Correlación entre escalas visuales de atrofia entorrinal y temporomesial con volumetría hipocampal / Correlation between visual scales of entorhinal and temporomesial atrophy with hippocampal volumetry

Resumen Objetivo: En pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) se han descrito cambios neuropatológicos tempranos en la corteza entorrinal, que anteceden el compromiso temporomesial. La evaluación de la atrofia hipocampal mediante escalas visuales y volumetría son herramientas útiles en la valoración de pacientes con deterioro cognitivo. Nuestro objetivo es establecer la correlación entre la evaluación visual de la atrofia de la corteza entorrinal (ACE), la atrofia temporomesial (ATM) y el volumen hipocampal. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con queja cognitiva y resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral. Se utilizaron escalas visuales de ACE y ATM. Se midió el volumen hipocampal mediante el software volBrain 1.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 48 pacientes, 31 eran mujeres (64,6%). Mediana de edad: 76,5 (RIQ: 69-83). La correlación entre las escalas visuales ACE y la ATM del lado derecho fue de 0,67 p < 0,0001) y del lado izquierdo de 0,69 (p < 0,0001). Encontramos correlación negativa moderada entre la ACE y el volumen hipocampal, del lado derecho fue de –0,59 (p < 0,0001) y del lado izquierdo de –0,42 (p = 0,003). Conclusión: La escala de ACE muestra moderada correlación con la escala de ATM y con el volumen hipocampal. Su uso podría aportar información valiosa para valoración de trastornos cognitivos.

Abstract Objective: In patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), early neuropathological changes in the entorhinal cortex have been described, which precede temporomesial involvement. The evaluation of hippocampal atrophy using visual scales and volumetry are useful tools in the assessment of patients with cognitive impairment. Our objective is to establish the correlation between the visual evaluations of entorhinal cortex atrophy (ECA), temporomesial atrophy (TMA), and hippocampal volume. Material and methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients with cognitive complaint and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. ACE and TMA visual scales were used. Hippocampal volume was measured using the volBrain 1.0 software. Results: Forty-eight patients were included, 31 were women (64.6%). Median age was 76.5 (IQR: 69-83). The correlation between ECA and TMA on the right side was 0.67 (p < 0.0001) and on the left side was 0.69 (p < 0.0001). We found a negative moderate correlation between ECA and hippocampal volume, on the right side it was –0.59 (p < 0.0001) and on the left side it was –0.42 (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The ECA scale shows high correlation with the TMA scale and moderate correlation with hippocampal volume. Its use could provide valuable information for the assessment of cognitive disorders.

Influence of Pomegranate Appearance Attributes on Consumer Choice, and Identification of Barriers and Drivers for Consumption.

In a prepurchase situation, consumers base their choice decision on external fruit characteristics, from which they infer internal characteristics. This study investigates consumer preference for pomegranate appearance using a choice-based conjoint analysis with 320 participants. We created 27 images of pomegranates that differed in varietal characteristics: colour (yellow, bicoloured, and red), shape (round, oval, and flattened), and calyx shape (open, semi-open, and closed). Colour was by far the most important factor for consumers, followed by fruit shape and calyx shape. Two preference profiles were identified. Most consumers liked bicolour and red pomegranates equally, and rejected yellow ones, while a smaller group concentrated their choice on bicolour pomegranates. In terms of fruit and calyx shape, oval and flattened fruit and open calyx were the most preferred by both consumer groups. Barriers and drivers for consumption were also investigated. There is still plenty of room to increase pomegranate consumption. Greater availability of pomegranates and ready-to-eat arils in grocery shops, obtaining new unseeded/easier-to-peel varieties, and providing a sensory label would help to overcome current barriers. Marketing campaigns should focus on a pomegranate's health benefits and its versatility in consumption.

