List of all published articles µ-VIS has been involved in and our filters managed to capture.
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1.
Williams, Thomas J.; Standish, Christopher D.; Archambault, Philippe; Godbold, Jasmin A.; Solan, Martin; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Basford, Philip J.; Foster, Gavin L.
Geochemical proxies for deep-sea temperature and nutrient content in cold-water bamboo corals Journal Article
In: Chemical Geology, vol. 654, pp. 122053, 2024, ISSN: 0009-2541.
@article{Williams2024,
title = {Geochemical proxies for deep-sea temperature and nutrient content in cold-water bamboo corals},
author = {Thomas J. Williams and Christopher D. Standish and Philippe Archambault and Jasmin A. Godbold and Martin Solan and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Philip J. Basford and Gavin L. Foster},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009254124001335},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemgeo.2024.122053},
issn = {0009-2541},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-06-01},
journal = {Chemical Geology},
volume = {654},
pages = {122053},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {The impact of warming, acidification, and deoxygenation on deep-sea environments is a growing concern. Historical records are sparse, particularly at high latitudes, making climate change projections challenging. Indirect proxies, such as trace element composition of marine carbonates, such as coral skeletons, can offer an alternative method to fill data gaps but have not been realised. Here, using Laser Ablation Triple-Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-QQQ-ICP-MS), we examined micrometre-scale element variation within and between individual colonies of the bamboo coral Keratoisis sp. obtained from the Eastern Canadian Arctic. These data are used to assess the influence of biological variability on geochemical tracers for reconstructing past environmental conditions (temperature: Mg/Ca, Li/Mg, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca; [Ba]SW: Ba/Ca). We place these data into context, based on a survey of literature data, using refined calibrations for high-Mg calcitic Octocorals. We find reproducible (2σ relative coefficient of variation) values of Mg/Ca (3%) and Ba/Ca (6%) along the radial growth axis of all colonies and internodes of Keratoisis sp., indicating that these signals are likely suitable for environmental reconstructions. After revising the available multi-taxa calibrations for Mg/Ca (0.316 ± 0.026 °C/mmol/mol},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The impact of warming, acidification, and deoxygenation on deep-sea environments is a growing concern. Historical records are sparse, particularly at high latitudes, making climate change projections challenging. Indirect proxies, such as trace element composition of marine carbonates, such as coral skeletons, can offer an alternative method to fill data gaps but have not been realised. Here, using Laser Ablation Triple-Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-QQQ-ICP-MS), we examined micrometre-scale element variation within and between individual colonies of the bamboo coral Keratoisis sp. obtained from the Eastern Canadian Arctic. These data are used to assess the influence of biological variability on geochemical tracers for reconstructing past environmental conditions (temperature: Mg/Ca, Li/Mg, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca; [Ba]SW: Ba/Ca). We place these data into context, based on a survey of literature data, using refined calibrations for high-Mg calcitic Octocorals. We find reproducible (2σ relative coefficient of variation) values of Mg/Ca (3%) and Ba/Ca (6%) along the radial growth axis of all colonies and internodes of Keratoisis sp., indicating that these signals are likely suitable for environmental reconstructions. After revising the available multi-taxa calibrations for Mg/Ca (0.316 ± 0.026 °C/mmol/mol
2.
Guo, Rui; Alves, Marco; Mehdikhani, Mahoor; Breite, Christian; Swolfs, Yentl
Synthesising realistic 2D microstructures of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites with a generative adversarial network Journal Article
In: Composites Science and Technology, vol. 250, pp. 110539, 2024, ISSN: 0266-3538.
