White Fiber Research Articles

Colored cotton fabric production without dyeing within the sustainablity concept in textile

The main subject of this study is to obtain colored cotton garments without dyeing process. For this aim, the use of naturally colored fibers instead of taking white cotton fibers and dyeing them into desired colors with reactive dyes was investigated. Firstly, the colors of the fabrics produced using naturally colored cotton were matched on the fabrics produced using white cotton and then quality-performance characteristics of the fabrics in question were tested. Technical (color, fastness, weight, wale/course density, bursting strength, pilling, abrasion resistance, bending rigidity, thermal comfort, air permeability, water vapor permeability, UV protective functionality and flame retardancy of the fabrics), economical (yarn, dye, auxiliary, water, electricity and labor costs of the production) and ecological (chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, alkalinity of waste water) comparison of these fabrics were carried out. The results obtained in this study reveal that the performance properties of fabrics produced from naturally colored cotton are comparable with those produced from white cotton and even better in some respects. This means that it would be possible to eliminate dyeing process in future, if naturally colored cotton fiber production become common and the color gamut expands.

Diffuse excessive high signal intensity in the preterm brain on advanced MRI represents widespread neuropathology

Preterm brains commonly exhibit elevated signal intensity in the white matter on T2-weighted MRI at term-equivalent age. This signal, known as diffuse excessive high signal intensity (DEHSI) or diffuse white matter abnormality (DWMA) when quantitatively assessed, is associated with abnormal microstructure on diffusion tensor imaging. However, postmortem data are largely lacking and difficult to obtain, and the pathological significance of DEHSI remains in question. In a cohort of 202 infants born preterm at ≤32 weeks gestational age, we leveraged two newer diffusion MRI models – Constrained Spherical Deconvolution (CSD) and neurite orientation dispersion and density index (NODDI) – to better characterize the macro and microstructural properties of DWMA and inform the ongoing debate around the clinical significance of DWMA. With increasing DWMA volume, fiber density broadly decreased throughout the white matter and fiber cross-section decreased in the major sensorimotor tracts. Neurite orientation dispersion decreased in the centrum semiovale, corona radiata, and temporal lobe. These findings provide insight into DWMA's biological underpinnings and demonstrate that it is a serious pathology.

Embryonic Development and Histological Analysis of Skeletal Muscles of Tenuidactylus caspius (Eichwald, 1831) Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata)

During embryonic development of the Caspian thin-toed gecko migration, formation of myoblast and myosatellite cells occurs in the cranial-distal direction. Somite formation begins in the body part close to the skull and ends in the tail. The time of separation of somites from the proximal mesoderm depends on the temperature of the air and the substrate. Myoblast cells reach their targets and are connected, and the membranes in the area of their contact are destroyed. Myoblast’s fusion creates myosymplasts. The intermediate stage is observed after the formation of small myosymplasts. After that, the chain shape of myosymplasts are transformed into an intermediate plaque form. At this intermediate stage, the number of a nucleus is small, the shape of the nucleus differs from each other, and the location of the nucleus varies. Afterward, the connection of the intermediate forms with each other and with myoblasts forms a rounded shape, where the initial development of myotubules takes place. A fully formed myotubular and myosatellite cells are surrounded by a basal membrane and shape a muscle fiber. The skeletal muscles of the adult Caspian thin-toed gecko are mainly composed of white fibers. Thus, it allows the gecko to move very fast in a short time. Due to the small number of mitochondria in the myotubes, oxygen gas demand is decreased and the body is prevented from overheating.

Transanterior Limiting Sulcus of the Insula Approach: Novel Surgical Approach to the Ventral Striatum Region

Lesions in the ventral striatum region (above the anterior perforated substance) are a challenge for neurosurgeons due to their direct relationship with the lenticulostriate arteries, which difficult the surgical access. The standard approaches for this region include thefollowing: 1) transfrontal approach, 2) transanterior perforating substance approach, 3) transcallosal transventricular approach, and 4) pterional transsylvian-transinsular route. In this study, we aimed to describe a novel anatomical approach through the anterior limiting sulcus of the insula in order to access the ventral striatum. We reviewed the literature and performed a detailed dissection of this region by using Klingler's technique with brain specimens injected with silicone, paying special attention to the white fibers and lenticulostriate arteries, and provided a description of an illustrative case of a cavernous malformation. Neuroanatomical dissections showed that the lenticulostriate arteries had an inverted C-shaped anterior concavity, leaving less significant vascular relationships in the depth of the anterior limiting sulcus of the insula. In the case we described, the cavernous malformation was completely resected and the patient was discharged without any neurological deficits. The transanterior limiting sulcus of the insula approach to the ventral striatum offers a safe access route for selected cases and can be performed on the basis of anatomical references. Three-dimensional understanding of the intrinsic brain architecture and its relationships with vascular structures in this specific area is important and can be acquired mainly through laboratory training.