Utilidad de la secuencia de susceptibilidad como predictor de penumbra en la isquemia cerebral aguda / Utility of susceptibility sequence as a predictor of penumbra in acute cerebral ischemia

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo del tratamiento en accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico agudo es restablecer la circulación en el área de la penumbra isquémica. La secuencia de susceptibilidad (SWI) puede detectar cambios en el calibre de las venas intracraneanas cuando se altera la relación desoxiHb/oxiHb en áreas hipoperfundidas, lo que permitiría una detección temprana de penumbra isquémica. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con infartos agudos en territorio de la arteria cerebral media. Se evaluaron las secuencias difusión y SWI iniciales y un estudio de control a los siete días. La extensión del ACV se midió con la escala ASPECT en difusión y SWI del ingreso, y en el estudio de control. Se estableció una discordancia SWI/difusión > 2 puntos como variable predictora y la extensión final del infarto como variable de resultado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes, mediana de edad de 72 años (RIC: 61-81). En 13 pacientes se detectó una oclusión vascular proximal, ocho de los cuales tenían discordancia SWI/difusión > 2 puntos (p < 0,0001). En cinco pacientes encontramos incremento del infarto, cuatro con discordancia SWI/difusión (p = 0,01). Conclusión: La presencia de discordancia SWI/difusión puede ser un biomarcador de penumbra isquémica en pacientes con oclusión vascular proximal.

Abstract Objective: The goal of treatment in acute ischemic stroke is to restore circulation in the area of the ischemic penumbra. Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) can detect changes in the caliber of intracranial veins when the deoxyHb/oxyHb ratio is altered in hypoperfused areas, which would allow early detection of ischemic penumbra. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study. Patients with acute infarcts in the territory of the middle cerebral artery were included. Initial diffusion and SWI sequences and a control study at seven days were evaluated. Stroke extension was measured with the ASPECT scale in diffusion and SWI on admission, and in the control study. An SWI/diffusion discrepancy > 2 points was established as a predictor variable and the final extension of the infarct as a result variable. Results: Thirty-one patients were included, median age 72 years (IQR: 61-81). Proximal vascular occlusion was detected in 13 patients, 8 of whom had SWI/diffusion discordance > 2 points (p < 0.0001). In 5 patients we found increased infarction, 4 with SWI/diffusion mismatch (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The presence of SWI/diffusion mismatch may be a biomarker of ischemic penumbra in patients with proximal vascular occlusion.

Rara presentación de un linfoma espinal: informe de caso y diagnóstico mediante resonancia magnética / Rare presentation of a spinal lymphoma: case report and diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging

El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central es una forma de enfermedad extraganglionar originada en el cerebro, la leptomeninges, la médula espinal o los ojos. Los tumores espinales son neoplasias de baja prevalencia y pueden causar una morbimortalidad neurológica considerable. El linfoma aislado que surge dentro del conducto dural es la forma menos común de linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central: representa aproximadamente el 1% de los casos y se observa más a menudo en el contexto de diseminación secundaria que como el sitio primario de origen. Los síntomas son inespecíficos y dependen del nivel espinal involucrado. La presentación es insidiosa e incluye dorsalgia, debilidad y dificultad progresiva para la deambulación. La resonancia magnética es la modalidad de elección para búsqueda de lesiones dentro del conducto espinal/raquídeo, en pacientes que presentan síntomas neurológicos. El tratamiento quirúrgico no resulta útil, y el objetivo principal de la cirugía es conocer el diagnóstico histológico. (AU)

A primary central nervous system lymphoma is a form of extranodal disease originating in the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord, or eyes. Spinal tumors are low-prevalence neoplasms and can cause considerable neurological morbidity and mortality. An isolated lymphoma emerging within the dural canal is the rarest form of primary central nervous system lymphoma: it accounts for approximately 1% of cases occurring more often in the context of secondary dissemination than as the primary site of origin. Symptoms are nonspecific and depend on the spinal level involved. The presentation is insidious and includes dorsalgia, weakness, and progressive difficulty in ambulatory function. MRI is the modality of choice to search for lesions within the spinal/rachial canal in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Surgical treatment is not helpful, and the main objective of surgery is to know the histological diagnosis. (AU)

Acceptance, Sensory Characterization and Consumption Contexts for Dehydrated Persimmon Slices, Chips, Leathers and Powder: A Consumer Study.

