MRI analysis of uterine ischaemia as a form of non-target embolisation following uterine artery embolisation: incidence, extent and outcome.

AIM: To study the incidence, extent and fate of uterine ischaemia as one of the forms of non-target embolisation following uterine artery embolisation (UAE), as detected on immediate post-embolisation and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations at the 3-month follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken comprising 43 women (mean age: 44.8 ± 3.79 years). MRI was performed before, immediately after (within 6 h), and 3 months after successful UAE. Areas of uterine ischaemia were identified on immediate post-embolisation MRI as regions of newly developed (compared to pre-embolisation MRI) absent enhancement within the uterus not corresponding to the location of the leiomyoma. The volume of the ischaemic region was calculated using the formula (height × length × width × 0.523). RESULTS: Uterine ischaemia was encountered in 29 patients (67.44%). The mean volume of the ischaemic region immediately after UAE was 29.29 ± 19.15 ml (range: 7.36-87.71 ml). At 3-month follow-up, it was 0.35 ± 0.95 ml (range: 0-3.5 ml) with 25 (86%) patients showing complete resolution of the ischaemia. The mean reduction in the volume of the ischaemic region at the 3-month follow-up was 98.24 ± 5.72% (range: 72-100%). This volume reduction was statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Uterine ischaemia as a form of non-target embolisation following UAE might be encountered in up to two thirds of patients. These ischaemic areas are significantly reduced at the 3-month follow-up with up to 86% of cases showing complete reversibility of the ischaemia.

Preparation and characterization of a novel edible film based on Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum.

In this study a novel biodegradable edible film based on Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) was fabricated and characterized. Glycerol at three levels (25, 35, and 45% based on dried AHSG) as plasticizer were added. The microstructure and barrier, electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties of the film were characterized. Results showed that permeability to both oxygen and water vapor, increased as the plasticizer content increased from 25 to 45%. The mechanical properties of AHSG films were comparable to those of polysaccharide films. Results showed that the glycerol content significantly decreased the glass-transition temperature of the film. The color measurement indicated that increasing the plasticizer content augmented the b* and L* values. Results of the field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform and smooth surface morphology and an absence of phase separation among the film compositions. The findings demonstrated that AHSG has the potential to fabricate edible films with enhanced quality characteristics.

Functional properties of dually modified sago starch/κ-carrageenan films: An alternative to gelatin in pharmaceutical capsules.

The aim of this study was development a composite film based on sago starch and κ-carrageenan to find a gelatin alternative in the pharmaceutical capsules processing. Hydrolyzed-Hydroxypropylated (dually modified) sago starch was mixed with κ-carrageenan (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1%). The drying kinetics, thermomechanical, physicochemical, and barrier properties of composite films were estimated and compared with bovine gelatin. Results show that drying kinetics and mechanical properties of the composite films were comparable to those of gelatin. The water vapor permeability and moisture content of the composite films were lower than those of gelatin. The solubility of the composite films was higher than that of gelatin, and the composite films were more stable at higher relative humidity than were the gelatin films. These results show that dually modified sago starch in combination with κ-carrageenan has properties similar to those of gelatin, thus proposed system can be used in pharmaceutical capsules processes.

Effects of κ-carrageenan on rheological properties of dually modified sago starch: Towards finding gelatin alternative for hard capsules.