Identification and Functional Analysis of the Promoter of a Leucoanthocyanidin Reductase Gene from Gossypium hirsutum.

Leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) is the critical enzyme in the synthesis pathway of proanthocyanidins, which are the primary pigments in brown cotton fibers. Our previous study has revealed significant differences in the expression levels of GhLAR1 between white and brown cotton fibers at 10 DPA. In this work, the expression pattern of the GhLAR1 gene was further studied, and the promoter of GhLAR1 (1780bp) was isolated and characterized. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that GhLAR1 promoter contained many known light response elements and several defenses related to transcriptional factor-binding boxes, which may partially explain the response of the GhLAR1 to temperature, NaCl, and PEG treatments. Furthermore, GhLAR1 was preferentially and strongly expressed in fibers and flowers of cotton, and the expression levels in all tested tissues (especially fibers) of brown cotton were significantly higher than those in white cotton. Consistent with the expression analysis, the GhLAR1 promoter mainly drove GUS expression in epidermal trichomes and floral organs.

Generation of fast growth Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by myostatin gene mutation

Tilapia is the second most prolific species grown in aquaculture after carp, and is widely grown in >100 countries. Myostatin (MSTN) has been proved to be a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Mutation of MSTN gene resulted in significant increase in both body size and muscle mass in vertebrates, mostly with a species-specific effect. To generate a new strain in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with fast growth traits, the molecular characterization, gene expression and functional studies of mstn gene were extensively investigated. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicated that mstnb, but not mstna, might be the orthologous gene of mammalian MSTN gene. Expression pattern analyzed by qRT-PCR demonstrated that mstnb is abundant in muscle, while mstna is dominantly expressed in the brain. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis also demonstrated that mstnb is exclusively expressed in the basement membrane of white skeletal muscle fibers, further suggesting the possible role of mstnb gene in tilapia muscle growth. To verify the roles of mstnb in skeletal muscle growth, we obtain the mstnb−/− mutant using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. Compared with the wild type (WT) fish, the mstnb−/− mutants showed a typical double-muscle phenotype with increased muscle mass, sticking out between head and dorsal fin, from 5 months after hatching (mah). Morphological observation revealed an excessive proliferation of white muscle fibers at 7 mah. The average body weights (21.67 ± 8.26 g), body heights (4.46 ± 0.65 cm) and body widths (2.36 ± 0.53 cm) of the mstnb−/− fish were 49.45%, 32.74% and 37.21% higher than those of the mstnb+/+ fish (body weight, 14.50 ± 8.60 g; body height, 3.36 ± 0.45 cm; body width, 1.72 ± 0.18 cm) at 5 mah. The results showed that the growth performance parameters of the mstnb−/− fish, including weight gain rate (1.99 times), condition factor (1.77 times) and specific growth rate (1.23 times), were significantly higher than the mstnb+/+ fish under laboratory conditions at 5 mah. In addition, the parameters of WGR, CF, SGR and FE were significantly increased in mstnb−/− Nile tilapia than those of mstnb+/+ Nile tilapia and GIFT tilapia for a 90-day feeding trial under the wild natural environment. Interestingly, sexually dimorphic effects on muscle growth have been found with an increase of growth performance of skeletal muscle in mstn−/− XY fish, but not mstn−/− XX fish at 7 mah. Taken together, this study, for the first time, proved that mstn gene mutation might promote the generation of new fast-growing male strain of Nile tilapia.