Valorization of persimmon discards is a current challenge for the food industry. Obtaining dehydrated persimmon products can be a good option, but studies are necessary to predict consumer responses before placing new products on the market. In this study, we produced dried slices, chips, leathers and powder from persimmons that were discarded at harvest. A consumer study was performed with 100 participants. For a realistic context, the four products were presented to the participants in specifically designed packages to simulate commercial packages. The participants were asked about their interest in having each product available on the market. Then, they were asked to taste the samples and to state their acceptance and purchase intention. The participants characterized the main sensory properties of the samples using the CATA questions. The consumption contexts evoked by each product were also investigated based on the item-by-use method, plus the CATA questions. Our results revealed that, before tasting the samples, the participants showed special interest in having chips and slices available on the market. After tasting, the participants reported very good acceptance of chips, slices and powder, but leathers were less liked. According to the consumer characterizations, slices had the most intense persimmon taste and a succulent texture, while powder was characterized by its caramel taste. Chips were differentiated from the other samples, mainly for their crispy texture, while leathers were sticky and tasteless, which explained their poor acceptance. By evaluating the data on acceptance and the evoked consumption contexts together, we conclude that persimmon consumption could be enhanced by commercializing slices, chips and powder. The participants described chips and slices as healthy snacks in different daily situations, while powder could be used as a sweetener for yoghurts or hot drinks and as an ingredient for baking desserts. These are all contexts in which fresh persimmon would be not consumed as reported by the participants.

Understanding Blood versus Blond Orange Consumption: A Cross-Cultural Study in Four Countries.

Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to specific fruit is key information for not only increasing fruit consumption, but also for marketing reasons. It may also give clues to breeders to set quality objectives. This study explores different aspects that help to explain blood vs. blond orange consumption: availability and consumption habit, satisfaction attributes, facilitators and consumption barriers, consumption contexts, expectations and purchase intention. The study was conducted in China, Mexico, Spain and Italy, where citrus fruit consumers were invited to respond an online questionnaire. Our results revealed Italy as the country with the highest availability and consumption of blood oranges, followed by China, Mexico and Spain. "Liking" and "healthy properties" were the most important reasons for consumption irrespectively of orange type, but certain differences among countries were detected in secondary reasons. In all the countries, "juicy" was the most relevant attribute for consumer satisfaction, followed by flavour/taste attributes. "Aromatic" and "unfibrous" were substantial requirements for Italians and Chinese, while Spaniards attached importance to the blood oranges colour. Regarding consumption contexts, "eat with salt or chilly powder" was specific for Mexico, while "to improve health", "as a gift" or "at a restaurant" were contexts mainly cited in China. Despite taste preferences for other fruit being the main consumption barrier in all the countries for both orange types, the relevance of other barriers depended on culture and orange type. Mexican participants seemed to take a more neophobic attitude to blood oranges, while "inconvenient" was reported as a barrier for consuming blond ones in Spain and China. We conclude that blond and blood oranges can co-exist on markets at a high consumption rate, as in Italy. Specific interventions are needed in other countries because consumer attitudes to oranges, mainly blood ones, depend on culture.

Resonancia magnética de alta definición para la evaluación de trastornos laberínticos / High definition magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of labyrinthic disorders

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos en resonancia magnética (RM) en lesiones intralaberínticas. Methods: Se incluyeron pacientes evaluados entre enero de 2012 y marzo de 2019 que se sometieron a una RM del oído interno. Se recogieron datos demográficos y de imagen. Las RM incluyeron secuencias ponderadas en T2 de alta resolución (T2 AR), secuencias ponderadas en T1 sin contraste (T1 SC) y secuencias ponderadas en T1 con contraste (T1 CC). Resultados: Se analizaron las imágenes de RM de 23 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 60 años (rango: 43-73). Encontramos 8 (34,8%) pacientes con neurinoma intralaberíntico, 7 (30,4%) con laberintitis inflamatoria, 5 (21,7%) con laberintitis osificante y 3 (13%) con hemorragia intralaberíntica. Todos los pacientes con neurinoma intralaberíntico tenían una baja señal en la secuencias T2 AR, ligera hiperseñal en las secuencias T1 SC y realce poscontraste. Tres pacientes (42,5%) con laberintitis inflamatoria tenían baja señal en las secuencias T2 AR y 5 (71%) tenían realce en las secuencias T1 CC. Los pacientes con laberintitis osificante tenían una baja señal en las secuencias T2 AR y los pacientes con hemorragia tenían una señal alta en las secuencias T1 SC. Los pacientes con neurinoma intralaberíntico tenían señal más baja en T2 AR que los pacientes con laberintitis inflamatoria (p = 0,026). Conclusiones: Existen diferentes condiciones que pueden alterar la señal del laberinto en la RM. El patrón radiológico permite establecer su diagnóstico. La investigación proporciona información relevante para la interpretación de las alteraciones de la señal del laberinto membranoso en la RM.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this investigation is to describe the findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in intralabyrinthine lesions. Method: We included patients evaluated between January 2012 and March 2019 who underwent an MRI of the inner ear. Demographic and image data were collected. MRI included high-resolution T2 (HR-T2), non-contrast T1 (NC-T1) and contrast-enhanced T1 (CE-T1). Results: MRI images of 23 patients were analyzed. The median age was 60 years (range: 43-73). We found 8 (34.8%) patients with intra-labyrinthine neurinoma, 7 (30.4%) patients with inflammatory labyrinthitis, 5 (21.7%) with ossifying labyrinthitis and 3 (13%) with intra-labyrinthine hemorrhage. All patients with intra-labyrinthine neurinoma had a low signal in HR-T2, a slight high signal in NC- T1 and post-contrast enhancement. Three patients with inflammatory labyrinthitis (42.5%) had low signal in HR-T2 and 5 patients (71%) had enhancement with CE-T1. Patients with ossifying labyrinthitis had a low signal in HR-T2 and patients with hemorrhage had high signal in NC-T1. Patients with intra-labyrinthine neurinoma had a lower signal in HR-T2 than patients with inflammatory labyrinthitis (p = 0.026). Conclusions: There are multiple entities that can alter the labyrinth signal in MRI. The radiological pattern allows establishing their diagnosis. The research provides relevant information for the interpretation of the alterations of the membranous labyrinth signal in MRI.