Composite sago starch-based system was developed and characterized with the aim to find an alternative to gelatin in the processing of pharmaceutical capsules. Dually modified (Hydrolyzed-Hydroxypropylated) sago starches were combined with κ-carrageenan (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1%). The rheological properties of the proposed composite system were measured and compared with gelatin as reference material. Results show that combination of HHSS12 (Hydrolysed-hydroxypropylated sago starch at 12h) with 0.5% κ-carrageenan was comparable to gelatin rheological behavior in pharmaceutical capsule processing. The solution viscosity at 50 °C and sol-gel transition of the proposed composite system were comparable to those of gelatin. The viscoelastic moduli (G' and G") for the proposed system were lower than those of gelatin. These results illustrate that by manipulation of the constituents of sago starch-based composite system, a suitable alternative to gelatin can be produced with comparable properties and this could find potential application in pharmaceutical capsule industry.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in neuropathic pain secondary to malignancy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Significant analgesic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been found in several studies of patients with chronic pain of various origins, but never for malignancy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of 10 sessions of rTMS over the primary motor cortex (M1) in patients suffering from malignant neuropathic pain. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were randomly allocated into one of two groups to receive real (20 Hz, 10 s, 10 trains with 80% intensity) or sham rTMS daily for 10 consecutive days. Patients were evaluated using a verbal descriptor scale (VDS), a visual analogue scale (VAS), Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) at baseline, after the first, fifth and 10th treatment sessions, and then 15 days and 1 month after treatment. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between real and sham groups in the duration of illness or pain rating scores at the baseline. A significant 'Time × Group' interaction was recorded indicating that real and sham rTMS had different effects on the VDS, VAS, LANSS and HAM-D scales. Post-hoc testing showed that the group of patients treated with real rTMS had greater improvement in all scales that persisted up to 15 days, but were not present 1 month later. Significant positive correlations between the percentage of pain reduction and HAM-D after the 10th session and 15 days later were recorded. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that 10 rTMS sessions over the M1 can induce short-term pain relief in malignant neuropathic pain.

Natural history of asymptomatic gallstones: differential behaviour in male and female subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history of asymptomatic (silent) gallstones has been inadequately studied. Existing information derives from studies based on oral cholecystography or relatively small sample sizes. We planned a retrospective cohort study in subjects with gallstones to determine conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic. METHODS: We extracted data from computerised databases of one government hospital and two private clinics in Malaysia. Files were scrutinised to ensure that criteria for asymptomatic gallstones were fulfilled. Patients were called on telephone, further questioned to confirm that the gallstones at detection were truly asymptomatic, and asked about symptoms that were consistent with previously defined criteria for biliary colic. Appropriate ethical clearances were taken. RESULTS: 213 (112 males) patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic gallstones and could be contacted. 23 (10.8%) developed pain after an average follow up interval of 4.02 years (range 0.1-11 years). Conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic gallstones were high in the first two years of follow up, averaging 4.03±0.965 per year. Over time the conversion rates slowed, and by year 10 the annual conversion rate averaged only 1.38±0.29. Conversion rates were much higher for females compared to males (F:M hazard ratio 3.23, SE 1.54, p>z 0.014). The lifetime risks for conversion approached 6.15% for males, and 22.1% for females. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, asymptomatic gallstones are much more likely to convert to symptomatic in females than in males. Males in whom asymptomatic stones are discovered should be advised conservative treatment. Surgery may be preferable to conservative management if the subject is a young female.

Altered cortical excitability in anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVES: Recent EEG and positron emission tomography (PET) studies have reported hyperactivation of the right hemisphere in anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of the present study was to test this notion by examining cortical excitability in subjects with AN using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). METHODS: We investigated thirteen patients meeting the DSM IV diagnostic criteria for AN and 14 controls age and sex matched. Each subject was assessed clinically using the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). TMS measures involved resting and active motor thresholds (RMT, AMT) as well as motor evoked potentials (MEP), cortical silent period duration (CSP), transcallosal inhibition (TCI), and short latency intracortical inhibition (SICI) of the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) were assessed. Cortical esophageal MEP latencies (CL) were also recorded. RESULTS: The RMT and MEP onset latency of the FDI and the esophagus as well as duration of the TCI were significantly reduced in anorexic patients compared to the control group. There were no significant differences neither in AMT nor CSP between patients and controls. Moreover, we found significant negative correlations between the EAT scores and RMT, and TCI duration. Although anorexic patients had significantly higher BDI score, there was no correlation between it and cortical excitability. CONCLUSION: Anorexic individuals are characterized by pathologically increased motor and esophageal cortical excitability that significantly correlates with clinical symptoms of anorexia nervosa.

Towards producing novel fish gelatin films by combination treatments of ultraviolet radiation and sugars (ribose and lactose) as cross-linking agents.

