Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Mathematical Analysis Of Drug Dissolution In The Usp Flow Through Apparatus, David Mcdonnell, Deirdre M. D'Arcy, Lawrence J. Crane, Brendan Redmond

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This paper applies boundary layer theory to the process of drug dissolution in the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Flow Through Apparatus. The mass transfer rate from the vertical planar surface of a compact within the device is examined. The theoretical results obtained are then compared with those of experiment. The paper also examines the effect on the dissolution process caused by the interaction between natural and forced convection within the apparatus and the introduction of additional boundaries.

Broadband Acoustic Measurement Of The Agar-Based Tissue Mimicking Material – A Longitudinal Study, Adela Rabell-Montiel, Jacinta Browne, Stephen Pye, Tom Anderson, Carmel Moran

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Commercially available ultrasound quality assurance test phantoms rely upon the long-term acoustic stability of tissue-mimicking-materials (TMMs). The measurement of the acoustic properties can be technically challenging and it is important to ensure its stability. The standard technique is to film-wrap samples of TMM and to measure the acoustic properties in a water bath. In this study, a modified technique is proposed whereby the samples of TMM are measured in a preserving fluid that is intended to maintain their characteristics. The acoustic properties were evaluated using a broadband pulse-echo substitution technique over the frequency range of 4.5 – 50 MHz at …

Ultra-Filtration Of Human Serum For Improved Quantitative Analysis Of Low Molecular Weight Biomarkers Using Atr-Ir Spectroscopy, Franck Bonnier, Luis Felipe Cs. Carvalho, Matthew J. Baker, Hugh Byrne, Igor Chourpa

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Infrared spectroscopy is a reliable, rapid and cost effective characterisation technique, delivering a molecular finger print of the sample. It is expected that its sensitivity would enable detection of small chemical variations in biological samples associated with disease. ATR-IR is particularly suitable for liquid sample analysis and, although air drying is commonly performed before data collection, just a drop of human serum is enough for screening and early diagnosis. However, the dynamic range of constituent biochemical concentrations in the serum composition remains a limiting factor to the reliability of the technique. Using glucose as a model spike in human serum, …

Extraoral Maxillofacial Prosthesis Implant Retention Systems: A Critical Review., Hugh Byrne, Marina L. Pimentel

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Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to provide information on the different available techniques for implant-supported prosthetic retention, which are bar-clip, o-ring or magnets. Through presenting the practitioner preferences reported in literature, although limited from strict comparison due to the heterogeneity of methodologies and studied individuals, this review aims to identify the choices for maxillofacial prosthesis implant retention systems, regarding patient comfort and good aesthetic outcome, as an aid to surgical and prosthetic planning for implant-supported extraoral maxillofacial prosthetics. With proper knowledge of each implant retention system, a practitioner can design a treatment plan which allows for a …

Biofunctionalized Capillary Flow Channel Platform Integrated With 3d Nanostructured Matrix To Capture Circulating Tumor Cells, Shashwat Banerjee, Ganesh Khutale, Vrushali Khobragade, Narendra Kale, Milind Pore, Govind Chate, Archana Jalota-Badhwar, Manoj Dongare, Jayant Khandare

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Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood account genetic information for cancer diagnosis and overall disease monitoring. Analysis of “liquid biopsy” holds immense promise as it may lead to new approaches for cancer treatment. The study reports effective and continuous flow microchannel system for isolating CTCs using transferrin conjugated 3D matrix synthesized by crosslinking polyethylene glycol-Fe3O4 nanostructures for rapid and efficient capturing of CTCs. The platform provides option of using multiple microchannel units in series that can influence higher cell-capture efficiency due to increasing cell-substrate contact frequency. CTCs are captured with high efficiency even at low concentration of target cells …

Thermostability Of The Coating, Antigen And Immunostimulator In An Adjuvanted Oral Capsule Vaccine Formulation, Stephanie Longet, Vincenzo Aversa, Daire O'Donnell, Joshua Tobias, Monica Rosa, Jan Holmgren, Ivan Coulter, Ed Lavelle

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Oral vaccines present an attractive alternative to injectable vaccines for enteric diseases due to ease of delivery and the induction of intestinal immunity at the site of infection. However, susceptibility to gastrointestinal proteolysis, limited transepithelial uptake and a lack of clinically acceptable adjuvants present significant challenges. A further challenge to mass vaccination in developing countries is the very expensive requirement to maintain the cold chain. We recently described the effectiveness of a Single Multiple Pill® (SmPill®) adjuvanted capsule approach to enhance the effectiveness of a candidate enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) oral vaccine. Here it was demonstrated that this delivery system …

