Research@THEA (Technological Higher Education Association)
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Chitosan-(poly)acrylic acid polyelectrolyte complexes: enhanced mucoadhesion and sustained drug release in vaginal tablets
Get PDFPolyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) have emerged as promising vehicles for medical applications, attributable to their non-toxicity, non-immunogenicity, and ability for controlled drug release. Notably, their inherent mucoadhesive properties are being leveraged for sustained drug delivery across mucosal barriers, including vaginal, ocular, nasal, and buccal membranes. This study delves into the formulation and effects of chitosan-(poly)acrylic acid-based PEC for vaginal tablet applications. A comparative analysis of various polymer combinations was conducted, emphasizing the differential impacts of low versus high-molecular weight chitosan. Results highlighted that PECs augmented the flowability of powder mixtures and bolstered the tablets' physical properties. Moreover, PEC-enhanced formulations exhibited a pronounced increase in swelling efficiency, with swelling index values reaching up to 92.67 % ± 1.90, ensuring structural integrity during dissolution. In ex vivo mucoadhesion tests, tablets from PEC mixes demonstrated extended adhesion, surpassing 48 h for certain formulations. The optimized PEC formulation successfully achieved sustained drug release while retaining tablet adhesion for the duration of the release period
First-Principles Investigation on the Tunable Electronic Structures and Photocatalytic Properties of AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 Heterostructures
No full textHeterostructure catalysts are highly anticipated in the field of photocatalytic water splitting. AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures are proposed in this work, and the electronic structures were revealed with the first-principles method to explore their photocatalytic properties for water splitting. The results found that the thermodynamically stable AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures are indirect semiconductors with reduced band gaps of 1.75 eV and 1.84 eV, respectively. These two heterostructures have been confirmed to have type-Ⅰ band alignments, with both VBM and CBM contributed to by the Sc2CF2 layer. AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures exhibit the potential for photocatalytic water splitting as their VBM and CBM stride over the redox potential of water. Gibbs free energy changes in HER occurring on AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures are as low as −0.31 eV and −0.59 eV, respectively. The Gibbs free energy change in HER on the AlN (GaN) layer is much lower than that on the Sc2CF2 surface, owing to the stronger adsorption of H on AlN (GaN). The AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures possess significant improvements in absorption range and intensity compared to monolayered AlN, GaN, and Sc2CF2. In addition, the band gaps, edge positions, and absorption properties of AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures can be effectively tuned with strains. All the results indicate that AlN/Sc2CF2 and GaN/Sc2CF2 heterostructures are suitable catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting.ye
A novel seaweed-based biodegradable and active food film to reduce freezer burn in frozen salmon
No full textThe imperative to replace conventional plastic food packaging has led to the development of edible and biodegradable alternatives. This study has formulated an effective packaging solution for the preservation of frozen salmon. Alginate films were prepared by integrating ethanolic extracts from two edible seaweeds, Sargassum muticum and Grateloupia turuturu. The optical and mechanical properties of the films, as well as their effectiveness in preserving frozen salmon over a 6-month period at − 18 ◦C, were assessed and compared to other alginate and synthetic plastic films. The quality parameters of the final product were also assessed. Films incorporating Grateloupia extract exhibited a 34% reduction in thickness and 51% lower moisture content when compared to alginate. Meanwhile, those containing Sargassum extract demonstrated improved water resistance, with a 11% decrease in solubility. The seaweed-incorporated films demonstrated gradual biodegradation over time. Samples packaged with these films displayed substantial decrease in colour changes, ranging from 58% to 64%, compared to commercial plastic film packaging. This enhanced protection against freezer burn is likely due to the presence of lipid-derivate compounds in the Grateloupia extract. The findings of this study suggest the potential use of alginate-based films incorporated with Grateloupia and Sargassum extracts as edible and biodegradable packaging for frozen fish, offering a sustainable and improved alternative to synthetic plastic films.ye
A palliative care goals model for people with dementia and their family: Consensus achieved in an international Delphi study