Developing novel fish gelatin films with better mechanical properties than mammalian gelatin is a challenging but promising endeavor. Studies were undertaken to produce fish gelatin films by combining treatments with different sugars (ribose and lactose) followed 'by' 'and' ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as possible cross-linking agents. Increase in tensile strength and percent elongation at break was recorded, which was more significant in films without sugars that were exposed to UV radiation. Films with added ribose showed decreased solubility after UV treatment and exhibited higher swelling percentage than films with added lactose, which readily dissolved in water. FTIR spectra of all the films showed identical patterns, which indicated no major changes to have occurred in the functional groups as a result of interaction between gelatin, sugars and UV irradiation. The results of this study could be explored for commercial use, depending on industrial needs for either production of edible films or for food packaging purposes.

Effects of ascorbic acid and sugars on solubility, thermal, and mechanical properties of egg white protein gels.

The effects of reducing sugars (fructose, glucose, ribose, and arabinose), sucrose, and ascorbic acid were studied on thermo-mechanical properties and crosslinking of egg white proteins (EWP) through Maillard reaction. Sugars (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) and ascorbic acid (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 2.5%) were added to EWP solutions. Thermal denaturation and crosslinking of EWP were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties (failure strength, failure strain and Young's modulus) of modified and unmodified EWP gels were evaluated by texture analyzer. Ascorbic acid decreased thermal denaturation temperature of EWP, but the reducing sugars increased the denaturation temperature. DSC thermograms of EWP showed that ascorbic acid exhibited an exothermic transition (≈110 °C) which was attributed to Maillard crosslinking of the protein. The reduction in pH (from 7.21 to ≈6) and protein solubility of egg white protein gel (from ≈70% to ≈10%) provides further evidence of the formation of Maillard cross-linking. Reactive sugars (ribose and arabinose) increased the mechanical properties of EWP gels, whereas ascorbic acid decreased the mechanical properties. Generally, the effect of ascorbic acid was more pronounced than that of various reducing sugars on the thermal and mechanical properties of egg white proteins.

Preparation and characterization of bionanocomposite films filled with nanorod-rich zinc oxide.

The effects of zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-nr) incorporation on the physical, mechanical, heat sealability, barrier, thermal and antibacterial properties of sago starch and bovine gelatin bionanocomposites films were investigated. The ZnO was incorporated into the films at different concentrations (1-5%, w/w total solid). All films were plasticized with 40% (w/w of total solid) of a combination of sorbitol/glycerol at 3:1 ratio. Incorporation of 5% of ZnO-nr to starch and gelatin films decreased the permeability to oxygen by 40% and 55%, respectively. Moisture content and water absorption capacity of the films were decreased by increasing the ZnO-nr contents. Mechanical and heat seal properties of the films were increased more than 20%. The films exhibited UV absorption and displayed an excellent antimicrobial activity against the Escherichia coli. These properties suggest that bionanocomposites based on ZnO-nr have the potential as an active packaging material for food and pharmaceutical industries.

The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of pod and seed extract of Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard)- an underutilized legume.

We evaluated the phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of pod and seed extracts (in methanol, ethanol, and water) of an underutilized legume, Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay, and the free radical-scavenging capacity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging and ABTS assays. In addition, the total flavonoids, flavonols, and tannin contents were also determined. Overall, the methanol extracts of the pod contained high concentration of phenolics and showed high antioxidant capacities compared to seed extracts. In addition, a positive correlation was found between total phenol and tannin versus antioxidant capacity. Results of the present study indicate pods and seeds of C. fairchildiana to possess rich amount of natural antioxidants, and can be further explored for their possible use as a natural additive in food or in pharmaceutical industries.