Relationships between the incidence and degree of medullation with the diameter of alpaca fibers evaluated using a novel device based on artificial intelligence

The presence of medullated fibers affects the textile processing, comfort and appeal of alpaca apparel. Measuring the incidence of medullated fibers is slow and expensive. Previous reports of the incidence of medullated fibers are often based on small test samples. The objectives of this work were to: (1) evaluate the Fiber Med device which uses artificial intelligence technology to rapidly and accurately identify the incidence of alpaca fibers according to their type of medullation and determines average fiber diameter (AFD); and (2) to relate the incidence of medullated fibers to a range of animal and fiber characteristics including age of alpaca at shearing, sex of alpaca, breed (Huacaya, Suri), location, and AFD. This study examined fiber from two locations, using 302 alpacas from two breeds and six age groups. Over 630,000 fibers were assessed (average per sample 2112) with AFD 22.1 μm (range 15.5–33.3 μm). Fiber medullation was categorized as either not present (58.6%; AFD 19.6 μm), fragmented (17.1%; 23.0 μm), discontinuous (7.6%; 25.6 μm), continuous (15.4%; 28.6 μm) or strongly medullated (1.3%; 37.8 μm). After appropriate data transformation, analysis of variance, linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between total medullation, AFD, location, breed, sex and age at shearing. There were significant differences in total medullation between location, breed and age at shearing but not sex of alpaca. However, in multiple regression analyses, once AFD was included in models, neither sex nor age at shearing was significant. AFD alone explained over 70% of the variation in total medullation. Differences in the incidence of the degree of medullation between age groups and marketing categories determined using AFD, were associated with differences in AFD. The differences due to location were explained by genetic selection programs to reduce AFD at one location. There was a persistent small incidence of strongly medullated fibers at all age groups (mean range 0.33–1.14%), locations, breeds and sexes and a higher incidence in fiber with AFD > 26.5 μm (mean range 2.87–6.50%). Suri alpaca had a lower incidence of medullation than Huacaya alpaca. Since the Fiber Med device provided a direct, fast and low-cost measurement of the incidence of medullation it appears to be a practical option for use in programs to improve fiber quality, marketing and processing of white alpaca fiber. To reduce strongly medullated fibers in all categories of alpaca fiber, the measurement of the incidence of medullation should become a routine assessment in alpaca breeding programs.

Effect of Muscle Fibre Type on the Fatty Acids Profile and Lipid Oxidation of Dry-Cured Venison SM (semimembranosus) Muscle.

The aim of the study was to describe the effect of fibre type on the fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation observed in dry-cured ham produced from individual semimembranosus venison (roe-deer, fallow deer, deer and wild boar) muscles. The results indicated that wild boar meat was characterised by the highest percentage of IA fibres and it contained the higher percentage of MUFA, but a low of PUFA and SFA, and was characterised by a(n-6)/(n-3) ratio lower than in the case of deer meat and greater susceptibility to oxidative changes. The highest percentage of SFA, and the lowest of MUFA and PUFA, was recorded in fallow deer meat, which was also characterised by the highest percentage of white fibres. The curing and drying processes increased the percentage share of SFA and the susceptibility of muscle lipids to oxidation, decreased the percentage of PUFA, and caused insignificant changes in the (n-6)/(n-3) ratio of fatty acids. The products were also characterised by a low amount of fat.

The effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) fibres on the mechanical and physicochemical characteristics of plant-based sausages.

Psyllium is a source of natural dietary fibre with recognised health benefits that can be used as a hydrocolloid with functional food applications. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of Plantago ovata fibres in plant-based sausages on their composition, physicochemical, and mechanical properties. Proximate composition was studied. Water activity (aw), water release, pH, colour measurement, texture profile analysis (TPA), and Warner–Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) were determined to establish the physicochemical and textural properties of sausages. A plant-based sausages microstructure study and a sensory study were carried out to better understand conformation and to determine their acceptance. The results showed that sausages had high ash and carbohydrate contents but, above all, a low-fat content. The use of psyllium increased water-holding capacity. The results also indicated that employing Plantago ovata white (PW) fibre can minimise mechanical problems and reduce colour changes. However, PW fibre showed less retained water, which was why chickpea starch further developed and was more gelatinised. At the same time, the plant-based sausages with PW fibre obtained the best overall score with the fewest colour changes in the sensory evaluation. Nevertheless, further studies are recommended to improve the texture and acceptability of these plant-based sausages.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00217-022-04063-2.

Radiological Evaluation of Anatomical Extensions of Gliomas Based on White Fiber Tracts: Proposal of a Novel Classification.