No full textBackground: Advance care planning in dementia includes supporting the person and their family to consider important goals of care. International research reports the importance of psycho-social-spiritual aspects towards end of life. Aim: To develop a multidimensional international palliative care goals model in dementia for use in practice. Design: International Delphi study integrating consensus and evidence from a meta-qualitative study. The Delphi panel rated statements about the model on a 5-point agreement scale. The criteria for consensus were pre-specified. Setting/participants: Seventeen researchers from eight countries developed an initial model, and 169 candidate panellists were invited to the international online Delphi study. Results: Panellists (107; response 63.3%) resided in 33 countries. The model comprised four main care goals: (1) Comfort ensured; (2) Control over function maintained; (3) Identity protected and personhood respected and (4) Coping with grief and loss−person and caregiver supported. The model reflects how needs and care goals change over time with the progression of dementia, concluding with bereavement support. The first version of the model achieved a consensus after which it was slightly refined based on feedback. We did not achieve a consensus on adding a goal of life prolongation, and on use of the model by people with dementia and family themselves. Conclusion: A new palliative care goals model for people with dementia and their families includes relationship aspects for use by professionals and achieved a consensus among a panel with diverse cultural background. The position of life prolongation in relation to palliative care goals needs further research.ye
Prolonging the Tobacco Endgame in Aotearoa / New Zealand: Tragedy with Global Implications
No full textAotearoa/ New Zealand was due to introduce a ground-breaking new law that would potentially achieve smoke-free status by 2025 by banning cigarettes completely for people below a certain age and raising that age annually. This move is vital for the population generally but is particularly important for Māori. The Māori population has significantly higher rates of tobacco-related mortality and morbidity, as well as smoking rates almost 200% higher than the New Zealand European population. However, a newly elected right-wing Government there has made an abrupt U-turn and abandoned this policy. The implications of this about-turn will impact not only Aotearoa/ New Zealand but will undoubtedly setback tobacco control globally.ye
Parents' Experiences of Accessing Mental Health Services for Their Adolescents With Mental Health Challenges: A Scoping Review
Get PDFAim: To analyse the literature on parents' experiences of accessing mental health services with their adolescents for mental health challenges in Ireland. Background: Health systems globally have inadequately addressed mental health service needs resulting in notable gaps between population needs and access to adolescent mental health services. Methods: This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage framework and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Five electronic databases SocINDEX, MEDLINE, CINHAL, Scopus and EBSCO were searched and reference lists screened 2015–2024. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. Applying Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis identified three themes: adolescent community mental health services for adolescents with mental health challenges, accessing mental healthcare services via emergeny departments for adolescents with mental health challenges and parents' experiences of accessing mental health services for their adolescents with mental health challenges. Conclusion: Parents' experiences of accessing mental health services for their adolescents are not fully understood, and further research is required to map key concepts to inform practice and policymaking. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The findings from this scoping review highlight challenges for adolescent mental health services in Ireland and internationally. Heightening awareness of these issues is necessary to improve the clinical practice of nurses. No Patient or Public Contribution: This was a scoping review study.ye
Numerical studies of ram-air Intake for near-earth satellites
Get PDFThe operation of satellites in Earth orbits with altitudes lower than 450 km involves dealing
with rarefied atmosphere environment. To compensate for the aerodynamic drag present
in this low-density atmosphere, satellites employ traditional Electric Propulsion, EP (limited
operational life) or Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion Systems, ABEP (longer operational life).
Careful geometric design of intakes of ABEP systems is critical for its performance. The
main motivation of this research is 1) to understand the complex flow around basic intake
configurations of ABEP systems in high-speed rarefied environment- using Direct Monte
Carlo Simulation (DSMC) methods, and 2) to design compression-assisted air-breathing intake
geometry operating efficiently at various orbital speeds for VLEO/SLEO satellite applications.
