bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a potentiometric sensor for the determination of carbamazepine and its application in pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Cetin Alper , Özbek Oguz , Erol Arzu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDEpilepsy is a neurological disorder and its treatment is carried out with anti–epileptic drugs. Carbamazepine has been in use since 1965, as a safe and effective anti–epileptic agent. In this paper, a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane carbamazepine selective potentiometric sensor was developed for the determination of carbamazepine in pharmaceutical formulations. Carbamazepine–tetraphenylborate (CBZ–TPB) ion−pair was synthesized as an electroactive component and PVC membrane sensors were prepared with different CBZ–TPB ratios. The membrane with the best analytical properties was determined as the one with 2.0% CBZ–TPB ion–pair, 33.0% PVC and 65.0% o–nitrophenyl octyl ether (o–NPOE).RESULTSThe proposed sensor exhibited linear responses over the concentration range 1.0 × 10−5 – 1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 (R2 = 0.999). The limit of detection was 9.60 × 10−6 mol L−1. The developed sensor showed high selectivity against carbamazepine over some ionic species investigated and also over other anti–epileptic drugs. The potentiometric response of the sensor was not affected by pH in the wide pH range of 4.0–9.0 and the response was fast, at ≈10s.CONCLUSIONThe fabricated carbamazepine–selective sensor was applied for the determination of carbamazepine contents of some pharmaceutical formulations. The potentiometric measurement results for the pharmaceutical formulations gave results with good agreement with data obtained using UV–visible spectroscopy. As a result, the developed carbamazepine selective potentiometric sensor can be considered as an alternative to other analytical methods for the determination of carbamazepine in pharmaceutical samples. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Direct transesterification of microalgae after pulsed electric field treatment
Authors: Papachristou I , Zhang S , Gorte O , Ochsenreither K , Wüstner R , Nazarova N , Frey W , Silve A 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDLipid extraction is a major bottleneck for the commercialization of microalgae due to energy costs involved during solvent recycling. Direct transesterification offers the possibility to bypass the extraction step by immediately converting the lipids to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). In this study, the efficiency of direct transesterification after pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment was evaluated. Freshly harvested Auxenochlorella protothecoides (A. protothecoides), cultivated either autotrophically or mixotrophically, was subjected to PEF. Two treatment energies were tested, 0.25 and 1.5 MJ kgdw−1, and results were compared with those for conventional two‐step transesterification.RESULTSFor autotrophically grown A. protothecoides, the percentage of the total FAMEs recovered from untreated biomass and microalgae treated with 0.25 MJ kgdw−1 was 30% for both cases, while for 1.5 MJ kgdw−1 it was 65%. A 24 h incubation step between PEF treatment and direct transesterification significantly improved the results. Untreated biomass remained stable with 30% of FAMEs, while with both treatment energies a 97% FAME recovery was achieved. However, for mixotrophic A. protothecoides the process was not as effective. Approximately 30% of FAMEs were recovered for all three conditions immediately after PEF with only a marginal increase after incubation. The reason for this different behavior of the two cultivation modes is unknown and under investigation.CONCLUSIONSOverall, the synergy between PEF and direct transesterification was proven to have potential, in particular for autotrophic microalgae. Its implementation and further optimization in a biorefinery therefore merit further attention. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Transcriptomic analyses reveal neuronal specificity of Leigh syndrome associated genes
Authors: Wahedi Azizia , Soondram Chandika , Murphy Alan E. , Skene Nathan , Rahman Shamima 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLeigh syndrome is a rare, inherited, complex neurometabolic disorder with genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Features present in affected patients range from classical stepwise developmental regression to ataxia, seizures, tremor, and occasionally psychiatric manifestations. Currently, more than 100 monogenic causes of Leigh syndrome have been identified, yet the pathophysiology remains unknown. Here, we sought to determine the cellular specificity within the brain of all genes currently associated with Leigh syndrome. Further, we aimed to investigate potential genetic commonalities between Leigh syndrome and other disorders with overlapping clinical features. Enrichment of our target genes within the brain was evaluated with co‐expression (CoExp) network analyses constructed using existing UK Brain Expression Consortium data. To determine the cellular specificity of the Leigh associated genes, we employed expression weighted cell type enrichment (EWCE) analysis of single‐cell RNA‐Seq data. Finally, CoExp network modules demonstrating enrichment of Leigh syndrome associated genes were then utilised for synaptic gene ontology analysis and heritability analysis. CoExp network analyses revealed that Leigh syndrome associated genes exhibit the highest levels of expression in brain regions most affected on MRI in affected patients. EWCE revealed significant enrichment of target genes in hippocampal and somatosensory pyramidal neurons and interneurons of the brain. Analysis of CoExp modules enriched with our target genes revealed preferential association with pre‐synaptic structures. Heritability studies suggested some common enrichment between Leigh syndrome and Parkinson disease and epilepsy. Our findings suggest a primary mitochondrial dysfunction as the underlying basis of Leigh syndrome, with associated genes primarily expressed in neuronal cells.