Graphene Toxicity As A Double-Edged Sword Of Risks And Exploitable Opportunities: A Critical Analysis Of The Most Recent Trends And Developments, Yuri Volkov, Jennifer Mcintyre, Adriele Prina-Mello

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Increased production volumes and a broadening application spectrum of graphene have raised concerns about its potential adverse effects on human health. Numerous reports demonstrate that graphene irrespective of its particular form exerts its effects on a widest range of living organisms, including prokaryotic bacteria and viruses, plants, micro-and macro-invertebrates, mammalian and human cells and whole animals in vivo. However, the available experimental data is frequently a matter of significant divergence and even controversy. Therefore, we provide here a critical analysis of the most recent (2015-2016) reports accumulated in the graphene-related materials biocompatibility and toxicology field in order to elucidate the …

Retention Systems For Extraoral Maxillofacial Prosthetic Implants: A Critical Review, M.V. Cobein, N.P. Coto, O. Crivello Junior, J.B.D. Lemos, L.M. Vieira, M.L. Pimentel, Hugh Byrne, R.B. Dias

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We describe the techniques available for retention of implant-supported prostheses: bar-clips, O-rings, and magnets. We present reported preferences and, although this is limited by the heterogeneity of methods used and patients studied, we hope we have identified the best retention systems for maxillofacial prosthetic implants. If practitioners know the advantages and disadvantages of each system, they can choose the most natural and comfortable prosthesis. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases, and restricted our search to papers published 2001–13. MeSH terms used were Maxillofacial prosthesis and Craniofacial prosthesis OR Craniofacial prostheses. We found a total of 2630 papers, and after …

Quantification Of Trace Metals In Infant Formula Premixes Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Raquel Cama-Moncunill, Maria Piedad Casado-Gavalda, Xavier Cama-Moncunill, Maria Markiewicz-Keszycka, Yash Dixit, Patrick J. Cullen, Carl Sullivan

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Infant formula is a human milk substitute generally based upon fortified cow milk components. In order to mimic the composition of breast milk, trace elements such as copper, iron and zinc are usually added in a single operation using a premix. The correct addition of premixes must be verified to ensure that the target levels in infant formulae are achieved. In this study, a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system was assessed as a fast validation tool for trace element premixes. LIBS is a promising emission spectroscopic technique for elemental analysis, which offers real-time analyses, little to no sample preparation and …

Evaluation Of Levels Of Antibiotic Resistance In Groundwater-Derived E. Coli Isolates In The Midwest Of Ireland And Elucidation Of Potential Predictors Of Resistance, Jean O'Dwyer, Paul Hynds, Matthieu Pot, Catherine Adley, Michael Ryan

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Antibiotic-resistant (pathogenic and non-pathogenic) organisms and genes are now acknowledged as significant emerging aquatic contaminants with potentially adverse human and ecological health impacts, and thus require monitoring. This study is the first to investigate levels of resistance among Irish groundwater (private wells) samples; Escherichia coli isolates were examined against a panel of commonly prescribed human and veterinary therapeutic antibiotics, followed by determination of the causative factors of resistance. Overall, 42 confirmed E. coli isolates were recovered from a groundwater-sampling cohort. Resistance to the human panel of antibiotics was moderate; nine (21.4%) E. coli isolates demonstrated resistance to one or more …

Geospatial Drivers Of The Groundwater Δ18o Isoscape In A Temperate Maritime Climate (Republic Of Ireland), S. Regan, R. Goodhue, O. Naughton, Paul Hynds

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In recent years, the concept of “isoscapes” has been used to describe spatiotemporal stable isotope distributions within natural environments including groundwater systems at multiple scales. This study presents an updated groundwater δ18O isoscape for the Republic of Ireland and describes the climatic and geological drivers influencing 18O composition. In all, 142 geographically and geologically representative groundwater installations were sampled and analysed, in addition to 35 samples from six nested boreholes. Geospatially, Irish groundwater exhibits high δ18O values in southern and western coastal regions, becoming progressively depleted inland before reaching lowest measured values along the eastern coast, equating to a national …

Bayesian Exponential Random Graph Modelling Of Interhospital Patient Referral Networks, Alberto Caimo, Francesca Pallotti, Alessandro Lomi

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Using original data that we have collected on referral relations between 110 hospitals serving a large regional community, we show how recently derived Bayesian exponential random graph models may be adopted to illuminate core empirical issues in research on relational coordination among healthcare organisations. We show how a rigorous Bayesian computation approach supports a fully probabilistic analytical framework that alleviates well-known problems in the estimation of model parameters of exponential random graph models. We also show how the main structural features of interhospital patient referral networks that prior studies have described can be reproduced with accuracy by specifying the system …

