Gadolinium-enhanced intracranial aneurysm wall imaging and risk of aneurysm growth and rupture: a multicentre longitudinal cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm, gadolinium enhancement of the aneurysm wall is associated with growth and rupture. However, most previous studies did not have a longitudinal design and did not adjust for aneurysm size, which is the main predictor of aneurysm instability and the most important determinant of wall enhancement. We investigated whether aneurysm wall enhancement predicts aneurysm growth and rupture during follow-up and whether the predictive value was independent of aneurysm size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicentre longitudinal cohort study, individual patient data were obtained from twelve international cohorts. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 18 years or older with ≥ 1 untreated unruptured intracranial aneurysm < 15 mm; gadolinium-enhanced aneurysm wall imaging and MRA at baseline; and MRA or rupture during follow-up. Patients were included between November 2012 and November 2019. We calculated crude hazard ratios with 95%CI of aneurysm wall enhancement for growth (≥ 1 mm increase) or rupture and adjusted for aneurysm size. RESULTS: In 455 patients (mean age (SD), 60 (13) years; 323 (71%) women) with 559 aneurysms, growth or rupture occurred in 13/194 (6.7%) aneurysms with wall enhancement and in 9/365 (2.5%) aneurysms without enhancement (crude hazard ratio 3.1 [95%CI: 1.3-7.4], adjusted hazard ratio 1.4 [95%CI: 0.5-3.7]) with a median follow-up duration of 1.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Gadolinium enhancement of the aneurysm wall predicts aneurysm growth or rupture during short-term follow-up, but not independent of aneurysm size. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Gadolinium-enhanced aneurysm wall imaging is not recommended for short-term prediction of growth and rupture, since it appears to have no additional value to conventional predictors. KEY POINTS: • Although aneurysm wall enhancement is associated with aneurysm instability in cross-sectional studies, it remains unknown whether it predicts risk of aneurysm growth or rupture in longitudinal studies. • Gadolinium enhancement of the aneurysm wall predicts aneurysm growth or rupture during short-term follow-up, but not when adjusting for aneurysm size. • While gadolinium-enhanced aneurysm wall imaging is not recommended for short-term prediction of growth and rupture, it may hold potential for aneurysms smaller than 7 mm.

The efficacy and deficiency of contemporary treatment for spinal cord arteriovenous shunts.

Contemporary treatments for spinal cord arteriovenous shunts are only based on clinicians' treatment experiences and expertise due to its rarity. We reviewed the clinical course of the largest multicentred cohort to evaluate the efficacy and deficiency of contemporary interventional treatments for spinal cord arteriovenous shunts. The clinical features, treatment results and clinical outcomes of 463 patients with spinal cord arteriovenous shunts were retrospectively assessed. The main outcome was the neurological deterioration that was evaluated based on the modified Aminoff and Logue scale. According to post-treatment digital subtraction angiography, complete obliteration was defined as disappearance of the intradural lesion, whereas partial obliteration was defined as any residual intradural lesion remaining visible and was further categorized as shunt-reduction obliteration (the nidus or shunt points were reduced) or palliative obliteration (only obliterated aneurysms or feeders). Cure rate was 40.6% for the whole cohort, 58.5% after microsurgery, and 26.4% after embolization. The curative resection was associated with non-metameric lesions, lesions with a maximum diameter <3 cm and lesions without anterior sulcal artery supply. The curative embolization was associated with fistula-type lesions, non-metameric lesions, and main drainage diameter <1.5 mm. The permanent treatment-related neurological deficits rate was 11.2% for the whole cohort, 16.1% after microsurgery, and 5.6% after embolization. The pretreatment clinical deterioration rate was 32.5%/year, which decreased to 9.3%/year after clinical interventions. Following partial treatment, the long-term acute and gradual deterioration rates were 5.3%/year and 3.6%/year, respectively. The acute deteriorations were associated with metameric lesions, craniocervical lesions, lesions with a maximum diameter ≥2 cm and residual aneurysm. Residual aneurysm was the only predictor of acute deterioration for non-metameric spinal cord arteriovenous shunts. The gradual deteriorations were associated with palliative obliteration, absence of pretreatment acute deterioration and intact main drainage. Although clinical risks of spinal cord arteriovenous shunts were reduced following clinical interventions, contemporary treatments for spinal cord arteriovenous shunt remains associated with considerable risks and incomplete efficacy. Individualized treatment plans should be adopted according to the angio-architectural features and major clinical risks of specific lesions. There is a higher opportunity for complete obliteration for lesions with simple angio-architecture. However, for most of spinal cord arteriovenous shunts with complex vascular anatomy, partial treatment is the only choice. For these patients, palliative obliteration targeting the aneurysms is recommended for reducing haemorrhagic risk, whereas shunt-reduction obliteration is necessary for non-haemorrhagic myelopathy. Contemporary treatment is ineffective in reducing haemorrhagic risk of incurable metameric spinal cord arteriovenous shunts.