Vitamin B5, a coenzyme A precursor, rescues TANGO2 deficiency disease‐associated defects in Drosophila and human cells
Authors: Asadi Paria , Milev Miroslav P. , Saint‐Dic Djenann , Gamberi Chiara , Sacher Michael 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMutations in the Transport and Golgi Organization 2 (TANGO2) gene are associated with intellectual deficit, neurodevelopmental delay and regression. Individuals can also present with an acute metabolic crisis that includes rhabdomyolysis, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrhythmias, the latter of which are potentially lethal. While preventing metabolic crises has the potential to reduce mortality, no treatments currently exist for this condition. The function of TANGO2 remains unknown but is suspected to be involved in some aspect of lipid metabolism. Here, we describe a model of TANGO2‐related disease in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that recapitulates crucial disease traits. Pairing a new fly model with human cells, we examined the effects of vitamin B5, a coenzyme A (CoA) precursor, on alleviating the cellular and organismal defects associated with TANGO2 deficiency. We demonstrate that vitamin B5 specifically improves multiple defects associated with TANGO2 loss‐of‐function in Drosophila and rescues membrane trafficking defects in human cells. We also observed a partial rescue of one of the fly defects by vitamin B3, though to a lesser extent than vitamin B5. Our data suggest that a B complex supplement containing vitamin B5/pantothenate may have therapeutic benefits in individuals with TANGO2‐deficiency disease. Possible mechanisms for the rescue are discussed that may include restoration of lipid homeostasis.
Incipient morphological specializations associated with fossorial life in the skull of ground squirrels (Sciuridae, Rodentia)
Authors: Gomes Rodrigues Helder , Damette Mathilde 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAnatomical and biological specializations have been studied extensively in fossorial rodents, especially in subterranean species, such as mole‐rats or pocket‐gophers. Sciurids (i.e., squirrels) are mostly known for their diverse locomotory behaviors, and encompass many arboreal species. They also include less specialized fossorial species, such as ground squirrels that are mainly scratch diggers. The skull of ground squirrels remains poorly investigated in a fossorial context, while it may reflect incipient morphological specializations associated with fossorial life, especially due to the putative use of incisors for digging in some taxa. Here, we present the results of a comparative analysis of the skull of five fossorial sciurid species, and compare those to four arboreal sciurids, one arboreal/fossorial sciurid and one specialized fossorial aplodontiid. The quantification of both cranial and mandibular shapes, using three dimensional geometric morphometrics, reveals that fossorial species clearly depart from arboreal species. Fossorial species from the Marmotini tribe, and also Xerini to a lesser extent, show widened zygomatic arches and occipital plate on the cranium, and a wide mandible with reduced condyles. These shared characteristics, which are present in the aplodontiid species, likely represent fossorial specializations rather than relaxed selection on traits related to the ancestral arboreal condition of sciurids. Such cranial and mandibular configurations combined with proodont incisors might also be related to the frequent use of incisors for digging (added to forelimbs), especially in Marmotini evolving in soft to hard soil conditions. This study provides some clues to understand the evolutionary mechanisms shaping the skull of fossorial rodents, in relation to the time spent underground and to the nature of the soil.
Comparison of virtual reality and physical simulation training in first‐year radiography students in South America
Authors: Rowe David , Garcia Alejandra , Rossi Benito 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the learning outcomes achieved by first‐year radiography students educated with either virtual reality (VR) simulation training or physical simulation training. The implementation of VR has been proposed to enhance learning in radiography students and provide a more effective and efficient approach to simulation. However, the learning outcomes achieved with this approach have not been widely investigated.MethodsThrough stratified randomisation, 188 radiography students were allocated to one of two matched groups: a VR group (using Virtual Medical Coaching's Radiography simulation) and a physical simulation group (using Philips' X‐ray equipment). Both groups were taught 31 radiography views over one 25‐week semester. Both groups were assessed in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), using actors as patients in a physical X‐ray environment. Assessment was conducted by assigning objective count scores for five assessment criteria.ResultsThe VR group achieved shorter OSCE duration and fewer errors in moving equipment and patient positioning: these results were statistically significant (P < 0.00). There was no significant difference in the frequency of errors in radiographic exposure setting between the VR and the physical simulation group. The current findings concur with the limited number of published studies concerning VR simulation in radiography.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrated superior effectiveness and efficiency in the VR group. This provides preliminary evidence to introduce VR simulation in the host institution and provide evidence that it may be possible to replace the use of physical simulation across other years of the degree. Further research investigating these possibilities is warranted.