We speculate on the origin and extensions of gliomas based on our understanding of anatomy of the subcortical network, radiological evaluation and surgical experience. We recently classified the white fibers of the brain into four horizontal and one vertical group. The role of this classification in understanding the origin and spread of gliomas is analyzed. A series of 220 consecutive radiological images of patients with low and high grade gliomas were retrospectively evaluated. The classification discussed was applied to these images to study the location and direction of growth of the gliomas. Our results identify that gliomas arise and spread along a named white fiber tract and displace the adjoining tracts. Gliomas that arose from arcuate fibres either remained limited to a gyrus or extended to the adjacent gyri along the course of the arcuate fibres. Gliomas arising from the LAF spread in the direction of the affected tract. Gliomas arising from the CF tended to involve both the hemispheres and extended across the midline. This radiological evaluation of gliomas correlated well with our proposed anatomical classification of white fibers. Gliomas probably originate in the fiber tract and grow along its extension. The adjoining fiber tracts form a reliable barrier to its spread. The surgical implication of the understanding is outlined in brief here and evaluated in details in part B of this study.

Optimal Learning Samples for Two-Constant Kubelka-Munk Theory to Match the Color of Pre-colored Fiber Blends.

Due to the dyeing process, learning samples used for color prediction of pre-colored fiber blends should be re-prepared once the batches of the fiber change. The preparation of the sample is time-consuming and leads to manpower and material waste. The two-constant Kubelka-Munk theory is selected in this article to investigate the feasibility to minimize and optimize the learning samples for the theory since it has the highest prediction accuracy and moderate learning sample size requirement among all the color prediction models. Results show that two samples, namely, a masstone obtained by 100% pre-colored fiber and a tint mixed by 40% pre-colored fiber and 60% white fiber, are enough to determine the absorption and scattering coefficients of a pre-colored fiber. In addition, the optimal sample for the single-constant Kubelka-Munk theory is also explored.

Design and Build a Coconut Ripeness Classifier Using Sound Sensor

The difference in the texture of coconut flesh is an obstacle for sellers of coconut drinks who use young coconut meat with a soft texture, and an obstacle for industries that use old coconut meat with a hard texture, such as the production of coconut milk, coconut oil and coconut flour. Therefore, consistency in determining the thickness of the coconut flesh is very much needed.This research will design a tool to classification and classify the maturity of sound sensor coconut fruit. In determining young or old coconuts based on sound,a servo motor as a driving force to use the outside of the coconut to make sound.This test is done by testing the original type of green coconut. Based on the results of testing the coconut fruit maturity classification tool using a sound sensor, it can be done and the sound sensor successfully captures sound. Coconut fruit can be classified as young if it has a sound intensity of less than 56 dB, because the coconut fruit has the characteristics of a young coconut, which is small in size, bright green in color and has pink fibers. Meanwhile, if the resulting sound intensity is more than 56 dB, the coconut is classified as an old coconut because the coconut has the characteristics of an old coconut, which is brown or dark green in color, large in size and has white fibers. Speed and power Servo Motor has to be the same input voltage of 5Volt.

Induced sustained swimming modifies the external morphology, increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity and plasma lactate levels of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) without changing fish performance or skeletal muscle characteristics

Some species of fish can be induced to swim under optimal conditions aiming to improve their growth performance and welfare. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of induced sustained swimming on the growth performance, metabolic parameters [standard metabolic rate (SMR), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), absolute aerobic scope (AAS), and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)], external morphology, skeletal muscle fiber characteristics and distribution of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), as well as immune and metabolic markers. Fish with a body mass of 26.89 ± 0.26 g and a total length of 12.27 ± 0.04 cm were induced to swim continuously at 1.1 body lengths s−1 (S group) or maintained under minimal water flow with fish displaying spontaneous swimming activity (C group) for 13 weeks. The water current in the S group was maintained at a similar level and by the end of the trial; the swimming speed was 0.8 body lengths s−1. Long-term induced swimming activity had no significant effect on the growth rate, feed efficiency, or red and white muscle cross-sectional area, fiber diameter, and density. However, swimming significantly changed the body shape of gilthead seabream, with the S group having shallower bodies, more pronounced nuchal humps, flatter abdomens, and larger caudal fins compared with the C group. SMR, MMR, AAS, and EPOC were similar in both experimental groups. Hematocrit and plasma lactate levels were significantly higher in the S group, whereas plasma glucose, protease, and anti-protease activities were not different between both groups. Despite the lack of changes in growth performance, feed efficiency, skeletal muscle morphological traits, and metabolic rates, induced swimming changed the body shape of seabream, and increased the oxygen-carrying capacity and plasma lactate levels.

