An innovative method for the purification of anthocyanins from grape skin extracts by using liquid and sub-critical carbon dioxide

This work describes a new and innovative method for the purification of anthocyanins from grape skin extracts as liquid matrix (LM), by using carbon dioxide (CO2). The LM was obtained by extraction of anthocyanins from grape skins using a water/ethyl alcohol solution acidified with 0.2% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The CO2 purification process produced a desired fraction (F1) containing pure anthocyanins, and a second fraction (F2) containing ethyl alcohol and other components of the grape skins. An yield of anthocyanin of about 85%, with respect to the starting overall anthocyanin content, was obtained under the following optimized process conditions: pressure 100–130 bar; temperature 30–40 ◦C; pH of LM 2–4; percentage of ethyl alcohol in the LM 25–30%; CO2 flow rate 25–50 ml/min; LM flow/CO2 flow ratio 3–10%. We have also demonstrated that the purification process allowed to eliminate ethyl alcohol from the anthocyanin extract without any thermal or chemical degradation, obtaining a high added value product which maintains its anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity unchanged

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography imaging (PET/CT) for the radiotherapy planning definition of the biological target volume: PART 2

Aim: Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been proven to be useful in the definition of Radiotherapy (RT) target volume. In this regard, the present expert review summarizes existing data for pancreas, prostate, gynecological and rectum/anal cancer. Methods: A comprehensive search of published original article was made, based on SCOPUS and PubMed database, selecting the paper that evaluated the role of PET/CT in the definition of RT volume. Results: FDG-PET has an important and promising role for pancreatic cancer. Choline PET/CT could be useful for identifying high-risk volumes for prostate cancer; while PSMA PET/CT is still under evaluation. FDG PET/CT in gynecological cancers has been shown to impact external-beam RT planning. The role of FDG-PET for Gross Tumor volume identification is crucial, representing a useful and powerful tool for anal and rectal cancer. Conclusion: Taken together, molecular and functional imaging approaches offer a major step to individualize radiotherapeutic approach

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography imaging (PET/CT) for the radiotherapy planning definition of the biological target volume: PART 1

Aim: Functional and molecular imaging, including positron emission tomography with computed tomography imaging (PET/CT) is increasing for radiotherapy (RT) definition of the target volume. This expert review summarizes existing data of functional imaging modalities and RT management, in terms of target volume delineation, for the following anatomical districts: brain (for primary and secondary tumors), head/neck and lung. Materials and methods: A collection of available published data was made, by PubMed a search. Only original articles were carefully and critically revised. Results: For primary and secondary brain tumors, amino acid PET radiotracers could be useful to identify microscopic residual areas and to differ between recurrence and treatment-related alterations in case of re-irradiation. As for head and neck neoplasms may benefit from precise PET/CT-based target delineation, due to the major capability to identify high-risk RT areas. In primary and secondary lung cancer, PET/CT could be useful both to delimit a tumor and collapsed lungs and as a predictive parameter of treatment response. Conclusion: Taken together, molecular and functional imaging approaches offer a major step to individualize radiotherapeutic care going forward. Nevertheless, several uncertainties remain on the standard method to properly assess the target volume definition including PET information for primary and secondary brain tumors

Systemic exposure to inhaled beclometasone/formoterol DPI is age and body size dependent

SummaryAimPrescription of inhaled corticosteroids to children with asthma is recommended at half the nominal dose of adults in order to reduce the risk of systemic side effects. However, there is a lack of pharmacokinetic trials supporting such dose reduction regimens. Therefore, we aimed to compare the systemic exposure to the active ingredients of a fixed dose combination of beclometasone-dipropionate (BDP) and formoterol after dry powder inhaler (DPI) administration in children, adolescents and adults.MethodsThe pharmacokinetic profiles of formoterol and beclometasone-17-monopropionate (B17MP; active metabolite of BDP) were evaluated over 8 h from two independent studies comprising children (6–11yrs, n = 27), adolescents (12–17 yrs, n = 28) and adults (≥18 yrs, n = 30) receiving a single, fixed dose of BDP/formoterol (children: 200 μg/24 μg, adolescents and adults: 400 μg/24 μg) via DPI.ResultsThe systemic exposure (AUC) for children versus adults was almost doubled for formoterol and similar for B17MP despite the halved BDP dose administered in children. In adolescents the AUC for formoterol and B17MP were approximately one third higher than in adults for both compounds. Upon normalization for the BDP/formoterol dose in the three populations the AUC and peak concentration (Cmax) correlated inversely with age and body surface area of the patients (r ≤ −0.53; p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe systemic exposure to the active ingredients of BDP/formoterol administered as DPI correlates inversely with age and body size suggesting that dry powder dosage regimens should be adjusted for age and body size to avoid high systemic drug levels in children