Old dogs, new tricks: MR‐Linac training and credentialing of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and medical physicists
Authors: Hogan Louise , Jameson Michael , Crawford David , Alvares Stacy , Loo Conrad , Picton Maddison , Moutrie Zoe , Pagulayan Claire , Jelen Ursula , Dunkerley Nicolle , Twentyman Tania , de Leon Jeremy , Batumalai Vikneswary 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe introduction of magnetic resonance (MR) linear accelerators (MR‐Linacs) into radiotherapy departments has increased in recent years owing to its unique advantages including the ability to deliver online adaptive radiotherapy. However, most radiation oncology professionals are not accustomed to working with MR technology. The integration of an MR‐Linac into routine practice requires many considerations including MR safety, MR image acquisition and optimisation, image interpretation and adaptive radiotherapy strategies. This article provides an overview of training and credentialing requirements for radiation oncology professionals to develop competency and efficiency in delivering treatment safely on an MR‐Linac.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in surfactant science: A personal view
Authors: Scheuing David R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe overall goal of this review paper on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) is to provide non‐specialists and spectroscopists alike a motivational introduction to how this technique may be used to obtain unique structural information on a wide range of surfactant‐based systems. Two main topics are addressed—The structures of surfactant aggregates in solution and the interactions of surfactants in solution with solid surfaces. Infrared spectra can yield insights into the interactions of surfactants in mixed micelles as well as in microemulsions. The structures of adsorbed surfactant layers and their kinetics of formation may be elucidated from FT‐IR spectra obtained using attenuated total reflectance sampling techniques. Insights into the detergency process of solid oily soils may also be obtained from the spectra of phases formed at the soil‐surfactant solution interface. Future work in applying FT‐IR to the development of the hydrophilic–lipophilic difference + net average curvature (HLD‐NAC) framework is proposed. Spectral interpretation principles examined in many examples, particularly regarding surfactant hydration and the loci of oil solubilization, could be used in the further development of HLD‐NAC through application to some microemulsion systems that have recently been reported.
Optimization of enzyme‐assisted extraction of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Syzygium aromaticum, and Zingiber officinale, by response surface methodology
Authors: Sethunga Maheshika , Ranaweera Kamburawala Kankanamge Don Somathilaka , Munaweera Imalka , Gunathilake Katugampalage Don Prasanna Priyantha 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe present study exploredi the upshot of enzyme‐assisted extraction (EAE) on the extraction yield and main active compounds in the essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon, ginger, and clove bud and optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) by applying Box–Behnken Design. The effects of the enzyme composition, enzyme concentration, and incubation time on extraction yield and the main active compounds of EOs were investigated.ResultsThe preliminary single factor experiments revealed a significant increase in extraction yield and the main active compound of pre‐treated samples compared to the control. The statistical analysis of RSM revealed that the established model was fitted and there was a strong positive correlation between the factors and responses. The optimum conditions for cinnamon bark oil were 90% viscozyme at 1% concentration with 120 min of incubation time. The pre‐treatment of clove bud using 90% viscozyme percentage at 1% enzyme concentration at 109 min of incubation gave the maximized results. In contrast, the optimum conditions for EAE of ginger oil were 44.75% of Viscozyme, 1% of enzyme concentration, and 90 min of incubation time.ConclusionAll the predicted optimal conditions were validated and the optimal conditions enhanced the extraction yields of cinnamon, ginger, and clove bud EOs by 16.97 ± 0.22%, 19.51 ± 1.39%, and 15.37 ± 0.39%, respectively. The cinnamaldehyde content, eugenol content, and alpha‐zingiberene content of each EO were increased by 17.88 ± 0.29%, 4.82% ± 0.09, and 11.05 ± 0.44%, respectively. Therefore, the overall study revealed that EAE using RSM significantly enhanced the extraction EO yields and main active components in cinnamon, clove bud, and ginger.