Health-related quality of life outcomes and influencing factors in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator when evaluating prognosis and disease-related treatments. Our current knowledge of the HRQoL outcomes of unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) patients treated by the endovascular intervention appeared to be very limited. To fill this gap, the present study investigated the HRQoL outcomes and identified the influencing factors in UIA patients treated by endovascular intervention. METHODS: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study on patients who underwent endovascular treatment for UIAs. HRQoL outcomes were assessed by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The SF-36 results of the Chinese reference population were used as the reference data. The independent variables with a univariate analysis result of P < 0.05 were included in the multivariate analysis. Finally, multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing HRQoL. Bonferroni correction was utilized for multiple testing correction. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients (83 males and 117 females, mean age of 55.2 ± 9.48 years) with UIAs treated by endovascular intervention were enrolled. The scores of SF-36 in 8 domains for UIA patients treated by endovascular intervention did not all reach the average level of the Chinese reference population after an average recovery period of 30.67 ± 8.6 months. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease history, advanced age, and mRS progression at discharge were independent risk factors of HRQoL for UIA patients treated by endovascular intervention, but physical exercise at least once a week and daily sleep time no < 6 h were independent protective factors. CONCLUSION: The HRQoL of UIA patients treated by the endovascular intervention was decreased to varying degrees compared with those of the Chinese reference population. The influencing factors of HRQoL explored by this study provide insights for improving the clinical management and daily lives of these patients. HRQoL assessment should be included in future aneurysm prognostic studies to provide better evidence.

Current Knowledge of and Perspectives about the Pathogenesis of Blood Blister-like Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Review of the Literature.

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are rare and usually appear at nonbranching sites in the supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Because it is difficult to obtain histological specimens of the aneurysm wall and because experimental models are challenging to establish, the pathogenesis of BBAs remains uncertain. In this paper, we reviewed the diagnostic, radiological, and pathophysiological characteristics of patients with BBAs. We also summarized the existing evidence and potential mechanisms related to the causes of BBAs. Current evidence indicates that atherosclerosis and dissection are the main prerequisites for the formation of BBAs. Hemodynamics may play a role in the process of BBA formation due to the unique vascular anatomy of the supraclinoid ICA. Further research on histopathology and hemodynamics is warranted in this field.

Comprehensive Treatment and Vascular Architecture Characteristic of High-Flow Vascular Malformations in Periorbital Regions.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the vascular architecture characteristics of high-flow vascular malformations (VMs) in periorbital regions, as well as the treatment and imaging prognosis of occlusion degree of the outflow veins. METHOD: The clinical data of 24 patients with high-flow VMs in periorbital regions treated in our center from 2012 to 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, and the vascular architecture characteristics, treatment methods, and follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: The vascular architecture of high-flow VMs in periorbital regions which usually contained the intracranial feeding arteries (24/24,100.0%) and intracranial outflow veins (18/24, 75.0%). The average age of first diagnosis was 23 ±â€Š16 years; the average age of treatment was 37 ±â€Š10 years; the median follow-up time was 42.5 months. Twenty-four patients with high-flow VMs in periorbital regions had 58 treatments in all. The imaging cure was achieved in 6 patients by complete occlusion of outflow veins, and no recurrence was found by DSA. Eighteen patients who get incomplete occlusion of outflow veins were given 49 treatments, and 8 patients had imaging recurrence. Seven patients (7/24, 29.2%) had treatment-related complications in all. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high-flow VMs in periorbital regions are the most complex cases. The prognosis of patients whose outflow veins can be completely occluded is relatively good. The stepwise embolization while preserving organ function is advisable. Nevertheless, the incidence of treatment complications is still high.

