biological window of the FLASH effect, selecting for or verifying things such as tissue oxygen and existing or transient hypoxia on the relevant timescales of FLASH‐RT delivery. Perhaps most importantly at this time, these tools might help improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms of FLASH‐RT response in tumor and normal tissues. The high dose deposition of FLASH provides an opportunity to utilize pulse‐to‐pulse imaging tools such as Cherenkov or radiation acoustic emission imaging. These could provide individual pulse mapping or assessing the 3D dose delivery superficially or at tissue depth, respectively. In summary, the most promising components of modern RT should be used for safer application of FLASH‐RT, and new promising developments could be advanced to cope with its novel demands but also exploit new opportunities in connection with the unique nature of pulsed delivery at unprecedented dose rates, opening a new era of biological image guidance and ultrafast, pulse‐based in vivo dosimetry.
Optimal placement for needle electromyography of the supinator muscle: Cadaveric studies
Authors: Park Hong Bum , Im Jin Young , Kim Dasom , Kim Ki Hoon , Kim Nack Hwan , Rhyu Im Joo , Kim Dong Hwee
Published: April 2022

Introduction/Aims

The existing methods for needle electromyography are confusing as to which is the safest and most effective. Our aim was to identify the optimal and safest needle electromyographic insertion site in the supinator muscle.

Methods

We performed a two‐step cadaveric dissection of the supinator muscle and related neurovascular structures. The study was performed using 18 upper limbs of 9 fresh adult cadavers (step 1) and 14 upper limbs of 7 fresh adult cadavers (step 2). In step 1, an imaginary line connecting the radial head (RH) and midpoint of the dorsal wrist (RW line) was drawn, and the distance from the RH to the point where the RW line and posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) intersect (L_CROSS) was measured on the RW line. In step 2, the needle was inserted 30 mm distal to the RH according to the results of step 1. After injection with India ink, dissection was performed to measure the distance between the needle insertion site and PIN (L_CROSS_Inj) on the RW line.

Results

The median L_CROSS was 51.4 (35.5‐65.6) mm. Needle insertion spared the PIN in all cases during step 2, and the needle was inserted into the supinator muscle in all cases. The median L_CROSS_Inj was 27.4 (13.2‐39.8) mm.

Discussion

A safe and accurate needle insertion site for the supinator muscle is approximately 30 to 40 mm distal to the RH along the RW line.
Implications of median sensory study to the thumb and deltoid/biceps motor unit recruitment on identifying C6 root avulsion in upper neonatal brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Hearn Sandra L. , Pieper Joel R. , Yang Lynda J.‐S. , Chang Kate W.‐C. , Kratz Anna L.
Published: April 2022

Introduction/Aims

Anatomic representation suggests that a median sensory nerve conduction study recording the thumb (median D1 NCS) may effectively assess upper neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). We sought to determine the feasibility of technique, establish reference data, and assess its ability to: (a) identify focal upper plexus lesions; and (b) identify C6 root avulsion. In a secondary analysis, we explored the association between absence/presence of motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) during needle electromyography (EMG) of the deltoid and biceps brachii muscles and C6 avulsion status.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of surgical patients with severe upper NBPP who ultimately underwent surgical reconstruction (between 2017 and 2020). Median D1 sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude ranges were determined in affected and contralateral limbs and analyzed by C6 root avulsion status. Also, presence/absence of MUAPs during EMG of the deltoid and biceps brachii was compared between C6 avulsion patients and controls.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were included in our analysis. A median D1 NCS study was readily performed, showing a contralateral limb mean amplitude of 27.42 μV (range, 3.8‐54.7 μV). Most patients had a low ipsilateral median D1 SNAP amplitude, regardless of C6 avulsion status. Detectable MUAPs in either deltoid or biceps brachii on EMG were atypical in C6 root avulsion.

Discussion

The median D1 NCS identifies upper NBPP, but does not distinguish C6 avulsions from post‐ganglionic lesions, likely due to the frequent co‐occurrence of post‐ganglionic axonal disruption. The presence of MUAPs on deltoid/biceps brachii EMG suggests C6 avulsion is unlikely.
Coordination of manufacturing and engineering activities during product transitions
Authors: Bansal Ankit , Özaltın Osman Y. , Uzsoy Reha , Kempf Karl G.
Published: April 2022