A Comparison Of Stimulus Presentation Methods In Temporal Discrimination Testing, Eavan M. Mcgovern, John Butler, Ines Beiser, Laura Williams, Brendan Quinlivan, Shruti Narasiham, Rebecca Beck, Sean O'Riordan, Richard B. Reilly, Michael Hutchinson

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The temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) is the shortest time interval at which an individual detects two stimuli to be asynchronous (normal  =  30-50 ms). It has been shown to be abnormal in patients with disorders affecting the basal ganglia including adult onset idiopathic focal dystonia (AOIFD). Up to 97% of patients have an abnormal TDT with age- and sex-related penetrance in unaffected relatives, demonstrating an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. These findings support the use of the TDT as a pre-clinical biomarker for AOIFD. The usual stimulus presentation method involves the presentation of progressively asynchronous stimuli; when three sequential stimuli are …

Epidemiological, Clinical And Genetic Aspects Of Adult Onset Isolated Focal Dystonia In Ireland, L. Williams, E. Mcgovern, O. Kimmich, A. Molloy, I. Beiser, John Butler, F. Molloy, P. Logan, D.G. Healy, T. Lynch, R. Walsh, L. Cassidy, P. Moriarty, H. Moore, T. Mcswiney, C. Walsh, S. O'Riordan, M. Hutchinson

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Background: Adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia presents with a number of phenotypes. Reported prevalence rates vary considerably; well-characterized cohorts are important to our understanding of this disorder.

Aim: To perform a nationwide epidemiological study of adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods: Patients with adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia were recruited from multiple sources. Diagnosis was based on assessment by a neurologist with an expertise in movement disorders. When consent was obtained, a number of clinical features including family history were assessed.

Results: On the prevalence date there were 592 individuals in Ireland …

Isolation And Spectroscopic Characterization Of Zn(Ii), Cu(Ii), And Pd(Ii) Complexes Of 1,3,4-Thiadiazole-Derived Ligand, Dariusz Karcz, Arkadiusz Matwijczuk, Bozena Boron, Bernadette Creaven, Leszek Fiedor, Andrzej Niewiadomy, Mariusz Gagos

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A series of complexes incorporating Zn(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II) ions, and 4-(5-heptyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diol (L1) as model ligand, was synthesized in order to examine the nature of potential interactions between biologically active ligands, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and metal ions with proven biological relevance. The structures of the compounds isolated were characterized using a number of spectroscopic methods including IR, Uv–vis, AAS, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence (TRF). The results obtained suggest that the L1-Zn(II) and L1-Pd(II) complexes consist of one molecule of L1 and one acetate ion acting as ligands, while the L1-Cu(II) complex adapts a 2:1 (L1: metal) stoichiometry. The coordination of L1 …

Quantification Of Copper Content With Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy As A Potential Indicator Of Offal Adulteration In Beef, Maria Piedad Casado-Gavalda, Yash Dixit, David Geulen, Raquel Cama-Moncunill, Xavier Cama-Moncunill, Maria Markiewicz-Keszycka, Patrick J. Cullen, Carl Sullivan

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Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an emerging technique in the field of food analysis which provides various advantages such as minimal sample preparation, chemical free, rapid detection, provision of spatial information and portability. In this study, LIBS was employed for quantitative analysis of copper content in minced beef samples spiked with beef liver over three independent batches. Copper content was determined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) in order to obtain reference values for modelling. Partial least square regression (PLSR) was performed to build a calibration and validation model. A calibration model with a high Rcv2 of 0.85 …

Linking Atr-Ftir And Raman Features To Phenolic Extractability And Other Attributes In Grape Skin, Hugh Byrne, Abigain Rooney, Julio Nogales-Bueno, Jose Miguel Hernandez-Hierro, Francisco Jose Heredia

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The importance of wine phenolics on the sensory characteristic of red wines is well-known. Therefore, it is necessary to control the extractability of phenolic compounds from grape skins, which depends significantly on grape ripeness and hence, on cell wall degradation.

In the present study, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Raman spectra of grape skin have been recorded. Then, these spectral matrices have been studied and the main spectral features have been linked to extractabilities of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, flavanols and total phenols). Moreover, spectral differences between external and internal grape skin surfaces also have been studied.