@article{Guo2024,
title = {Synthesising realistic 2D microstructures of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites with a generative adversarial network},
author = {Rui Guo and Marco Alves and Mahoor Mehdikhani and Christian Breite and Yentl Swolfs},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026635382400109X},
doi = {10.1016/j.compscitech.2024.110539},
issn = {0266-3538},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-05-01},
journal = {Composites Science and Technology},
volume = {250},
pages = {110539},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {The microstructure governs the behaviour of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites. In this study, we developed a Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN) to generate realistic 2D transverse microstructures of such composites. We evaluated the DCGAN-generated microstructures using three different methods: Fréchet inception distance, walking through the latent space, and feature matching. The results from these evaluations confirmed that the generated microstructures are distinct and not simply a replication of the training data. The generated microstructures were then compared to real microstructures, confirming that they match qualitatively and quantitatively with respect to detailed statistical characteristics, including fibre diameters, fibre volume fraction, fibre spatial distribution, and resin-rich pockets. We also found that microstructures created by traditional generators could not capture the real resin-rich pockets. This illustrates the capability and value of DCGAN to generate realistic transverse microstructures and provides insights for modelling methods based on real images.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The microstructure governs the behaviour of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites. In this study, we developed a Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN) to generate realistic 2D transverse microstructures of such composites. We evaluated the DCGAN-generated microstructures using three different methods: Fréchet inception distance, walking through the latent space, and feature matching. The results from these evaluations confirmed that the generated microstructures are distinct and not simply a replication of the training data. The generated microstructures were then compared to real microstructures, confirming that they match qualitatively and quantitatively with respect to detailed statistical characteristics, including fibre diameters, fibre volume fraction, fibre spatial distribution, and resin-rich pockets. We also found that microstructures created by traditional generators could not capture the real resin-rich pockets. This illustrates the capability and value of DCGAN to generate realistic transverse microstructures and provides insights for modelling methods based on real images.
3.
Kim, Donghyuk; Jiang, Rong; Reed, Philippa A. S.
In: Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures, 2024, ISSN: 1460-2695.
@article{Kim2024,
title = {2D and 3D characterization of oxidation‐fatigue mechanisms in an advanced Ni‐based superalloy: Effects of microstructure and elevated temperature},
author = {Donghyuk Kim and Rong Jiang and Philippa A. S. Reed},
doi = {10.1111/ffe.14283},
issn = {1460-2695},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-04-01},
urldate = {2024-04-01},
journal = {Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures},
publisher = {Wiley},
abstract = {The effects of varying γ0 size and grain boundary carbide distribution at elevated temperatures on the fatigue behavior of turbine disk alloy RR1000 were examined through combining 2D and 3D imaging characterization. The fatigue crack growth rate at 725C is higher than at 650C due to enhanced oxidation damage at higher temperature, dominated by an intergranular fracture mode. This is more marked with longer dwell time (linked to diffusion time) and when carbides have formed continuously at grain boundaries. The fatigue crack path was characterized by X-ray CT scan to present the complex 3D crack propagation morphology. It is noted that a discontinuous crack path and uncracked ligaments can be discerned ahead of the crack tip particularly in the microstructure where carbides are continuously formed at grain boundaries. This is linked to embrittled zones ahead of the crack tip formed during longer dwell times at the maximum stress during cycling at elevated temperature.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The effects of varying γ0 size and grain boundary carbide distribution at elevated temperatures on the fatigue behavior of turbine disk alloy RR1000 were examined through combining 2D and 3D imaging characterization. The fatigue crack growth rate at 725C is higher than at 650C due to enhanced oxidation damage at higher temperature, dominated by an intergranular fracture mode. This is more marked with longer dwell time (linked to diffusion time) and when carbides have formed continuously at grain boundaries. The fatigue crack path was characterized by X-ray CT scan to present the complex 3D crack propagation morphology. It is noted that a discontinuous crack path and uncracked ligaments can be discerned ahead of the crack tip particularly in the microstructure where carbides are continuously formed at grain boundaries. This is linked to embrittled zones ahead of the crack tip formed during longer dwell times at the maximum stress during cycling at elevated temperature.
4.
Zgouro, Paola; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Moschakis, Thomas; Eleftheriadis, Georgios K.; Kyriakidis, Athanasios S.; Chachlioutaki, Konstantina; Monou, Paraskevi Kyriaki; Ntorkou, Marianna; Zacharis, Constantinos K.; Bouropoulos, Nikolaos; Fatouros, Dimitrios G.; Karavasili, Christina; Gioumouxouzis, Christos I.
A floating 3D printed polypill formulation for the coadministration and sustained release of antihypertensive drugs Journal Article
In: International Journal of Pharmaceutics, vol. 655, pp. 124058, 2024, ISSN: 0378-5173.