Volumetric asymmetry of the major association white fibers in healthy young adults

Volumetric asymmetry of the major association white fibers in healthy young adults

Application of artificial intelligence and digital images analysis to automatically determine the percentage of fiber medullation in alpaca fleece samples

The aim of this research is to develop and validate two computer programs based on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital image analysis (DIA) in order to determine the incidence of medullation in white alpaca fibers. Two data sets were analyzed: 76 samples of Huacaya alpaca fibers obtained from Huancavelica, Peru, and 200 samples of white alpacas of two genotypes (Huacaya, n =100; Suri, n = 100), obtained from Arequipa, Peru. The preparation of each sample followed the procedure described in IWTO-8-2011. The Pytorch framework was used to generate several training models based on the You Only Look at Once (YOLO) architecture. Circa 4000 pictures of fibers were taken and 661 of them were selected as representative. Using the LabelImg software, the fibers present in each representative picture (approximately 10 fibers/picture) were labeled as one of these two classes: either medullated or non-medullated. Subsequently, the data augmentation technique was applied to expand the data set to 3966 photographs. Thus, 90 of them were used as initial validation data, while the reaming 3876 pictures (containing a total of 23,964 labeled fibers) were used as training data. Matlab was used to develop the DIA-based software. More specifically, algorithms of pre-processing, segmentation, smoothing, skeletonization and Hough transform were implemented to detect medullated and non-medullated fibers. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the models. The medullation percentage results show that there is no statistically significant difference between the AI-based method and the projection microscope method (p-value = 0.668 and 0.672 for the t-student and Wilcoxon tests, respectively). Moreover, the correlation of each of the developed computer methods with the projection microscope method is very strong (r = 0.99 and 0.97). This confirms the software ability to perform the recognition of fibers with and without medullation. Similar results (p-value = 0.357) were obtained when comparing the projection microscope method and DIA-based software method. Finally, using the proposed framework, the average time required to analyze a sample was 19.44 s. As a result, this software allows the implementation of practical, precise, and efficient methodologies to determine the incidence of medullation of alpaca fibers.

Analysis of cashmere goat meat by label-free proteomics shows that MYL3 is a potential molecular marker of meat toughness

The Inner Mongolia cashmere goat is famous for its bright white cashmere fibre. However, little attention is given to the excellent characteristics of this breed’s meat. We used label-free proteomics to analyse the total protein content in five different muscles, and 1 227 proteins were detected. Through sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ions (SWATH), 16, 33, 49, 39, and 31 differentially expressed proteins were successfully detected in the five muscles. Protein–protein interaction network analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed many strong interactions related to fatty acid beta oxidation and muscle development. Based on SWATH in five muscles, 25 differentially expressed proteins related to muscle development were detected, including seven muscle fibre structural proteins (ACTG2, ACTN4, TAGLN, MYL3, MYL1, MYL6B and MYH4). Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of MYL3 showed that the proportion of MYL3 may be a potential molecular marker for muscle toughness.

A Multimodal Multilevel Neuroimaging Model for Investigating Brain Connectome Development

Recent advancements of multimodal neuroimaging such as functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion MRI (dMRI) offers unprecedented opportunities to understand brain development. Most existing neurodevelopmental studies focus on using a single imaging modality to study microstructure or neural activations in localized brain regions. The developmental changes of brain network architecture in childhood and adolescence are not well understood. Our study made use of dMRI and resting-state fMRI imaging data sets from Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC) study to characterize developmental changes in both structural as well as functional brain connectomes. A multimodal multilevel model (MMM) is developed and implemented in PNC study to investigate brain maturation in both white matter structural connection and intrinsic functional connection. MMM addresses several major challenges in multimodal connectivity analysis. First, by using a first-level data generative model for observed measures and a second-level latent network modeling, MMM effectively infers underlying connection states from noisy imaging-based connectivity measurements. Second, MMM models the interplay between the structural and functional connections to capture the relationship between different brain connectomes. Third, MMM incorporates covariate effects in the network modeling to investigate network heterogeneity across subpopoulations. Finally, by using a module-wise parameterization based on brain network topology, MMM is scalable to whole-brain connectomics. MMM analysis of the PNC study generates new insights in neurodevelopment during adolescence including revealing the majority of the white fiber connectivity growth are related to the cognitive networks where the most significant increase is found between the default mode and the executive control network with a 15% increase in the probability of structural connections. We also uncover functional connectome development mainly derived from global functional integration rather than direct anatomical connections. To the best of our knowledge, these findings have not been reported in the literature using multimodal connectomics. Supplementary materials for this article, including a standardized description of the materials available for reproducing the work, are available as an online supplement.

