Protein hydrolysates from fish by-products have good process suitability and bioavailability in the food industry. The objective of this work was to develop a method for protein recovery from fish ...scales and evaluate the hydrolysis of the scale protein. The effect of the hydrothermal process on protein recovery, degree of hydrolysis (DH) and structural properties of the hydrolysates was investigated. Results showed that hydrothermal treatment could enhance protein recovery of tilapia scales without demineralization and dramatically improve the DH of the hydrolysates. The hydrothermal treated scales showed a better protein recovery (84.81%) and DH (12.88%) and released peptides more efficiently than that of the conventional treated samples. The obtained gelatin hydrolysates mainly distributed in the range of 200-2000 Da with an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) IC
value of 0.73 mg/mL. The ACE inhibitory activity of gelatin hydrolysates was stable under high temperature, pH and gastrointestinal proteases. Hydrothermal treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis offers a potential solution for preparation of gelatin hydrolysates for food ingredients from fish processing by-products.
Aptamer‐based probes are pivotal components in various sensing strategies, owing to their exceptional specificity and versatile programmable structure. Nevertheless, numerous aptamer‐based probes ...usually offer only a single function, limiting their capacity to meet the diverse requirements of multi‐faceted sensing systems. Here, we introduced supersandwich DNA probes (SSW‐DNA), designed and modified on the outer surface of nanochannels with hydrophobic inner walls, enabling dual functionality: qualitative detection for on‐site analysis and quantitative detection for precise analysis. The fragmented DNAs resulting from the target recognition, are subsequently identified through lateral flow assays, enabling robust on‐site qualitative detection of microcystin‐LR with an impressively low limit of detection (LOD) at 0.01 μg/L. Meanwhile, the nanochannels enable highly sensitive quantification of microcystin‐LR through the current analysis, achieving an exceptionally low LOD at 2.5×10−7 μg/L, with a broad dynamic range spanning from 1×10−6 to 1×102 μg/L. Furthermore, the process of target recognition introduces just a single potential error propagation, which reduces the overall risk of errors during the entire qualitative and quantitative detection process. This sensing strategy broadens the scope of applications for aptamer‐based composite probes, holding promising implications across diverse fields, such as medical diagnosis, food safety, and environmental protection.
An aptasensor was developed with supersandwich DNA (SSW‐DNA) modified on the outer surface of nanochannels with hydrophobic inner walls realizing the reliable on‐site qualitative and laboratory ultra‐sensitive quantitative detection of MC–LR. This work highlights the enhanced performance and broader applicability based on the well‐designed single set of probes and nanochannels.
A new non-interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) pillared-layered TPP-based LMOF Zn3(TPyTPP)0.5(BDC)3·8DMF (denoted as Zn-MOF 1) was successfully prepared (TPyTPP = ...tetrakis(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)pyrazine and H2BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid). Zn-MOF 1 was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, PXRD, IR, N2 adsorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and luminescent spectrum. Impressively, luminescent sensing studies reveal that activated Zn-MOF 1 not only displays excellent luminescence-quenching efficiency with the values of high K sv and low LODs toward 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), respectively, but also possesses outstanding sensing characteristics in terms of fast response, high sensitivity, and specific selectivity. Zn-MOF 1 performs as efficient sensing of carcinoid biomarkers to provide a fresh detection platform for the diagnosis of carcinoids. In addition, the sensing mechanism was also explored on the basis of ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption, DFT calculations, and structural analysis.
Widely used rodent anxiety assays like the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the open field test (OFT) are conflated with rodents' natural preference for dark over light environments or protected over ...open spaces. The EPM and OFT have been used for decades but are often criticized by behavioral scientists. Years ago, two revised anxiety assays were designed to improve upon the “classic” tests by excluding the possibility to avoid or escape aversion. The 3‐D radial arm maze (3DR) and the 3‐D open field test (3Doft) utilize continual motivational conflict to better model anxiety; each consist of an open space connected to ambiguous paths toward uncertain escape. Despite their utility, the revised assays have not caught on. This could be because no study yet has directly compared classic and revised assays in the same animals. To remedy this, we contrasted behavior from a battery of assays (EPM, OFT, 3DR, 3Doft and a sociability test) in mice defined genetically by isogenic strain, or environmentally by postnatal experience. One major motivation for this work is to inform future studies by offering a transparent look at individual outcomes on these assays, as there is no one‐size‐fits‐all test to assess rodent anxiety‐like behavior. Findings suggest that classic assays may sufficiently characterize differences across genetically defined groups, but the revised 3DR may be advantageous for investigating more nuanced behavioral differences such as those stemming from environmental factors. Finally, exposure to multiple assays significantly affected sociability, highlighting concerns for designing and interpreting batteries of rodent behavioral tests.