Application of a new wax containing ethanol as a method to remove persimmon astringency during cold storage.

Nowadays the treatment based on applying high CO2 concentrations to fruit is the main method used in astringent persimmon prior to being commercialized, but it can cause quality problems for fruit during cold storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a recently patented astringency removal method based on applying a new wax whose formulation includes ethanol before commercial packaging. During two seasons, three treatments were evaluated in cv. Rojo Brillante and Triumph: (1) CO2- standard treatment; (2) waxed and packed in plastic film according to the patented method; (3) packed in plastic film without any treatment. During a third season, the new method's effectiveness in removing astringency was evaluated under industrial conditions. After treatments fruit was stored at 0 °C for 15, 21 and 30 days before being transferred at 20 °C to simulate a 5-days shelf-life. All the fruit treated with the new wax completely lost astringency after 30 days at 0 °C, and commercial firmness was maintained. At the end of the storage, fruit quality was substantially higher in fruit submitted to the new treatment. CO2-treated fruit, manifested internal browning after 30 storage days and shelf-life, while this disorder was not detected in waxed fruit.

External Quality of Mandarins: Influence of Fruit Appearance Characteristics on Consumer Choice.

In a pre-purchase situation, consumer perception of mandarin quality is almost exclusively based on fruit appearance. Determination of consumer requirements in this regard is needed to preserve the current success of this crop in markets worldwide. In this study, the effect on consumer choice of different appearance characteristics that can occur mainly in early-season mandarins was quantified. Two independent Choice-Based Conjoint Analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of different external mandarin factors: (1) two factors linked mainly with harvesting practices: 'Leaf' (no leaves but sound calyx/fresh leaf/dehydrated leaf) and 'Rind Colour' (orange colour/rind with slightly greenish areas); (2) three factors related to postharvest handling: 'Calyx Condition' (sound/blackening/detached),'Waxing' (absence/presence of wax), and 'Rind Condition' (dehydrated/turgid). A total of 280 consumers participated in each study. The evaluation of the factors linked with harvesting revealed four different choice patterns. Leaf presence was appreciated only by a small group of consumers (20%), and the presence of greenish areas on the rind was perceived mostly as a negative characteristic. Among the evaluated postharvest-related factors, 'Waxing' and 'Calyx condition' had the strongest effect on consumer choice. Consumers showed marked preferences for mandarins that had been waxed and presented shine and gloss. Calyx blackening and detachment had a negative effect mainly on waxed fruit, while rind dehydration more negatively affected the fruit that had not been waxed. Consumer perception of mandarin quality is importantly affected by external mandarin characteristics. The information herein reported can be very useful for the citrus industry for adapting quality control criteria that respond to consumer demands.