Spatial distribution of gut microbiota in mice during the occurrence and remission of hyperuricemia
Authors: Han Jiaojiao , Wu Qiaoli , Wang Ziyan , Lu Chenyang , Zhou Jun , Li Ye , Ming Tinghong , Zhang Zhen , Su Xiurong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that anserine can alleviate hyperuricemia by changing the fecal microbiota of hyperuricemic mice.TopicHowever, the fecal microbiota could not fully represent the distribution of the whole gut microbiota. Knowing the spatial distribution of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota is therefore important for understanding its action in the occurrence and remission of hyperuricemia.MethodsThis study provides a comprehensive map of the most common bacterial communities that colonize different parts of the mouse gastrointestinal tract (stomach, duodenum, ileum, cecum, and colon) using a modern methodological approach.ResultsThe stomach, colon, and cecum showed the greatest richness and diversity in bacterial species. Three clusters of bacterial populations were observed along the digestive system: (1) in the stomach, (2) in the duodenum and ileum, and (3) in the colon and cecum. A high purine solution changed the composition and abundance of the digestive tract microbiota, and anserine relieved hyperuricemia by restoring the homeostasis of the digestive tract microbiota, especially improving the abundance of probiotics in the digestive tract.ImplicationThis could be the starting point for further research on the regulation of hyperuricemia by gut microbiota with the ultimate goal of promoting health and welfare. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Our journeys through the fascinating world of proton radiation therapy
Authors: Bortfeld Thomas , Yan Susu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to share the excitement of the science of proton therapy, told by two physicists, who started their career in this area at different times. The authors' journey spans the evolution of proton therapy over the past 30 years, taking the reader from the time when it was an extremely exotic treatment modality until its more common use today. Over this time period, the authors' research and development aimed at an improved understanding of the physical benefits of intensity‐modulated proton therapy and arc therapy, treatment planning and optimization to take proton‐specific uncertainties into account, and imaging to measure the proton range in the patient. The final section focuses on emerging themes to democratize proton therapy by substantially reducing its size and price, for much greater affordability and global availability of this treatment modality.
A study of flex miniaturized coils for focal nerve magnetic stimulation
Authors: Colella Micol , Press Daniel Z. , Laher Rebecca M. , McIlduff Courtney E. , Rutkove Seward B. , Cassarà Antonino M. , Apollonio Francesca , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Liberti Micaela , Bonmassar Giorgio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) is emerging as a complement to standard electrical stimulation (ES) of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). PMS may stimulate sensory and motor nerve fibers without the discomfort associated with the ES used for standard nerve conduction studies. The PMS coils are the same ones used in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and lack focality and selectiveness in the stimulation.PurposeThis study presents a novel coil for PMS, developed using Flexible technologies, and characterized by reduced dimensions for a precise and controlled targeting of peripheral nerves.MethodsWe performed hybrid electromagnetic (EM) and electrophysiological simulations to study the EM exposure induced by a novel miniaturized coil (or mcoil) in and around the radial nerve of the neuro‐functionalized virtual human body model Yoon‐Sun, and to estimate the current threshold to induce magnetic stimulation (MS) of the radial nerve. Eleven healthy subjects were studied with the mcoil, which consisted of two 15 mm diameter coils in a figure‐of‐eight configuration, each with a hundred turns of a 25 μm copper‐clad four‐layer foil. Sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were measured in each subject using two electrodes and compared with those obtained from standard ES. The SNAPs conduction velocities were estimated as a performance metric.ResultsThe induced electric field was estimated numerically to peak at a maximum intensity of 39 V/m underneath the mcoil fed by 70 A currents. In such conditions, the electrophysiological simulations suggested that the mcoil elicits SNAPs originating at 7 mm from the center of the mcoil. Furthermore, the numerically estimated latencies and waveforms agreed with those obtained during the PMS experiments on healthy subjects, confirming the ability of the mcoil to stimulate the radial nerve sensory fibers.ConclusionHybrid EM‐electrophysiological simulations assisted the development of a miniaturized coil with a small diameter and a high number of turns using flexible electronics. The numerical dosimetric analysis predicted the threshold current amplitudes required for a suprathreshold peripheral nerve sensory stimulation, which was experimentally confirmed. The developed and now validated computational pipeline will be used to improve the performances (e.g., focality and minimal currents) of new generations of mcoil designs.
A micropolar shell model for hard‐magnetic soft materials
Authors: Dadgar‐Rad Farzam , Hossain Mokarram 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHard‐magnetic soft materials (HMSMs) are particulate composites that particles with high coercivity are dispersed in a soft matrix. Since applying the magnetic loading induces a body couple in HMSMs, the resulting Cauchy stress is predicted to be asymmetric. Therefore, the micropolar continuum theory can be employed to capture the deformation of these materials. On the other hand, the geometries and structures made of HMSMs often possess small thickness compared to the overall dimensions of the body. Accordingly, in the present contribution, a 10‐parameter micropolar shell formulation to model the finite elastic deformation of thin hard‐magnetic soft structures under magnetic stimuli is developed. The proposed shell formulation allows for using three‐dimensional constitutive laws without any need for modification to apply the plane stress assumption in thin structures. A nonlinear finite element formulation is also presented for the numerical solution of the governing equations. To alleviate the locking phenomenon, the enhanced assumed strain method is employed. Several examples are presented that demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed formulation.