Revised anxiety‐like assays that introduce continual motivational conflict may improve upon “classic” assays like the elevated plus maze or open field test. Findings suggest that classic assays may sufficiently characterize differences across genetically defined groups, but the revised 3DR may be advantageous for investigating more nuanced behavioral differences such as those stemming from environmental factors.
In crustaceans, chitinases (Chts) play crucial roles in physiological functions such as chitinous food digestion, moulting and stress responses. Chitinases have been identified in both prokaryotes ...and eukaryotes, but the composition and number of Cht family members vary across species, especially in crustaceans. Seven Cht transcripts, all of which contained the conserved enzyme activity motif, were cloned from Scylla paramamosain for the first time, and SpCht1‐SpCht6 were clearly classified into groups 1–6, respectively, through phylogenetic analysis. Notably, SpCht7, which had two catalytic domains, was identified for the first time in crabs and crustaceans. Although SpCht7 could not be grouped into any known Cht subclasses, it clustered together with insect Cht7 and could be classified into a novel subclass that we named group 7. The tissue distributions of SpChts, as well as their expression profiles during embryonic and larval development, growth‐related moulting, salinity and cadmium stresses, were also investigated. The results suggested that SpChts might have different and varied biological functions. These results would be helpful for understanding and clarifying the roles of chitinases in crab development, moulting and responses to environmental stress. These results also provide new insight into the origin and evolution of the chitinase gene family in crabs and other crustaceans.
Innovative supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)‐assisted ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE)/modified bacterial cellulose (MBC) as‐spun fibers were found to display substantially lower ...dynamic transition temperatures than those acquired for scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE or UHMWPE/MBC as‐spun fibers prepared without scCO2‐assistance or incorporation of MBC nanofibers. Multiple‐step drawing methods were first‐time applied to these finely ''relaxed'' scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE/MBC fibers and considerably improved their achievable draw ratios (Dras), orientation factor (fos), and tensile tenacities (σtts). The best five‐step drawn scCO2UHMWPE/MBC fiber displayed a particularly high σtt of 135 g d−1, which was ~35, ~3.75, and ~1.7 fold of σtts acquired for good steel fiber and the most appropriate single‐step drawn scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE and UHMWPE/MBC fibers, respectively. The particularly high Dras, fo, and σtts acquired for the best multiple‐step drawn scCO2‐assisted UHMWPE/MBC fibers is ascribed to their more ''relaxed'' UHMWPE structures, thinner lamellae, and successive increased drawing temperature in the multiple‐step drawing processes.
Tensile tenacities and orientation factors of multiple‐step drawn UHMWPE, UHMWPE/MBC, scCO2UHMWPE and scCO2UHMWPE/MBC fibers.
Abstract Background and purpose Various radiotherapy planning methods for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have been proposed to decrease normal tissue toxicity. ...We compare IMRT, adaptive IMRT, proton therapy (IMPT), and adaptive IMPT for SCCHN. Materials and methods Initial and re-simulation CT images from 10 consecutive patients with SCCHN were used to quantify dosimetric differences between photon and proton therapy. Contouring was performed on both CTs, and plans ( n = 40 plans) and dose–volume histograms were generated. Results The mean GTV volume decreased 53.4% with re-simulation. All plans provided comparable PTV coverage. Compared with IMRT, adaptive IMRT significantly reduced the maximum dose to the mandible ( p = 0.020) and mean doses to the contralateral parotid gland ( p = 0.049) and larynx ( p = 0.049). Compared with IMRT and adaptive IMRT, IMPT significantly lowered the maximum doses to the spinal cord ( p < 0.002 for both) and brainstem ( p < 0.002 for both) and mean doses to the larynx ( p < 0.002 for both) and ipsilateral ( p = 0.004 IMRT, p = 0.050 adaptive) and contralateral ( p < 0.002 IMRT, p = 0.010 adaptive) parotid glands. Adaptive IMPT significantly reduced doses to all critical structures compared with IMRT and adaptive IMRT and several critical structures compared with non-adaptive IMPT. Conclusions Although adaptive IMRT reduced dose to several normal structures compared with standard IMRT, non-adaptive proton therapy had a more favorable dosimetric profile than IMRT or adaptive IMRT and may obviate the need for adaptive planning. Protons allowed significant sparing of the spinal cord, parotid glands, larynx, and brainstem and should be considered for SCCHN to decrease normal tissue toxicity while still providing optimal tumor coverage.
