Search

A precise radiotherapy plan is crucial to ensure accurate segmentation of glioblastomas (GBMs) for radiation therapy. However, the traditional manual segmentation process is labor‐intensive and heavily reliant on the experience of radiation oncologists. In this retrospective study, a novel auto‐segmentation method is proposed to address these problems. To assess the method's applicability across diverse scenarios, we conducted its development and evaluation using a cohort of 148 eligible patients drawn from four multicenter datasets and retrospective data collection including noncontrast CT, multisequence MRI scans, and corresponding medical records. All patients were diagnosed with histologically confirmed high‐grade glioma (HGG). A deep learning‐based method (PKMI‐Net) for automatically segmenting gross tumor volume (GTV) and clinical target volumes (CTV1 and CTV2) of GBMs was proposed by leveraging prior knowledge from multimodal imaging. The proposed PKMI‐Net demonstrated high accuracy in segmenting, respectively, GTV, CTV1, and CTV2 in an 11‐patient test set, achieving Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) of 0.94, 0.95, and 0.92; 95% Hausdorff distances (HD95) of 2.07, 1.18, and 3.95 mm; average surface distances (ASD) of 0.69, 0.39, and 1.17 mm; and relative volume differences (RVD) of 5.50%, 9.68%, and 3.97%. Moreover, the vast majority of GTV, CTV1, and CTV2 produced by PKMI‐Net are clinically acceptable and require no revision for clinical practice. In our multicenter evaluation, the PKMI‐Net exhibited consistent and robust generalizability across the various datasets, demonstrating its effectiveness in automatically segmenting GBMs. The proposed method using prior knowledge in multimodal imaging can improve the contouring accuracy of GBMs, which holds the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of GBMs' radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing flexible wearable strain sensors that combine high performance and cost-effectiveness remains a challenge. We proposed the polarity-induced adsorption theory based on the like dissolves like principle, which can dramatically increase the loading rate of carbon nanomaterials on TPU electrospun nanofiber substrates, and constructed flexible PDA/CB/CNF/TPU strain sensors (PCCT) with dual-mode three-dimensional nanobrush-bridging structures of binary carbon-based active filler through the introduction of a binary mixed dispersant system. The trend of similar effects on the loading rate and sheet resistance present for a variety of systems proves the objective existence and applicability of the polarity-induced adsorption theory, and then, the microscopic mechanism of action of the model is analyzed and explained. The optimization scheme summarized on this basis resulted in a PCCT with an ultrahigh carbon nanomaterial loading rate of 59.5% and an ultralow sheet resistance of 68.5 Ω/sq, which enabled the constructed high-density three-dimensional conductive network with synergistic double-bridging structures to demonstrate a full-stretch range of responsiveness (0.12–285%) and high sensitivity (GF = 25.5 (0–100%), 84.3 (100–200%) and 312.4 (200–285%)), realizing the performance enhancement of low-cost devices. Finally, testing of the response to different levels of strain including human joint movements and muscle movements such as blinking proved the practical value and wide range of applications of PCCT in the field of human monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a significant focus on bioactive dressings suitable for treating chronic and acute wounds. Electrospinning nanofibers are considered advanced dressing options due to their high porosity and permeability to air and water, effective barrier properties against external pathogens, and excellent resemblance to the extracellular matrix for wound healing and skin regeneration. This article reviews the recent advancements in the application of electrospinning nanofibers for bioactive wound healing. The review begins with an overview of the wound healing process and electrospinning methods. It then explores the advantages and disadvantages of different synthetic and natural polymers used in the preparation of electrospinning wound dressings. The natural polymers discussed in this review include collagen, gelatin, silk fibroin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and sodium alginate. Additionally, the review delves into commonly used synthetic polymers like polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene lactone, polylactide, and polyurethane for wound dressing applications. Furthermore, the review examines the blending of natural and synthetic polymers to create high‐performance wound dressings. It also explores the incorporation of functional additives, such as antimicrobial agents, growth factors, and natural extracts, into electrospinning nanofibers to expedite wound healing and tissue repair. In conclusion, electrospinning is an emerging technology that provides unique opportunities for designing more effective wound dressings and care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of oily wastewater remains a technological challenge. Membrane separation methods can offer solutions with high throughput and low operating cost if suitable membranes can be developed. In this work, an electrospun polymer composite membrane containing metal–organic framework (MOF) particles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented, which performs both high water flux and high separation efficiency. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which has excellent fiber-forming properties, is used as the polymer matrix. The MOF zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) increases membrane hydrophilicity and imparts nanopores. The MOF particles are tightly associated with CNTs, increasing the MOF binding and providing mechanical stability and increased surface area to the composite fiber membrane. The result is a high-flux, high-separation efficiency, and recyclable polyacrylonitrile/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/carbon nanotube (PAN/ZIF-8/CNT) nanofiber membrane. The membrane has a high water contact angle (WCA > 130°) and exhibits underwater oleophilicity and underoil hydrophobicity. The PAN/ZIF-8/CNT membrane has a hierarchical porous structure of microscale and nanoscale channels, resulting in good porosity that greatly improves oil–water separation performance. The membrane has a high separation flux of 2139 L m–2 h–1 for oil–water emulsion in a gravity-fed apparatus and excellent oil/water separation efficiency (>98.5%). In addition, even under acidic, alkaline, saline, and abrasive conditions, the prepared membrane also exhibits excellent hydrophobic and oleophilic properties. This work offers prospects for water purification and oily wastewater remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil pollution has always been an important issue affecting the ecological and residential environment, and the development of a highly efficient oil/water separation membrane has become a hot topic. In this paper, Janus polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membranes (PNM) were prepared by co-blending hydrophilic SiO2 nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) doped with PAN (PNM-SiO2 and PNM-CNT, respectively) and then using sequential multilayer electrospinning. The existence of electrostatic mutual gravitational force between SiO2 and CNTs makes the binding between the multilayer membranes exist more firmly, which is conducive to withstand the osmotic pressure brought by the liquid. In addition, Janus PAN membranes have different wetting properties; they have a micro/nanopore structure that forms a permeable channel for liquids, thus enabling efficient separation of water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, which separates oil/water emulsions with flux as high as 2188 L m–2 h–1 and separation efficiency as high as 99.8%. This experiment further develops the application of Janus membranes in oil/water separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of temperature (100 °C, 150 °C, 250 °C) during processing with wine on chemical composition, oil oxidative stability, inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase ( AChE) and pancreatic lipase ( PL) of Angelica Sinensis Radix ( ASR), and the feasibility of melanoidins as a colour index to control the roasting intensities were investigated for the first time. The results showed that there were the highest content of ferulic acid, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of sample roasted at 150 °C, and the sample roasted at 250 °C had the highest content of polysaccharide and total phenolics. A continued reduction in volatile content has occurred in progressive roast. The oxidant stability of oil has a slight increase along with the strength of the roasting intensities, which was higher than unprocessed ASR. Inhibitory activities on acetylcholinesterase and pancreatic lipase were decreased firstly and then increased. Melanoidins can be used as a colour indicator for controlling the thermal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amygdalin can be decomposed into hydrocyanic acid, which is the primary source of Persicae Semen toxicity, by gut flora. Here, the inhibitory activity of β-glucosidase for test herb extracts was first determined and compared. In turn, optimization of the ratio of substrate and inhibitor in vitro and LD50 values of extracts, serum and liver contents of amygdalin in vivo was measured. Lycii Cortex was found to be the best inhibitory activity for β-glucosidase. The ratio of amygdalin-to-Lycii Cortex extract of 7.19:8.18 (mmol L-1 /mg mL-1 ) can be relatively suitable for inhibiting β-glucosidase activity in test in vitro reaction system. After mixed with Lycii Cortex extract, the toxicity of Persicae Semen ethanol extract in mice is significantly reduced and more amygdalin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The study provides useful information for reducing toxicity of Persicae Semen and suggests how to better use these natural β-glucosidase inhibitors in the utilization of glycosides and aglycones. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four methods were applied to dry yam slices, and then, starches were isolated from dried yam slices. Starch isolated from fresh yam was as the study control, and physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starches were studied. The results showed that the amylose content ranged from 12.62% to 28.25%, water-binding capacity (WBC) from 111.67% to 262.88%, paste clarity from 2.1% to 6.23%, resistant starch (RS) from 66.60% to 88.49% and crystallinity from 11.27% to 25.52%. Compared with the control starch, hot air-drying at 60 °C significantly decreased amylose content, paste clarity, RS and crystallinity, while increasing the WBC. Low levels of rapidly digestible starch and glucose and high RS levels were found in the starch from freeze-drying yam. Digestibility of the starches was significantly correlated with amylose content, WBC, paste clarity and swelling power. The starch samples were divided into three groups by principal component analysis (PCA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents of total flavonoids, total phenolics, total triterpenes, total condensed tannin and total saponins in peels, flesh and endocarps of Chaenomeles speciosa (CSP) and Chaenomeles sinensis (CSS) were determined by colorimetric method, while 5 phenolics (vanillic, gallic, chlorogenic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids), 2 triterpenes (oleanolic and ursolic acids), and 3 flavonoids (rutin, catechin and epicatechin) were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and HPLC, and antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of them also were evaluated as well as their digestive characteristics. In the correlation analysis, total phenolics, vanillic acid, catechin, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid all contribute to DPPH· scavenge capacity, gallic acid contributes to total ferric reducing antioxidant power, while total triterpenes, total saponins, chlorogenic acid and ferullic acid contribute to α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In the principal component analysis, endocarps of CSP and CSS both show better quality than their peels and flesh, respectively. In vitro digestion can increase contents of total flavonoids, total condensed tannin and total saponins, while contents of total phenolics and total triterpenes decreased greatly. Our study would contribute to the full use of discarded parts of the 2 Chaenomeles and be helpful to establish a good foundation for further research of CSP and CSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The starch-palmitic acid complex was prepared by the reaction of different concentrations (0.1%–5.0%) of palmitic acid and yam starch. In order to find out the effects of concentration of palmitic acid on the properties of the complex, the physicochemical properties, morphological properties, freeze-thaw stability, antioxidant activity and bile acid binding capacity of complexes were studied. It was found that with the increase of palmitic acid concentration, the complex index of starch-fatty acid increased first and then decreased. When the concentration of palmitic acid was 2%, the complex index was the highest (26.39%). The crystal type has gradually changed from Ca type into mixtures of V-type pattern and B-type pattern when introduced palmitic acid. The water binding capacity, solubility, swelling power and paste clarity were decreased, while the content of resistant starch and freeze-thaw stability were obviously increased. Compared with the native starch, the antioxidant activity and bile acid binding capacity of the complex were significantly increased. All the result showed that the concentration of palmitic acid has a great influence on the physicochemical properties of modified starch and the starch-palmitic acid complexes have higher ability of controlling cholesterol and improving the anti-oxidant activity than native yam. Highlights • Different concentration of palmitic acid-yam starch complexes were prepared. • When the concentration of palmitic acid was 2%, the complex index was the highest. • The palmitic acid-yam starch complex exhibited significant antioxidant activity and bile acid binding capacity. • 2% should be the optimum concentration of palmitic acid combined with yam starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of blanching (in boiling water for 1min) and different hot air drying temperatures (40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C) on the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and antioxidant activities, main bioactive components, as well as the starch-related physicochemical properties of yam flours were studied. The results of PPO and POD activities, and total flavone and total soluble polyphenol contents showed that blanching was effective to inhibiting enzymatic browning of yams, and the substrate of enzymatic browning reaction may be mainly flavonoid ingredients. The sample of H-40 had higher allantoin and total soluble polyphenol content, stronger DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power. From the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), the blanching yams was found contain partly gelatinized starch granules, and had lower crystallinity. The H-40 and H-80 samples had higher RS contents and lower GI values. Furthermore, the protein and soluble amylose contents, solubility and swelling power at 90 °C of the blanching yams were lower than those of the yams without blanching. We can effectively apply these flours in various products based on their characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]