Understanding progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: links between milky-way appearance and mismatch T2/FLAIR.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging is essential to diagnose progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The broad radiological spectrum may partially be explained by genetic viral mutations and their differential neurotropism. Recent pharmacovigilance-magnetic resonance imaging studies have provided new insight into pathophysiology and radiological markers of early stages. However, how lesions evolve and why certain anatomical locations are more frequently affected remains unknown. We aim to describe a new sign - T2/fluid-attenutated inversion recovery mismatch - as a complementary marker of cavitated lesions and propose a link with the milky-way appearance, a key early sign. Furthermore, we hypothesise viral dissemination routes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study from January 2010 to January 2020, to analyse clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of 13 progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy individuals at the symptomatic stage (mean age 58.3 years (SD ± 16.8) - 61.5% were women). RESULTS: The most prevalent pathology was HIV (61.5%) and motor deficit prevailed regarding other symptoms (76.9%). Frontal lobes (76.9%), middle cerebellar peduncle (61.5%), cerebellum (61.5%), and pons (53.8%) were most commonly affected, and the cortico-ponto-cerebellar pathway seemed involved in these patients. Five patients had a pure radiological pattern. Milky-way appearance was the most frequent radiological sign (58.3%). Five patients with milky-way appearance had concomitantly T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery mismatch (P = 0.02). This sign showed high sensitivity and specificity (100-71%, P = 0.02) to assess evolved lesions besides diffusion. CONCLUSION: The possible tract-dependent spread, as well as clinical and genetic, have implications on the MRI variability of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The milky-way appearance could reflect a transitional phase towards evolved lesions, the latter demonstrated by T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery mismatch. Both could be key magnetic resonance imaging signs to diagnose progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy at the symptomatic stage.

Effect of information about mandarin internal maturity on consumer hedonic and sensory expectations: a cross-cultural study in Spain and Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Under certain climate conditions, citrus fruit may reach optimum internal maturity while the rind is still green. It is therefore customary to enhance skin colour changes by submitting early citrus varieties to ethylene degreening treatment, which implies a cost and may result in external disorders. In this study, the effect on consumer expectations (sensory and hedonic) of providing them with information about the internal maturity of non-degreened mandarins (greenish-coloured rind) was evaluated. RESULTS: Mandarins with three different external colour indices (CI), CI = -6, CI = +1 and CI = +5, and three ways of conveying information, were investigated: (i) No information (NoInfo), (ii) The text 'Mandarins ready to eat' (Text) and (iii) Text + Visualisation of mandarin flesh (orange-coloured in all cases) (Text+Flesh). Consumer expected liking, purchase intention and sensory expectations were markedly affected after receiving the different information types. The greatest effect was detected when Text+Flesh information was provided. Rind mandarin colour was also a determinant factor of how consumer expectations were modified by the received information. Moreover, our results revealed some differences among Spanish and Mexican consumers, since maturity information had a stronger effect on hedonic expectations of Mexican consumers. CONCLUSIONS: When mandarins reach CI = +5 (pale orange-coloured rind with small areas still green), letting consumers know that mandarins are ready to eat by means of Text+Flesh information may be a non-cost strategy to avoid degreening treatment or to shorten its length. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physico-chemical, sensorial and nutritional quality during the harvest season of 'Tango' mandarins grafted onto Carrizo Citrange and Forner-Alcaide no. 5.

'Tango' mandarin is becoming one of the most demanded varieties in the Mediterranean Region. However, no information on the quality of 'Tango' fruit in this citrus area has been reported. In this study, the physico-chemical, nutritional and sensorial quality of 'Tango' mandarins grafted onto Carrizo Citrange and FA5 rootstocks from two locations (Sevilla and Huelva) was evaluated by harvest season. The fruit from Sevilla exhibited lower levels of acids and sugars than those from Huelva, which was associated with a higher sandy soil percentage in the Huelva orchard. In both orchards, the FA5-produced fruit had higher sugars and acids. Flavonoids were affected mainly by location, and the Huelva fruit exhibited the highest levels. The highest vitamin C was for the FA5 fruit. The decreased antioxidant capacity observed throughout the harvest season was related to reduced vitamin C. The sensorial evaluation corroborated changes in the quality parameters.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia: An "ears of the lynx" magnetic resonance imaging sign in a patient with recessive genetic type 11.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias are an uncommon group of monogenic diseases that include 79 types of genetic disorders. The most frequent cause of recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia is a mutation in the spastic paraplegia gene type 11 followed by type 15. This group is usually associated with non-specific clinical features like cognitive decline and may precede the progressive weakness and spasticity of lower limbs. The magnetic resonance imaging hallmark of hereditary spastic paraplegia is thinning of the spinal cord. However, brain magnetic resonance imaging may provide relevant clues for specific hereditary spastic paraplegia subtypes, and thinning of the corpus callosum has been described as the most frequent abnormality in almost one-third of recessive hereditary spastic paraplegias. Moreover, a characteristic abnormality affecting the forceps minor of the corpus callosum has been recently reported as the "ears of the lynx" sign and is highly suggestive of type 11 and 15 hereditary spastic paraplegias. We report a patient who was diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 11 by exome genetic testing, presenting the ears of the lynx sign in the first magnetic resonance imaging assessment.