Natural history of spinal cord arteriovenous shunts: an observational study.

The natural history of intradural spinal cord arteriovenous shunts is unknown. We performed an observational study in a consecutive patient cohort with symptomatic intradural spinal cord arteriovenous shunts who were admitted to three institutes to investigate the clinical course of this complex disease, which would provide valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making. The clinical course of patients with symptomatic intradural spinal cord arteriovenous shunts from initial presentation to occurrence of clinical deterioration, initiation of treatment, or last follow-up was analysed. Patients with at least 1 month of observation were included in this study. Clinical onset and deterioration patterns were divided into acute and gradual. Annual and cumulative rates of clinical deterioration as well as their risk factors were analysed using Kaplan-Meier life table analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. To assess risks and benefits of treatment, post-treatment clinical courses were further assessed. Four hundred and sixty-six patients with a mean observational period of 36.9 ± 58.8 months were included; 56.7% of patients presented with acute onset, of whom 77.3% experienced spontaneous recovery. Age of onset older than 28 years, initial modified Aminoff and Logue scale of >3, mid-thoracic lesions and non-ventral lesions were independent predictors of failure for spontaneous recovery. The annual risk of general, acute and gradual clinical deterioration after onset was 30.7%, 9.9% and 17.7%, respectively. Risk of deterioration was highest in the early period after initial onset. Acute onset was the only independent risk factor [hazard ratio 1.957 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.324-2.894); P = 0.0008] of acute deterioration and gradual onset was the strongest predictor [hazard ratio 2.350 (95% CI 1.711-3.229); P < 0.0001] of the gradual deterioration among all the stratifying factors. After invasive treatment, complete obliteration was achieved in 37.9% of patients (138 of 364) and improved or stable clinical status was noted in 80.8% of patients. Forty-two patients (11.5%) experienced permanent complications. Overall post-treatment deterioration rate was 8.4%/year, and 5.3%/year if permanent complications were excluded. The natural history of symptomatic spinal cord arteriovenous shunts is poor, especially in the early period after onset, and early intervention is thus recommended. Initial onset pattern significantly affects the natural history of the lesion, which prompts a differentiated treatment strategy.

Prevalence of and risk factors for anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated by endovascular intervention.

BACKGROUND: Studies on anxiety and depression in unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) patients after treatment via endovascular intervention are rare and controversial. We aimed to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Chinese patients with UIAs treated by endovascular intervention and to identify which factors contribute to the development of these symptoms. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on anxiety and depression in patients who underwent endovascular treatment for UIAs using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The demographic, clinical and radiological data for all patients were retrospectively collected from the aneurysm database and medical records. Moreover, we utilized data from a large sample of 200 UIA patients and multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the risk factors for anxiety and depression in these patients. Candidate variables with P values less than 0.20 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred patients returned completed questionnaires in this study. Of these 200 patients, 34 (17.0%) suffered from anxiety and 31 (15.5%) suffered from depression 30.67 ± 8.6 months after being discharged. The multivariate analysis results indicated that shorter sleep times were statistically significantly associated with depression (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.14 ~ 2.29, P = 0.007, Adjusted P = 0.02). . CONCLUSION: The prevalences of anxiety and depression in UIA patients treated by endovascular intervention were 17.0 and 15.5%, respectively. Shorter sleep times were significantly associated with depression. Our findings provide evidence for the clinical and psychological management of these patients.