Ultrasound enhanced growth and cholesterol removal of Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 1311 in the parent cells but not the subsequent passages.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the intestinal adherence ability, cell growth, and cholesterol removal ability of parent cells and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 1311. Ultrasound significantly decreased the intestinal adherence ability of treated parent cells compared to that of the control by 11.32% (P<0.05), which may be due to the protein denaturation upon local heating. Growth of treated parent cells also decreased by 4.45% (P<0.05) immediately upon ultrasound (0-4h) and showed an increase (P<0.05) in the viability by 2.18-2.34% during the later stage of fermentation (12-20 h) compared to that of the control. In addition, an increase (P<0.05) in assimilation of cholesterol (>9.74%) was also observed for treated parent cells compared to that of the control, accompanied by increased (P<0.05) incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane. This was supported by the increased ratio of membrane cholesterol:phospholipids (C:P), saturation of cholesterol in the apolar regions, upper phospholipids regions, and polar regions of membrane phospholipids of parent cells compared to that of the control (P<0.05). However, such traits were not inherited by the subsequent passages of treated cells (first, second, and third passages). Our data suggested that ultrasound treatment could be used to improve cholesterol removal ability of parent cells without inducing permanent damage/defects on treated cells of subsequent passages.

Hydrolysis of native and heat-treated starches at sub-gelatinization temperature using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme.

The effect of heat treatment below the gelatinization temperature on the susceptibility of corn, mung bean, sago, and potato starches towards granular starch hydrolysis (35°C) was investigated. Starches were hydrolyzed in granular state and after heat treatment (50°C for 30 min) by using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme for 24 h. Hydrolyzed heat-treated starches showed a significant increase in the percentage of dextrose equivalent compared to native starches, respectively, with corn 53% to 56%, mung bean 36% to 47%, sago 15% to 26%, and potato 12% to 15%. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed the presence of more porous granules and surface erosion in heat-treated starch compared to native starch. X-ray analysis showed no changes but with sharper peaks for all the starches, suggested that hydrolysis occurred on the amorphous region. The amylose content and swelling power of heat-treated starches was markedly altered after hydrolysis. Evidently, this enzyme was able to hydrolyze granular starches and heat treatment before hydrolysis significantly increased the degree of hydrolysis.

Enhanced growth of lactobacilli and bioconversion of isoflavones in biotin-supplemented soymilk upon ultrasound-treatment.

This study aimed at utilizing ultrasound treatment to further enhance the growth of lactobacilli and their isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. Strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus BT 1088, L. fermentum BT 8219, L. acidophilus FTDC 8633, L. gasseri FTDC 8131) were treated with ultrasound (30 kHz, 100 W) at different amplitudes (20%, 60% and 100%) for 60, 120 and 180 s prior to inoculation and fermentation in biotin-soymilk. The treatment affected the fatty acids chain of the cellular membrane lipid bilayer, as shown by an increased lipid peroxidation (P<0.05). This led to increased membrane fluidity and subsequently, membrane permeability (P<0.05). The permeabilized cellular membranes had facilitated nutrient internalization and subsequent growth enhancement (P<0.05). Higher amplitudes and longer durations of the treatment promoted growth of lactobacilli in soymilk, with viable counts exceeding 9 log CFU/mL. The intracellular and extracellular ß-glucosidase specific activities of lactobacilli were also enhanced (P<0.05) upon ultrasound treatment, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones in soymilk, particularly genistin and malonyl genistin to genistein. Results from this study show that ultrasound treatment on lactobacilli cells promotes (P<0.05) the ß-glucosidase activity of cells for the benefit of enhanced (P<0.05) isoflavone glucosides bioconversion to bioactive aglycones in soymilk.

Influence of sonication treatments and extraction solvents on the phenolics and antioxidants in star fruits.

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of sonication treatments (time intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min.) on phenolics and other antioxidant compounds in starfruits extracted in methanol and water. Overall, methanolic extracts exhibited significantly higher extractability, percentage inhibition of DPPH radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) value, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, total phenolics and tannins (p < 0.05) compared to control (0 min) and aqueous extracts. Methanolic extract obtained after 30 min of sonication proved to be the best treatment with regard to various parameters evaluated. Results of the present study clearly indicated sonication treatments to be effective in enhancing the antioxidant compounds in starfruit extracts and could be further explored for commercial purposes to benefit the consumers.