Consumer Description by Check-All-That-Apply Questions (CATA) of the Sensory Profiles of Commercial and New Mandarins. Identification of Preference Patterns and Drivers of Liking.

In the last few years, the interest in developing new mandarin cultivars of superior quality has grown as a response to the increasing consumer demand of this appreciated fruit. This study evaluated the sensory profiles of five new late-season mandarin cultivars ('Alborea', 'Coral', 'Omet', 'Matiz' and 'Tri-703') and six commercial cultivars found contemporarily in stores ('Clemenules', 'Nova', 'Tango', 'Nadorcott', 'Orri' and 'Ortanique'). The sensory profiles of the cultivars were described by consumers through CATA questions. Consumers' acceptability and the main physico-chemical properties were also evaluated. Twenty-two out of 23 CATA terms differed significantly for the sensory profiles of the studied cultivars. The new cultivars shared a similar profile, described mainly as "very intense taste", "refreshing taste", "very aromatic" and "juicy", and these characteristics were quite different from those of the commercial cultivars. By combining acceptability and CATA questions, drivers of liking for segments of consumers with different preference patterns were identified. This is the first time that the sensory profiles of mandarin cultivars have been described by consumers. A significant number of consumers preferred the new mandarin cultivars to the commercial ones, which allows them a promising introduction on the market.

Physicochemical changes and chilling injury disorders in 'Tango' mandarins stored at low temperatures.

BACKGROUND: The susceptibility to chilling injury and quality changes of 'Tango' mandarins stored at different temperatures was evaluated in fruit grown at two locations in Andalusia (Spain) and grafted on Carrizo Citrange or FA5 rootstock. The peel disorders were also characterized by a microstructural study. RESULTS: Fruit developed chilling injuries, manifested as pitting lesions affecting the equatorial area of the fruit stored at 1 °C or 5 °C; fruit growing on FA5 rootstock showed a slightly lower incidence. The microstructural study revealed that only the upper layers of flavedo were affected in the damaged fruit, the epidermal and hypodermal tissues being dramatically collapsed. Although the fruit was prone to accumulate ethanol, especially after the shelf life that followed the different periods of cold storage, the ethanol did not compromise the overall flavor. CONCLUSIONS: Storage of 'Tango' fruit was limited by chilling injuries when stored at 1 °C or 5 °C for more than 20 days. Moreover, at these temperatures, the fruit was prone to accumulate ethanol and develop off flavors. At 9° C, the fruit could be stored for 30 days without compromising external or internal quality. Growing location and rootstock influenced some quality attributes at harvest but not during storage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

MBW complexes impinge on anthocyanidin reductase gene regulation for proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in persimmon fruit.

MBW protein complexes containing MYB, bHLH and WD40 repeat factors are known transcriptional regulators of secondary metabolites production such as proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, and developmental processes such as trichome formation in many plant species. DkMYB2 and DkMYB4 (MYB-type), DkMYC1 (bHLH-type) and DkWDR1 (WD40-type) factors have been proposed by different authors to take part of persimmon MBW complexes for proanthocyanidin accumulation in immature fruit, leading to its characteristic astringent flavour with important agronomical and ecological effects. We have confirmed the nuclear localization of these proteins and their mutual physical interaction by bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. In addition, transient expression of DkMYB2, DkMYB4 and DkMYC1 cooperatively increase the expression of a persimmon anthocyanidin reductase gene (ANR), involved in the biosynthesis of cis-flavan-3-ols, the structural units of proanthocyanidin compounds. Collectively, these data support the presence of MBW complexes in persimmon fruit and suggest their coordinated participation in ANR regulation for proanthocyanidin production.