Differentiation between intraspinal schwannoma and meningioma by MR characteristics and clinic features.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively review the MRI characteristics and clinic features and evaluate the effectiveness of MR imaging in differentiating intraspinal schwannomas and meningiomas, with the excised histopathologic findings as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and four schwannomas (M/F, 57:47) and 53 meningiomas (M/F, 13:40) underwent MR examinations before surgical treatment. Simple clinic data and imaging findings were considered:(a) location (craniocaudal and axial), (b) size, (c) morphology, (d) dural contact, (e) signal characteristics, (f) enhancement degree and patterns. The usefulness of the algorithm for differential diagnosis was examined between the two tumors. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was good (κ = 0.7-0.9). Ten cases meningiomas demonstrated multiple lesions. There was a female predominance in the meningiomas (P < 0.001). Meningiomas predominantly were located in the ventral or anterolateral areas of thoracic regions, while schwannomas in the posterolateral areas of the thoracic and the lumbar regions (P < 0.001). Mean size of the lesions was 1.47 ± 0.36 cm for meningioma, and 2.02 ± 1.13 cm for schwannoma (P < 0.001). A dumbbell shape with intervertebral foramen widening could detect schwannomas, while the "dural tail sign" did meningiomas (P < 0.001). Hypointense and miscellaneous signal implied meningioma on T1WIs (P < 0.001). Isointense was more frequently observed in the meningiomas, while the fluid signal intensity and miscellaneous signal in the schwannomas on T2WIs (P < 0.001). Schwannomas usually manifested rim enhancement, while meningiomas diffuse enhancement (P = 0.005). There were six variables including the logistic equation (age, size, dural tail sign, morphology, T2WI, and axial location). The accuracy of the algorithm in diagnosis of schwannomas was 87.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of clinic data and MRI performs significantly for differentiating between intraspinal meningiomas and schwannomas.

Delineation the anatomy of posterior tibial artery perforator flaps using human cadavers with a modified technique.

BACKGROUND: To delineate the distribution and course layer of the perforator vessels using a modified technique. METHODS: Twelve perforator flaps were obtained from the crura of six fresh adult cadavers. The flaps were randomized into three groups (n = 4 per group): the full-thickness flap group; the deep fascia-free flap group, and the subcutaneous adipose layer-free group. The flaps were smoothened on a silk screen on a batten frame and the isolated flaps were perfused at a perfusion pressure of 140 mmHg for 10 min via the trunk of the posterior tibial artery. Perforator flaps were photographed using a digital camera and radiographed using a mammography device. The imaging data were processed by digital software system. RESULTS: The mean number of the posterior tibial artery perforator was 4.17 ± 0.94. The three relatively constant perforators varied in the projection points as well as the diameter and the length. The vascular branches and courses of the perforators were clearly visible on the mammograms. Elimination of all the deep fascia or the subcutaneous adipose tissues in the distal portion had no significant impact on the blood supply of posterior tibial artery perforator flaps while the vascular areas of the artery perforators were significantly reduced after the subcutaneous adipose tissue was eliminated in the proximal portion. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an effective modified technique for delineating the vascular territory on perforator flaps of different thicknesses. Our results provide significant guidance for clinical surgeons by providing them with more detailed anatomical knowledge of perforator flaps.

Dark Tea Wine Protects Against Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease In Vivo Through Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Antioxidant Signaling Pathway.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a complex and multifactorial disease. Dark tea exhibits great potential for various bioactivities for metabolic health. In this study, we aimed to evaluate therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of dark tea wine (DTW) on MASLD with obesity. A rat model of MASLD was established by high-fat diet and administered with different doses of DTW as an intervention. The biomarkers of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in rats were tested. The weight of organs and adipose tissues and the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were investigated based on the pathology and western blot analysis. We found that DTW enhanced antioxidant capacity via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, further markedly triggering inhibition of weight gain, reduction of lipid dysfunction, and improvement of pathological characteristics to ameliorate MASLD induced by high-fat diet. These results suggest that DTW is a promising functional supplement for prevention and treatment of MASLD and obesity.

