Nutraceutical properties and health-promoting biological activities of fruits of watermelon cultivars with different origins

This study was focused on biologically active compounds extracted from pulp and rind of watermelon fruits (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai, 1916) cultivars with different origins (Italy, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador and Santana-Romania). Total polyphenols and flavonoids, lycopene and L-citrulline, were extracted from the pulp and their content determined spectrophotometrically. L-citrulline was also measured in the rind. In addition, the determination of some biological activities (antioxidant activity and inhibition of the amylase and lipase enzymes) of watermelon pulp was carried out. The examined pulp of the watermelon cultivars revealed to have a high content of antioxidants (e.g., lycopene up to 39.68 ± 0.13 μg/g FW in an Italian cultivar) and bioactive molecules (e.g., L-citrulline up to 0.87 mg/g FW in the Ecuadorian cultivar). Watermelon rind had higher contents of L-citrulline (up to 2.60 mg/g FW) compared to pulp. The comparisons between watermelons cultivars revealed the significant inhibitory of lipase (values ranging from 117.10 to 312.12 IC50) and α-amylase (values ranging from 145.52 to 322.13 IC50), so confirming their health-promoting potential. All these factors taken together make watermelon a high-value food with evident benefits on human health. The results of this study could facilitate the discovery, improvement and utilization of new watermelon cultivars with high nutraceutical properties

Magnetic chitosan grafted (alkyl acrylate) composite particles: Synthesis, characterization and evaluation as adsorbents

An efficient process for preparing a series of magnetic chitosan grafted (alkyl acrylate) composite particles as novel adsorbent materials has been proposed. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) were produced by co-precipitation. Modified chitosan (CSg) bearing surface vinyl groups was synthesized by glycidyl methacrylate coupling in acidic aqueous solution through an epoxide ring opening mechanism. The magnetic chitosan grafted (alkyl acrylate) composites were prepared by radical copolymerization of butyl acrylate (BA), butyl methacrylate (BMA) or hexyl acrylate (HA) with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) onto the modified chitosan vinyl groups, with addition of magnetite nanoparticles in suspension. The prepared particles were characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, VSM and FTIR. Adsorption batch experiments on the newly synthesized composites were conducted using Ni(II) ions in aqueous solutions. The variables that influence the sorption capacity, namely the solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, sorbent mass, adsorption time and temperature have been investigated. The adsorption kinetics was analyzed by fitting the data into the following models: pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models were used to fit the adsorption isotherms. The proven high stability and recovery capacity of the composite particles suggest their potential use for Ni(II) ions removal from wastewater by using magnetically aided adsorption technology. Keywords: Composite particles, Chitosan, Magnetite, Acrylates, Ni(II) ions, Adsorption isotherm

Small incision cochlear implantation in children

Objective: Small incision cochlear implant surgery in children has been advocated to reduce post-operative morbidity and have a psychological effect on parents. With small incision techniques, it is not always possible to securely fix the device in place. This risks displacement of the device, particularly in active children. This technique has been used through minimal-access approach in children.Methods: Among 80 cochlear implantations in children performed between January 2003 and December 2010, there were 32 cases with very thin cortical bone in which small incision cochlear implant surgery were performed. As drill - hole fixation methods can carry the potential for dural injury we have used the suture fixation through the cranial periosteum. This method shortened the surgical time and there were no specific postoperative complications. Results: One complication has occurred related to the current technique (maximum follow up 30 months). No flap necrosis, hematoma or infection, nor extrusion or breakdown was encountered with either technique. Revision surgery was performed in 2 patients (1 with small incision due to posttraumatic device failure) and one due to cholesteatoma. The use of this minimally invasive surgical technique did not increase the surgical risk. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation can be performed using small incisions with periosteal sutures of the receiver. The described approach therefore appears to be a safe and time-effective alternative to the standard procedure in cochlear implant surgery

Review of Voltage and Frequency Grid Code Specifications for Electrical Energy Storage Applications

To ensure the stability and reliability of the power network operation, a number of Grid Codes have been used to specify the technical boundary requirements for different countries and areas. With the fast propagation of the usage of Electrical Energy Storage (EES), it is quite important to study how the EES technology with its development can help the Grid Code realization. The paper provides a comprehensive study of Great Britain (GB) Grid Code mainly on its voltage and frequency relevant specifications, with a comparison of other countries’ grid operation regulations. The different types of EES technologies with their technical characteristics in relation to meeting Grid Codes have been analysed. From the study, apart from direct grid-connection to provide grid services on meeting Grid Codes, EES devices with different technologies can be used as auxiliary units in fossil-fuelled power plants and renewable generation to support the whole systems’ operation. The paper also evaluates the potentials of different types of EES technologies for implementing the relevant applications based on the Grid Codes. Some recommendations are given at the end, for the EES technology development to help the Grid Code realization and to support the relevant applications

Controversies, Consensus, and Collaboration in the Use of (131)I Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Joint Statement from the American Thyroid Association, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and the European Thyroid Association

BACKGROUND: Publication of the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer was met with disagreement by the extended nuclear medicine community with regard to some of the recommendations related to the diagnostic and therapeutic use of radioiodine ((131)I). Because of these concerns, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging declined to endorse the ATA guidelines. As a result of these differences in opinion, patients and clinicians risk receiving conflicting advice with regard to several key thyroid cancer management issues. SUMMARY: To address some of the differences in opinion and controversies associated with the therapeutic uses of (131)I in differentiated thyroid cancer constructively, the ATA, the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and the European Thyroid Association each sent senior leadership and subject-matter experts to a two-day interactive meeting. The goals of this first meeting were to (i) formalize the dialogue and activities between the four societies; (ii) discuss indications for (131)I adjuvant treatment; (iii) define the optimal prescribed activity of (131)I for adjuvant treatment; and (iv) clarify the definition and classification of (131)I-refractory thyroid cancer. CONCLUSION: By fostering an open, productive, and evidence-based discussion, the Martinique meeting restored trust, confidence, and a sense of collegiality between individuals and organizations that are committed to optimal thyroid disease management. The result of this first meeting is a set of nine principles (The Martinique Principles) that (i) describe a commitment to proactive, purposeful, and inclusive interdisciplinary cooperation; (ii) define the goals of (131)I therapy as remnant ablation, adjuvant treatment, or treatment of known disease; (iii) describe the importance of evaluating postoperative disease status and multiple other factors beyond clinicopathologic staging in (131)I therapy decision making; (iv) recognize that the optimal administered activity of (131)I adjuvant treatment cannot be definitely determined from the published literature; and (v) acknowledge that current definitions of (131)I-refractory disease are suboptimal and do not represent definitive criteria to mandate whether (131)I therapy should be recommended