It …

Determination Of Spectral Markers Of Cytotoxicity And Genotoxicity Using In Vitro Raman Microspectroscopy: Cellular Responses To Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Exposure, Esen Efeoglu, Alan Casey, Hugh Byrne

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Although consumer exposure to nanomaterials is ever increasing, with potential increased applications in areas such as drug and/or gene delivery, contrast agents and diagnosis, determination of cyto- and geno- toxic effect of nanomaterials on human health and the environment still remains challenging. Although many techniques have been established and adapted to determine the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of nano-sized materials, these techniques remain limited by the number of assays required, total cost, use of labels and they struggle to explain the underlying interaction mechanisms. In this study, Raman microspectroscopy is employed as an in vitro label free high content screening technique …

Validation Of A Membrane Touch Biosensor For The Qualitative Detection Of Igg Class Antibodies To Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, Tony Loughman, Baljit Singh, Brian Seddon, Philip Noone, Padmanabhan Santhosh

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A novel type of biosensor was assessed for application to the qualitative determination of circulating antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The device utilises a high activity HSV-2 type specific gG2 antigen for antibody capture and commercially available ELISA reagents. The study compares the diagnostic performance of a prototype HSV-2 biochip to well-established in vitro tests routinely applied in clinical procedures. A panel of human serum samples (n = 60) previously characterised for HSV-2 serological status using the DiaSorin LIAISON® HSV-2 chemiluminescent immunoassay were assayed on the HSV-2 biochip and the Focus Diagnostics HerpeSelect® 2 ELISA IgG kit …

A Rational Design Of A Selective Inhibitor For Kv1.1 Channels Prevalent In Demyelinated Nerves That Improves Their Impaired Axonal Conduction, Ahmed Al-Sabi, Declan Daly, Patrick Hoefer, Gemma K. Kinsella, Charles Metais, Mark Pickering, Caroline Herron, Seshu Kumar Kaza, Kieran Nolan, J. Oliver Dolly

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K+ channels containing Kv1.1 α subunits, which become prevalent at internodes in demyelinated axons, may underlie their dysfunctional conduction akin to muscle weakness in multiple sclerosis. Small inhibitors were sought with selectivity for the culpable hyper-polarizing K+ currents. Modeling of interactions with the extracellular pore in a Kv1.1-deduced structure identified diaryldi(2-pyrrolyl)methane as a suitable scaffold with optimized alkyl ammonium side chains. The resultant synthesized candidate [2,2′-((5,5′(di-p-topyldiaryldi(2-pyrrolyl)methane)bis(2,2′carbonyl)bis(azanediyl)) diethaneamine·2HCl] (8) selectively blocked Kv1.1 channels (IC50 ≈ 15 μM) recombinantly expressed in mammalian cells, induced a positive shift in the voltage dependency of K+ current activation, and slowed its kinetics. It …

Feasibility Of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Libs) As An At-Line Validation Tool For Calcium Determination In Infant Formula, Xavier Cama-Moncunill, Maria Markiewicz-Keszycka, Yash Dixit, Raquel Cama-Moncunill, Maria Piedad Casado-Gavalda, Patrick J. Cullen, Carl Sullivan

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In this study, a 150 mJ laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system was assessed to determine calcium content in infant formula (IF) samples. LIBS is a promising emission spectroscopic technique for elemental analysis, which offers advantages over conventional methods such as real-time analyses, little to no sample preparation and ease of use. The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of LIBS as an at-line tool for IF manufacturing. To this end, IF mixtures with varying content of calcium were prepared over a range (approx. 1.5–7 mg/g of calcium) selected to be in conformity with the guidelines provided by …

Evaluation Of Chemical Immersion Treatments To Reduce Microbial Populations In Fresh Beef, Ahmed Kassem, Joseph Meade, James Gibbons, Kevina Mcgill, Ciara Walsh, James Lyng, Paul Whyte

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The aim of the current study was to assess the ability of a number of chemicals (acetic Acid (AA), citric acid (CA) lactic acid (LA), sodium decanoate (SD) and trisodium phosphate (TSP)) to reduce microbial populations (total viable count, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes) on raw beef using an immersion system. The following concentrations of each chemical were used: 3 & 5% for AA, CA, LA, SD and 10 & 12% for TSP. Possible synergistic effects of using combinations of two chemicals sequentially (LA +CA and LA +AA) were also investigated. L*, a* and b* values …

Impact Of Atmospheric Pressure Nonequilibrium Plasma Discharge On Polymer Surface Metrology, Laurence Scally, James Lalor, Patrick J. Cullen, Vladimir Milosavljevic

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Due to the attraction of plasma technologies as a clean and efficient means of surface modification, significant research has gone into the physical and chemical aspects of polymer functionalization. In this study, it was shown that the use of an atmospheric plasma jet can efficiently modify the surface of polyethylene terephthalate samples and change their hydrophobic properties to more hydrophilic characteristics. The dependence on the changes with respect to time, distance, and atomic oxygen (O I) intensity were considered as factors. It was found that with closer proximity to the plasma source (without causing thermal degradation) and with increasing levels …