Incorporation of Lactococcus lactis and Chia Mucilage for Improving the Physical and Biological Properties of Gelatin-Based Coating: Application for Strawberry Preservation.

In this work, a gelatin/chia mucilage (GN/CM) composite coating material doped with Lactococcus lactis (LS) was developed for strawberry preservation applications. The results of the scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy stated that the enhanced molecular interaction between the CM and GN matrix strengthened the density and compactness of the GN film. Antifungal results indicated that the addition of LS significantly (p < 0.05) improved the ability of the GN coating to inhibit the growth of Botrytis cinerea (inhibition percentage = 62.0 ± 4.6%). Adding CM significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the water vapour permeability and oxygen permeability of the GN coating by 32.7 ± 4.0% and 15.76 ± 1.89%, respectively. In addition, the incorporated CM also significantly (p < 0.05) improved the LS viability and elongation at break of the film by 13.11 ± 2.05% and 42.58 ± 1.21%, respectively. The GN/CM/LS composite coating material also exhibited an excellent washability. The results of this study indicated that the developed GN/CM/LS coating could be used as a novel active material for strawberry preservation.

Recent advances in electrochemical cell-based biosensors for food analysis: Strategies for sensor construction.

Owing to their advantages such as great specificity, sensitivity, rapidity, and possibility of noninvasive and real-time monitoring, electrochemical cell-based biosensors (ECBBs) have been a powerful tool for food analysis encompassing the areas of nutrition, flavor, and safety. Notably, the distinctive biological relevance of ECBBs enables them to mimic physiological environments and reflect cellular behaviors, leading to valuable insights into the biological function of target components in food. Compared with previous reviews, this review fills the current gap in the narrative of ECBB construction strategies. The review commences by providing an overview of the materials and configuration of ECBBs, including cell types, cell immobilization strategies, electrode modification materials, and electrochemical sensing types. Subsequently, a detailed discussion is presented on the fabrication strategies of ECBBs in food analysis applications, which are categorized based on distinct signal sources. Lastly, we summarize the merits, drawbacks, and application scope of these diverse strategies, and discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of ECBBs. Consequently, this review provides guidance for the design of ECBBs with specific functions and promotes the application of ECBBs in food analysis.

Fabrication of biopolymer stabilized microcapsules for enhancing physicochemical stability, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of cinnamon essential oil.

The current study entails the encapsulation validity to enclose naturally occurring food preservatives, such as cinnamon essential oil (CM), within various wall materials. This approach has demonstrated enhanced encapsulated compounds' stability, efficiency, and bioactivity. The base carrier system consisted of a solid lipid (Berry wax, RW) individually blended with whey protein (WYN), maltodextrin (MDN), and gum Arabic (GMC) as wall materials. The resulting formulations were freeze-dried: WYN/RW/CM, MDN/RW/CM, and GMC/RW/CM. The study comprehensively analyzed encapsulation efficiency, morphology, crystallinity, thermal, and physiochemical properties. When RW was combined with WYN, MDN, and GMC, the microcapsule WYN/RW/CM showed the highest efficiency at 93.4 %, while the GMC/RW/CM exhibited the highest relative crystallinity at 46.54 %. Furthermore, the investigation assessed storage stability, release of bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability during storage at 4 °C/ 25 % RH ± 5 % and 25 °C/40 % RH ± 5 % for 55 days, revealing optimal stability in the WYN/RW/CM microcapsule. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity was assessed at various concentrations of microcapsules, revealing their inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) bacteria. The WYN/RW/CM microcapsule exhibited the highest inhibition activity in both strains, reaching 40 mm. This study demonstrates that combining WYN with RW as a wall material has greater efficiency in encapsulation and potential uses in various industrial sectors.

Development of an active biogenic silver nanoparticles composite film based on berry wax and chitosan for rabbit meat preservation.