Product transitions involve the replacement of products currently being produced and distributed by a firm with new products throughout the firm's supply chain. In high technology industries effective management of product transitions is crucial to long‐term success, and involves the coordination of multiple product development units and a manufacturing unit by a product division serving a particular market. Since the different units are organizationally autonomous, and the product division does not have access to their detailed technological constraints and internal operating policies, a decentralized solution is required. We develop a price‐based coordination framework using the subadditive dual of a mixed‐integer linear program that seeks to maximize the number of units whose proposed plans are included in the final solution. The proposed approach yields superior solutions to a linear‐programming‐based branch‐and‐price approach within the same computing budget. We discuss the broader applicability of this integer column generation approach, and suggest directions for future work.
A robust, interpolation‐free and monotone finite volume scheme for diffusion equations on arbitrary quadrilateral meshes
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Pan Kejia , Li Jin , Yu Yunlong , Yuan Guangwei , Ren Zhengyong
Published: April 2022

A novel monotone finite volume (FV) scheme on arbitrary quadrilateral meshes, such as extremely distorted meshes with concave, twisted, or even negative volume cells, is proposed to solve diffusion equations with discontinuous tensor coefficients. The first advantage of our scheme is that no auxiliary unknown is needed thus the efficiency and accuracy are improved. The second advantage is that the convex decomposition of the conormal vector relies only on the locations of cell centers and reduces geometric restrictions on cell shapes to preserve positivity. The difficulties of constructing discrete normal fluxes across the material interface are overcome by introducing primary unknowns on the opposite side of the interface into the discrete stencil with some virtual adjustments on their positions, based on the continuity of normal flux and tangent gradients. Numerical tests demonstrate that our new scheme is second‐order accurate, unconditionally monotone, and comparisons with some existing methods in terms of efficiency and accuracy are also given.
Influence of preheating temperature and printing speed on interlaminar shear performance of laser‐assisted additive manufacturing for CCF/PEEK composites
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Shan Zhongde , Yang Xujing , Fan Congze , Song Yaxing
Published: April 2022

Continuous carbon fiber reinforced poly‐ether–ether–ketone (CCF/PEEK) shows great potential in engineering applications attributed to superior mechanical properties together with excellent thermal and chemical resistance. In this study, a laser‐assisted additive manufacturing device was established to accurately collect and control the preheating temperature based on a coaxial infrared temperature measurement system. The influence on laser power consumption, interlaminar shear performance, and failure mechanism was investigated in condition of different preheating temperatures and printing speeds. Results indicated that the laser‐preheated specimens showed much higher ILSS with maximum values and increasing percentage reached 33.48 MPa and 157.0% compared to unpretreated specimens. With the increase of preheating temperature and printing speed, more laser power was consumed, while the ILSS and increasing percentage increased firstly and then decreased. The strengthening effect on the interlayer bonding was ascribed to promoting the penetration of PEEK molecular chain ends between adjacent layers, increasing the fluidity and enhancing the bonding effect between adjacent filament together with improving the impregnation behavior of the inner fibers. The proposed interlaminar strengthening method based on laser‐assisted preheating provides potential application prospects in aerospace and automotive industries.
Effect of nanofillers and nanotoxicity on the performance of composites: Influencing factors, future scope, challenges and applications
Authors: Mehta Jimmy , Das Partha Pratim , Mehta Sahil , Chaudhary Vijay , Gupta Sumit , Gupta Niraj , Rinawa Moti Lal , Gupta Pallav
Published: April 2022

Nanocomposites are the innovative form of materials used at the nanoscale (1–100 nm in size). Parent materials are insufficient to satisfy the desired requirement to fulfill all the needs, hence to enhance various performances of composites, a suitable nanofiller (nanoparticle) can be used. The present study focuses on nanocomposite properties, types, and characteristic features. Nanocomposites that take advantage of fibers and nanofillers synergistically contribute to improved properties and environmental conditions by making them suitable for a wide range of applications (aerospace, automobile industries, electronics, biomedical, etc.). Nanocomposites are now being used in almost every field and find a wide spectrum of applications, including waste water treatment, corrosion protection, and so forth. In the present study, the effect of excessive use of nanoparticles (nanotoxicity) has also been addressed.
The flourishing scholarship of psychosocial oncology viewed across 30 years through the lens of this journal, Psycho‐Oncology
Authors: Kissane David W.
Published: April 2022

Objective

This issue celebrates the 30th anniversary of Psycho‐Oncology as a journal, a home for scholarship integrating the psychological, social and behavioural dimensions of cancer. Psycho‐oncology developed as an evidence‐based discipline to offer an alternative to unproven therapies and to optimise coping and support for patients with cancer and their families.

Methods

A review of key articles was undertaken for this editorial.

Results

Empirical studies have defined the prevalence of morbidity arising from cancer and the acute, longer‐term and late effects of its varied treatments. Interventions have been adapted to respond to existential challenges, death anxiety, fear of recurrence, disease progression, palliative care and have been continued into bereavement. Mixed modality treatments have combined psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions. Survivorship studies have examined rehabilitation, fertility, sexuality, body image and relational impacts of illness.

Conclusion

This journal has helped the discipline to flourish by publishing the innovative outputs of its community of researchers.