•We investigated predictors of GK SRS radiotoxicity (i.e., V12) in brain metastases.•Single/distributed GK SRS was used to treat 1217 brain metastases in 245 patients.•Tumor surface area was found to ...be the most accurate univariate predictor of V12.•A power-law model with only preplan variables accounts for 90% of variance in V12.•This model helps provide safe dose escalation strategies without planning software.
Radiation oncology protocols for single fraction radiosurgery recommend setting dosing criteria based on assumed risk of radionecrosis, which can be predicted by the 12 Gy normal brain volume (V12). In this study, we show that tumor surface area (SA) and a simple power-law model using only preplan variables can estimate and minimize radiosurgical toxicity.
A 245-patient cohort with 1217 brain metastases treated with single or distributed Gamma Knife sessions was reviewed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models and power-law models determined which modeling parameters best predicted V12. The V12 power-law model, represented by a product of normalized Rx dose Rxn, and tumor longest axial dimension LAD (V12 ∼ Rxn1.5*LAD2), was independently validated using a secondary 63-patient cohort with 302 brain metastases.
Surface area was the best univariate linear predictor of V12 (adjR2 = 0.770), followed by longest axial dimension (adjR2 = 0.755) and volume (adjR2 = 0.745). The power-law model accounted for 90% variance in V12 for 1217 metastatic lesions (adjR2 = 0.906) and 245 patients (adjR2 = 0.896). The average difference ΔV12 between predicted and measured V12s was (0.28 ± 0.55) cm3 per lesion and (1.0 ± 1.2) cm3 per patient. The power-law predictive capability was validated using a secondary 63-patient dataset (adjR2 = 0.867) with 302 brain metastases (adjR2 = 0.825).
Surface area was the most accurate univariate predictor of V12 for metastatic lesions. We developed a preplan model for brain metastases that can help better estimate radionecrosis risk, determine prescription doses given a target V12, and provide safe dose escalation strategies without the use of any planning software.
The goal of this study was to explore conceptual benefits of characterizing delineated target volumes based on surface area and to utilize the concept for assessing risk of therapeutic toxicity in ...radiosurgery.
Four computer-generated targets, a sphere, a cylinder, an ellipsoid and a box, were designed for two distinct scenarios. In the first scenario, all targets had identical volumes, and in the second one, all targets had identical surface areas. High quality stereotactic radiosurgery plans with at least 95% target coverage and selectivity were created for each target in both scenarios. Normal brain volumes V12Gy, V14Gy and V16Gy corresponding to received dose of 12 Gy, 14 Gy and 16 Gy, respectively, were computed and analyzed. Additionally, V12Gy and V14Gy volumes and values for seven prospective toxicity variables were recorded for 100 meningioma patients after Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Multivariable stepwise linear regression and best subset linear regression analyses were performed in two statistical software packages, SAS/STAT and R, respectively.
In a phantom study, for the constant volume targets, the volumes of 12 Gy, 14 Gy and 16 Gy isodose clouds were the lowest for the spherical target as an expected corollary of the isoperimetric inequality. For the constant surface area targets, a conventional wisdom is confirmed, as the target volume increases the corresponding volumes V12Gy, V14Gy and V16Gy also increase. In the 100-meningioma patient cohort, the best univariate model featured tumor surface area as the most significantly associated variable with both V12Gy and V14Gy volumes, corresponding to the adjusted R2 values of 0.82 and 0.77, respectively. Two statistical methods converged to matching multivariable models.
In a univariate model, target surface area is a better predictor of spilled dose to normal tissue than target largest dimension or target volume itself. In complex multivariate models, target surface area is an independent variable for modeling radiosurgical normal tissue toxicity risk.
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