This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly active biogenic nanocomposite film through the complexation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), berry wax (BYW), and chitosan (CT) for maintiaing rabbit functional meat freshness. AgNPs were synthesized using Chinese medicinal paeoniaceae petal extract, and they were loaded at various concentrations (0.5 %, 0.75 %, 1.0 %, 1.25 %, and 1.5 % based on CT w/w) into the CT/BYW complex. The AgNPs exhibited an average size of 55 nm and a zeta potential of -26.3 mV with a spherical shape. The particle size and zeta potential of the film dispersions were 370.5-529.5 nm and 40.17-49.345 mV, respectively. FTIR, SEM, and XRD results showed compatibility among AgNPs and CT/BYW structure. The film water vapor permeability and light transparency decreased from 6.5 to 3.5 and 10 to 0.78 %, respectively, while opacity increased from 1.76 to 9.96 % with increasing concentrations of AgNPs. Among them, the film composite CT/BYW/AgNPs1.5% had better antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which was then applied for rabbit meat preservation at 4 °C for 16 days of storage. CT/BYW/AgNPs1.25%-packed sample had lower values of TVB-N, TBARS, TVC, and pH with greater retention of color properties compared to the control sample, which describes its ability to maintain meat freshness.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus-loaded and chia mucilage-rich gum arabic/pullulan nanofiber film: An effective antibacterial film for the preservation of fresh beef.

In recent years, the development of probiotic film by incorporating probiotics into edible polymers has attracted significant research attention in the field of active packaging. However, the influence of the external environment substantially reduces the vitality of probiotics, limiting their application. Therefore, to improve the probiotic activity, this study devised a novel nanofiber film incorporating chia mucilage protection solution (CPS), gum arabic (GA), pullulan (PUL), and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB). SEM images indicated the successful preparation of the nanofiber film incorporating LB. CPS incorporation significantly improved the survival ability of LB, with a live cell count reaching 7.62 log CFU/g after 28 days of storage at 4 °C - an increase of 1 log CFU/g compared to the fiber film without CPS. The results showed that the fiber film containing LB inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, the novel probiotic nanofiber film was applied to beef. The results showed that the shelf life of the beef during the experiments was extended for 2 days at 4 °C. Therefore, the novel probiotic film containing LB was suitable for meat preservation.

Air and argon cold plasma effects on lipolytic enzymes inactivation, physicochemical properties and volatile profiles of lightly-milled rice.

This study investigated the effectiveness of cold-plasma treatment using air and argon as input gas on deactivation of lipolytic enzymes in lightly-milled-rice (LMR). The results showed no significant inactivation in lipase and lipoxygenase using air-plasma. However, using argon as input gas, the residual activities of lipase and lipoxygenase were reduced to 64.51 % and 29.15 % of initial levels, respectively. Argon plasma treatment resulted in more substantial augmentation in peak and breakdown viscosities of LMR starch, suggesting an enhancement in palatability of cooked LMR with increased stickiness and decreased hardness. In contrast to the decrease in volatile compounds in LMR following argon plasma treatment, the concentrations of several prevalent aroma compounds, including 1-hexanol, 1-hexanal, and 2-pentylfuran, exhibited significant increments, reaching 1489.70 ng/g, 3312.10 ng/g, and 58.80 ng/g, respectively. These findings suggest the potential for enhancing various facets of the commercial qualities of LMR by utilizing different input gases during plasma treatment.

Berry wax improves the physico-mechanical, thermal, water barrier properties and biodegradable potential of chitosan food packaging film.

Chitosan (CT) is extensively applied in developing food packaging films due to its non-toxic, biodegradable, and good film-forming properties. But CT-based single polymer film has issues with poor physico-mechanical, thermal, and light barrier properties. Therefore, this study aimed to incorporate natural berry wax (BYW) at various concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 %, wt%) into CT to improve the quality characteristics of CT film. The microstructure of the film matrix was effectively proven to be compatible with BYW through the utilization of SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the quality parameters of CT/BYW composite film were significantly affected by the increasing concentration of BYW. The integration of BYW with a concentration of 5 % to 20 % to CT substantially improved the film characteristics by reducing moisture content, swelling power, solubility, and water vapor permeability, increasing the film's opacity, thermal stability, and tensile strength as well as enhancing the biodegradable potential. Furthermore, CT/BYW films showed higher thermal stability and UV and visible light resistance compared to pure CT film. Taken together, the CT film with 20 % berry wax showed the best film characteristics and biodegradable potential, which could be promising for enhancing the shelf-life of various food products.