Consumer Information Needs and Sensory Label Design for Fresh Fruit Packaging. An Exploratory Study in Spain.

In recent decades, packaged fruit has gained market ground over loose fruit, and fruit containers have become a source of information for consumers. This study approaches three objectives related to consumer information needs for decision making when purchasing fruit: (1) Determine if consumers' choice of packaged fruit rather than loose fruit is motivated by their interest in the information provided on packaging; (2) identify information gaps on fruit packaging labels; (3) identify those sensory attributes that consumers consider to be of major interest to be included in sensory labels of different fruit types. The study was based on an online questionnaire answered by 394 fruit consumers. Ninety percent of the participants stated having an interest in receiving information when purchasing fruit, but their choice between packaged or loose fruit was not conditioned by their information needs. Moreover, a gap between information interest and information use was detected as their final purchase decisions were not always based on the provided information. 'Harvest date', 'production method', 'percentage of the price received by the farmer', 'applied treatments', 'sensory characteristics', and 'environmental information' were identified as the major information gaps, as these labels were unavailable for a high percentage of consumers, who stated their interest in them. According to consumers, sensory labels should include information about 'sweetness' and 'flavor intensity' irrespectively of fruit type. 'Sourness' and 'juiciness' attributes were particularly interesting for citrus, as 'sourness' and 'firmness' were for kiwi. Information about texture properties was required for pome and stone fruit. Other attributes, such as easiness to peel, were important only for citrus fruit.

Accuracy of nigrosome-1 detection to discriminate patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

PURPOSE: The use of susceptibility weighted imaging in high field magnetic resonance imaging scanners can detect the nigrosome-1 area located in the caudo-lateral region of the pars compacta in the substantia nigra. This structure comprises a significant amount of dopaminergic neurons and degenerates in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that in some cases could be confused with the early stages of Parkinson's disease with a possible error in clinical diagnosis. Our purpose is to evaluate the accuracy of nigrosome-1 detection by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging to discriminate Parkinson's disease from essential tremor. METHODS: A case-control study compared patients with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The susceptibility weighted imaging sequence was obtained in the axial plane with an isotropic voxel of 0.75 mm. Two independent neuroradiologists evaluated the images without access to clinical patient data. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in each group (Parkinson's disease and essential tremor). Average age: Parkinson's disease group: 71.3 (SD 6.3) and essential tremor group: 68.3 (SD 12.3). For the first evaluator, the nigrosome-1 area was absent in 15 patients with Parkinson's disease and in two with essential tremor and for the second evaluator was absent in 15 patients with Parkinson's disease and four with essential tremor. The sensitivity/specificity for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was 93.75%/87.5% for the first evaluator and 93.75%/75% for the second evaluator. CONCLUSION: The detection of the nigrosome-1 area is a useful tool in the differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, with high sensitivity and specificity.

A new focal model resembling features of cortical pathology of the progressive forms of multiple sclerosis: Influence of innate immunity.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of unknown aetiology that causes neurological disabilities in young adults. MS displays different clinical patterns, including recurrent episodes with remission periods ("relapsing-remitting MS" (RRMS)), which can progress over several years to a secondary progressive form (SPMS). However, 10% of patients display persistent progression at the onset of disease ("primary progressive MS" (PPMS)). Currently, no specific therapeutic agents are available for the progressive forms, mainly because the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not clear and because no animal models have been specifically developed for these forms. The development of MS animal models is required to clarify the pathological mechanisms and to test novel therapeutic agents. In the present work, we overexpressed interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) in the cortex to develop an animal model reflecting the main pathological hallmarks of MS. The treated animals presented with neuroinflammation, demyelination, glial activation, and neurodegeneration along with cognitive symptoms and MRI images consistent with MS pathology. We also demonstrated the presence of meningeal inflammation close to cortical lesions, with characteristics similar to those described in MS patients. Systemic pro-inflammatory stimulation caused a flare-up of the cortical lesions and behavioural symptoms, including impairment of working memory and the appearance of anxiety-like symptoms. Our work demonstrated induced cortical lesions, reflecting the main histopathological hallmarks and cognitive impairments characterizing the cortical pathology described in MS patients with progressive forms of the disease.