Electroporation enhances the ability of lactobacilli to remove cholesterol.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of electroporation on the membrane properties of lactobacilli and their ability to remove cholesterol in vitro. The growth of lactobacilli cells treated at 7.5 kV/cm for 4 ms was increased by 0.89 to 1.96 log(10) cfu/mL upon fermentation at 37 °C for 20 h, the increase being attributed to the reversible and transient formation of pores and defragmentation of clumped cells. In addition, an increase of cholesterol assimilation as high as 127.2% was observed for most cells electroporated at a field strength of 7.5 kV/cm for 3.5 ms compared with a lower field strength of 2.5 kV/cm. Electroporation also increased the incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane, as shown by an increased cholesterol:phospholipids ratio (50.0-59.6%) upon treatment at 7.5 kV/cm compared with treatment at 2.5 kV/cm. Saturation of cholesterol was observed in different regions of the membrane bilayer such as upper phospholipids, apolar tail, and polar heads, as indicated by fluorescence anisotropy using 3 fluorescent probes. Electroporation could be a useful technique to increase the ability of lactobacilli to remove cholesterol for possible use as cholesterol-lowering adjuncts in the future.

Sonication improves kasturi lime (Citrus microcarpa) juice quality.

Freshly squeezed kasturi lime fruit juice was sonicated (for 0, 30 and 60min at 20°C, 25kHz frequency) to evaluate its impact on selected physico-chemical and antioxidant properties, such as pH, °Brix, titratable acidity, Hunter color values (L(∗), a(∗), b(∗)), ascorbic acid, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and flavonols. Additionally, the effect of sonication treatments on the microbial load (TPC, yeast and mold) were also evaluated. Sonication of juice samples for 60min showed enhancement in most of the bioactive compounds compared to samples treated for 30min and control samples (untreated). Significant reductions in the microbial load corresponding to sonication time were also recorded. Results of the present study indicate that sonication may be employed as a suitable technique for kasturi lime juice processing, where antioxidant and other bioactive compound retention or enhancement is desired, along with the achievement of safety and quality standards.

["Theory of mind" and its neuronal correlates in forensically relevant disorders]. / "Theory of mind" und ihre neuronalen Korrelate bei forensisch relevanten Störungen.

Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to recognize mental states of others, and empathy are crucial cognitive-emotional processes for appropriate social interactions. Deficits in these processes can lead to maladjusted social behavior or even to aggressive or criminal behavior. ToM and empathy deficits have been found in different forensically relevant disorders, such as schizophrenia, pedophilia but especially in autism and psychopathy according to Hare. Most notably, autistic and psychopathic patients differ in their type of deficits and in their neuronal correlates. While autistic individuals lack the ability to take the perspective of others, psychopaths lack empathy. The aim of this article is to provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ToM and empathy deficits in forensically relevant disorders by reviewing and discussing the findings of neuroimaging and lesion studies and to highlight crucial implications for neuropsychotherapy according to Grawe.

Quality attributes of starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) juice treated with ultraviolet radiation.

Starfruit juice were exposed to ultraviolet (UV-C) light for 0, 30 and 60min at room temperature (25±1°C). On exposure, the titratable acidity significantly decreased, while the decrease in °Brix and pH were not significant. With regard to colorimetric parameters, L(∗) value increased significantly with a subsequent decrease in a(∗) and b(∗) values corresponding to UV treatment time. Except for the ascorbic acid, other antioxidants measured (% DPPH inhibition, total phenols, flavonols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity) showed enhancement on expsoure to UV (significant at 60min). Microbial studies showed reduction in APC, yeasts and mould counts by 2-log cycle on UV treatments. These results supports the application of UV as a measure of non-thermal and physical food preservation technique for starfruit juice that can be explored commercially to benefit both the producers and consumers.

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack): a review on its ethnobotany and pharmacological importance.

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is an herbal medicinal plant of South-East Asian origin, popularly recognized as 'Tongkat Ali.' The plant parts have been traditionally used for its antimalarial, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and anti-pyretic activities, which have also been proved scientifically. The plant parts are rich in various bioactive compounds (like eurycomaoside, eurycolactone, eurycomalactone, eurycomanone, and pasakbumin-B) among which the alkaloids and quassinoids form a major portion. Even though toxicity and safety evaluation studies have been pursued, still a major gap exists in providing scientific base for commercial utilization and clearance of the Tongkat Ali products with regard to consumer's safety. The present review aims at reviewing the research works undertaken till date, on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and for commercial exploitation.