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Based on Silicon Quantum Dots and Silver Nanoclusters for Beef Freshness Monitoring.

A ratiometric fluorescent sensor with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methanthiol (CH3SH) sensitivity was developed to real-time monitor beef freshness. A silicon quantum dots (SiQD) and silver nanoclusters (AgNC) complex, namely SiQD-AgNC, was used as the dual emission fluorescence materials. Due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect between SiQD and AgNC, when the fluorescence of AgNC (610 nm) was quenched by H2S or CH3SH, the fluorescence of SiQD (468 nm) recovered, resulting in an increase of the fluorescent intensity ratio (I468/I610). I468/I610 showed a linear relationship with the H2S concentration within the concentration range of 1.125-17 µM, with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 53.6 nM. Meanwhile, I468/I610 presented two linear relationships with the CH3SH concentration within the concentration range of 1.125-17 µM and 23.375-38.25 µM, respectively, with a LOD value of 56.5 nM. The SiQD-AgNC complex was coated on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film to form a portable SiQD-AgNC/PVDF film sensor. This film showed purplish red-to-cyan color changes in response to H2S and CH3SH, with LOD values of 224 nM and 233 nM to H2S and CH3SH, respectively. When the film was used to monitor beef freshness at 4 °C, its fluorescent color gradually changed from purplish red to cyan. Hence, this study presented a new ratiometric fluorescent sensor for intelligent food packaging.

Association of local solid mechanical, hemodynamic and morphological characteristics with ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

The rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is a complicated phenomenon of which the mechanism is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to associate local solid mechanical, hemodynamic, and morphological characteristics with rupture regions through statistical means, in an attempt to identify the parameters that are indicative of rupture propensity for IAs. Twenty patient-specific ruptured IA models were reconstructed from digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and applied in the analysis of wall tension, wall shear stress (WSS) and curvature. The precise rupture locations were marked out through intraoperative videos. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to investigate the correlations of these three parameters with patient characteristics and global geometric features. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were further performed on wall tension, WSS and curvature with regards to rupture and nonrupture regions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis defining area under the curve (AUC) was performed on these three parameters. The univariate model of wall tension (AUC, 0.9750), WSS (AUC, 0.9300), curvature (0.8150) and their combined multivariate model (AUC, 0.9875) all present high AUC values. The wall tension, WSS and curvature are acceptable parameters relating to rupture regions. The rupture odd is more sensitive to the wall tension and WSS than curvature. Each logistic model is capable in discriminating ruptures from nonrupture regions, while the multivariate model is the most efficient.

Effects of Pulsed Pressure Curing on Beef Quality.

The study was proposed to investigate the effects of pulsed pressure curing on the beef absorption of the curing solution, cooking loss, moisture content, centrifugal loss, salt content, sensory attributes, texture, microstructures and volatile compounds. Curing methods include the following four treatments: (1) control group 1-static curing (SC); (2) control group 2-vacuum curing (VC); (3) control group 3-pressurized curing (PC); and (4) treatment group-pulsed pressure curing (PPC). The acquired results revealed that pulsed pressure curing significantly boosts the curing efficiency and moisture content, decreases cooking loss in beef, brightens meat color, and enhances texture compared to static curing, vacuum curing, and pressurized curing. Additionally, centrifugal losses were not impaired, and sensory findings revealed that PPC significantly improved the saltiness of beef. TPA results showed that the springiness and cohesiveness of PPC were greatly increased, and hardness and chewiness were significantly reduced. Moreover, PPC significantly reduced the content of 1-octen-3-ol and 1-hexanol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images documented that pulsed pressure curing can effectively increase the tenderness of beef. This study demonstrates that processed meat product efficiency and sensory attributes should be taken into account when selecting a curing technique, and the PPC technique has an advantage in both areas.