A Comparative Study of White Muscle and Red Muscle Fiber Architectural Parameters

The primary objective of this research was to compare red muscle fiber and white muscle fiber muscle architectural parameters of vastus lateralis (VL). The study sample consisted of 70 recreationally active male students from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. One repetition maximum Dr. Hatfield test was used to determine muscle fiber type. Thirty (N1 = 15 red muscle fiber group and N2 = 15 red muscle fiber group) out of 70 samples were retained in study for further evaluation. Muscle architectural parameters (VL, pennation angle [PA], fascicle length [FA], and muscle thickness [MT]) were measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Independent sample t-test was employed to determine a significant difference between selected white muscle fibers group and selected red muscle fibers on the basis of selected muscle architectural parameters. The vastus lateralis muscle showed differences in its PA, FA, and MT between different muscle fiber groups. The PA of red muscle fiber group was greater than white muscle fiber group, whereas the FA and MT of white muscle fiber group were greater than red muscle fiber group. In conclusion, architectural parameters studies carried on specific sports group will be helpful in future, and muscle architectural parameters may be considered as a new approach for muscle fiber type classification in the future.

Low Temperature Bleaching of Jute Using Peracetic Acid: A Novel Process

Jute, a natural golden fibre, is renewable and widely available and mostly used for the packaging of agricultural crops and commodities in the form of sack bag. However, over a period of time it has secured its own market in the field of home textiles and other lifestyle products due to its ethnic colour, good strength and biodegradable properties. Recently, jute has also been used in apparel products, particularly meant for outer and winter garments. Bleaching of jute has thus become an essential operation for making a white glossy fabric, that is, the base material to be used for subsequent coloration. The conventional hot hydrogen peroxide bleaching process produces good white fibre with a high loss in tensile strength. The present peracetic acid bleaching of scoured jute produces a satisfactory whiteness index of 65.8–77.7 with minimum loss of bundle strength. The peracetic acid bleached jute fibre could retain 85% of its bundle strength, when the bleaching was carried out at 70°C with 20 g/l peracetic acid for 120 min. A satisfactory whiteness index of 77 (Hunter scale) can be achieved incurring a low weight loss of <4.2 using the optimized recipe. The peracetic acid bleaching process may be considered as energy efficient and environment friendly, as the process is carried out at a near neutral pH of 7.5–8 and lower temperature of 50–70°C, in comparison to the 85–90°C and pH level of 11–11.5 (highly alkaline) normally used in hydrogen peroxide bleaching. The changes in physical, morphological and chemical properties after the peracetic acid bleaching of jute at optimized conditions were evaluated in detail.

Quantification of changes in white matter tract fibers in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus based on diffusion spectrum imaging

PurposePatients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) present white-matter abnormalities. The analytical methods described to date only measure mean diffusion parameter alterations of iNPH-specific brain regions or in a certain fasciculus. This study quantitatively analyzed whether iNPH-tract abnormalities are confined to specific sections or involve entire fibers based on diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI). MethodTwenty-two patients with iNPH and 20 normally aging subjects were included. The 18 main tracts in the brain of each subject were extracted, and the diffusion parameters of 100 equidistant nodes on each fiber were calculated to quantitatively evaluate integrity changes in different regions along these tracts. Two diffusion metrics were measured, i.e., general fractional anisotropy (GFA) and fractional anisotropy (FA). ResultsCompared to normally aging (P < 0.05), in iNPH, the GFA and FA of the left uncinate fasciculus and FA of the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus 1 were reduced in areas where the entire fiber was involved (%nodes with significant differences > 90%). Most other fasciculi detected presented GFA or FA alterations limited to specific regions. Increased and decreased GFA or FA co-occurred in different sections of the same fibers, including the corticospinal tract and left thalamic radiation posterior in iNPH. ConclusionsFew iNPH fibers presented diffusion abnormalities involving nearly all tracts. Most fiber abnormalities in iNPH were confined to specific areas, and different parts of the same fasciculus showed diverse diffusion alterations in few cases. This DSI-based tract analysis provided detailed information on iNPH white-matter changes.