Two-dimensional axisymmetric, time-dependent Direct Simulation Monte-carlo (DSMC) method
has been utilized based on open-source SPARTA DSMC Simulator for various intake geometries
at three relevant altitudes. Initial simulations of basic hollow cylinder (straight duct) geometry
were run, followed by an analysis of different convergent angles for converging duct intakes,
for both specular and diffuse gas-surface interactions. The results have been analysed for the
collection efficiencies, mass flow rates at the entry and exit planes, drag force and the number
density profiles. It was observed that with increase in altitude, there is a considerable decrease
in the collection efficiencies under diffuse reflection conditions, and a considerable increase of
drag coefficients under specular reflection conditionsye
Co-Optimization of Mechanical Properties and Radiopacity Through Radiopaque Filler Incorporation for Medical Tubing Applications
No full textMedical tubing, particularly cardiovascular tubing, is a critical area of research where continuous improvements are necessary to advance medical devices and improve patient care. While polymers are fundamental for these applications, on their own they present several limitations such as insufficient X-ray contrasting capabilities. As such, polymer composites utilizing radiopaque fillers are a necessity for this application. For medical tubing in vivo, radiopacity is a crucial parameter that virgin polymers alone fall short in achieving due to limited X-ray absorption. To address this shortcoming, inorganic radiopaque fillers such as barium sulphate (BaSO4) and bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) are incorporated into polymer matrices to increase the X-ray contrast of the manufactured tubing. It is also known, however, that the incorporation of these fillers can affect the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the finished product. This research evaluated the impact of incorporating the two aforementioned fillers into Pebax® 6333 SA01 MED at three different loading levels (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) on the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composite. Composites were prepared by twin screw extrusion and injection molding followed by characterization of the mechanical (tensile, impact, and flexural), thermal (DSC), rheological (MFI), and physical (density and ash content) properties. The performed analysis shows that BiOCl enhanced the aesthetic properties, increased stiffness, and maintained flexibility while having minimal impact on the tensile and impact properties. When comparing BiOCl to BaSO4-filled composites, it was clear that depending on the application of the polymer composite, BiOCl may provide more desirable properties. The study highlights the importance of optimizing filler concentration and processing conditions to achieve desired composite properties for specific medical applications.ye
Targeting bacterial nanocellullose properties through tailored downstream techniques
Get PDFBacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a biodegradable polysaccharide with unique properties that make it an attractive material for various industrial applications. This study focuses on the strain Komagataeibacter medellinensis ID13488, a strain with the ability to produce high yields of BNC under acidic growth conditions and a promising candidate to use for industrial production of BNC. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the effects of downstream treatments on the structural and mechanical characteristics of BNC. When compared to alkaline-treated BNC, autoclave-treated BNC exhibited around 78% superior flexibility in average, while it displayed nearly 40% lower stiffness on average. An SEM analysis revealed distinct surface characteristics, indicating differences in cellulose chain compaction. FTIR spectra demonstrated increased hydrogen bonding with prolonged interaction time with alkaline solutions. A thermal analysis showed enhanced thermal stability in alkaline-treated BNC, withstanding temperatures of nearly 300 °C before commencing degradation, compared to autoclaved BNC which starts degradation around 200 °C. These findings provide valuable insights for tailoring BNC properties for specific applications, particularly in industries requiring high purity and specific mechanical characteristics
Digital technologies to unlock safe and sustainable opportunities for medical device and healthcare sectors with a focus on the combined use of digital twin and extended reality applications: a review
Get PDFMedical devices have increased in complexity where there is a pressing need to consider design thinking and
specialist training for manufacturers, healthcare and sterilization providers, and regulators. Appropriately
addressing this consideration will positively inform end-to-end supply chain and logistics, production, processing,
sterilization, safety, regulation, education, sustainability and circularity. There are significant opportunities
to innovate and to develop appropriate digital tools to help unlock efficiencies in these important areas. This
constitutes the first paper to create an awareness of and to define different digital technologies for informing and
enabling medical device production from a holistic end-to-end life cycle perspective. It describes the added-value
of using digital innovations to meet emerging opportunities for many disposable and reusable medical devices. It
addresses the value of accessing and using integrated multi-actor HUBs that combine academia, industry,
healthcare, regulators and society to help meet these opportunities. Such as cost-effective access to specialist
pilot facilities and expertise that converges digital innovation, material science, biocompatibility, sterility
assurance, business model and sustainability. It highlights the marked gap in academic R&D activities (PRISMA
review of best publications conducted between January 2010 and January 2024) and the actual list of U.S. FDA’s
approved and marketed artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and augmented reality/virtual reality
(AR/VR) enabled-medical devices for different healthcare applications. Bespoke examples of benefits underlying future use of digital tools includes potential implementation of machine learning for supporting and enabling
parametric release of sterilized products through efficient monitoring of critical process data (complying with
ISO 11135:2014) that would benefit stakeholders. This paper also focuses on the transformative potential of
combining digital twin with extended reality innovations to inform efficiencies in medical device design
thinking, supply chain and training to inform patient safety, circularity and sustainability.ye