@article{Zgouro2024,
title = {A floating 3D printed polypill formulation for the coadministration and sustained release of antihypertensive drugs},
author = {Paola Zgouro and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Thomas Moschakis and Georgios K. Eleftheriadis and Athanasios S. Kyriakidis and Konstantina Chachlioutaki and Paraskevi Kyriaki Monou and Marianna Ntorkou and Constantinos K. Zacharis and Nikolaos Bouropoulos and Dimitrios G. Fatouros and Christina Karavasili and Christos I. Gioumouxouzis},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517324002928},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124058},
issn = {0378-5173},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-04-01},
journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics},
volume = {655},
pages = {124058},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Polypharmacy is a common issue, especially among elderly patients resulting in administration errors and patient inconvenience. Hypertension is a prevalent health condition that frequently leads to polypharmacy, as its treatment typically requires the co-administration of more than one different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API’s). To address these issues, floating hollow torus-shaped dosage forms were developed, aiming at providing prolonged gastric retention and sustained drug release. The dosage forms (polypills) containing three anti-hypertensive API’s (diltiazem (DIL), propranolol (PRP) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) were created via Fused Deposition Modelling 3D printing. A multitude of the dosage forms were loaded into a capsule and the resulting formulation achieved prolonged retention times over a 12-hour period in vitro, by leveraging both the buoyancy of the dosage forms, and the “cheerios effect” that facilitates the aggregation and retention of the dosage forms via a combination of surface tension and shape of the objects. Physicochemical characterization methods and imaging techniques were employed to investigate the properties and the internal and external structure of the dosage forms. Furthermore, an ex vivo porcine stomach model revealed substantial aggregation, adhesion and retention of the 3D printed dosage forms in porcine stomach. In vitro dissolution testing demonstrated almost complete first-order release of PRP and DIL (93.52 % and 99.9 %, respectively) and partial release of HCTZ (65.22 %) in the 12 h timeframe. Finally, a convolution-based single-stage approach was employed in order to predict the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of the API’s of the formulation and the resemblance of their PK behavior with previously reported data.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Polypharmacy is a common issue, especially among elderly patients resulting in administration errors and patient inconvenience. Hypertension is a prevalent health condition that frequently leads to polypharmacy, as its treatment typically requires the co-administration of more than one different Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API’s). To address these issues, floating hollow torus-shaped dosage forms were developed, aiming at providing prolonged gastric retention and sustained drug release. The dosage forms (polypills) containing three anti-hypertensive API’s (diltiazem (DIL), propranolol (PRP) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) were created via Fused Deposition Modelling 3D printing. A multitude of the dosage forms were loaded into a capsule and the resulting formulation achieved prolonged retention times over a 12-hour period in vitro, by leveraging both the buoyancy of the dosage forms, and the “cheerios effect” that facilitates the aggregation and retention of the dosage forms via a combination of surface tension and shape of the objects. Physicochemical characterization methods and imaging techniques were employed to investigate the properties and the internal and external structure of the dosage forms. Furthermore, an ex vivo porcine stomach model revealed substantial aggregation, adhesion and retention of the 3D printed dosage forms in porcine stomach. In vitro dissolution testing demonstrated almost complete first-order release of PRP and DIL (93.52 % and 99.9 %, respectively) and partial release of HCTZ (65.22 %) in the 12 h timeframe. Finally, a convolution-based single-stage approach was employed in order to predict the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of the API’s of the formulation and the resemblance of their PK behavior with previously reported data.
5.
Petroselli, C.; Williams, K. A.; Ruiz, S. A.; Fletcher, D. McKay; Cooper, M. J.; Roose, T.
In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, pp. 109417, 2024, ISSN: 0038-0717.
@article{Petroselli2024,
title = {Microdialysis probes and digital twins reveal the rapid removal of fertiliser phosphate from the soil solution with an impact on crop nutrition in the short-term},
author = {C. Petroselli and K. A. Williams and S. A. Ruiz and D. McKay Fletcher and M. J. Cooper and T. Roose},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0038071724001068#fig1},
doi = {10.1016/j.soilbio.2024.109417},
issn = {0038-0717},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-04-01},
journal = {Soil Biology and Biochemistry},
pages = {109417},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Global food production depends on the application of phosphorus (P) fertilisers, usually sourced from rock phosphate, a non-renewable resource. Optimising P use to ensure sustainable P application is necessary to supply food worldwide and to protect the environment from P runoff. However, standard models used to guide P application on fields are limited due to assumptions that fail to consider the short-term dynamics of P in the soil solution. This study combined time-resolved microdialysis sampling with 4D spatial information from X-ray computed tomography to inform an image-based model for assessing P-soil-plant interactions over the start of a growing season. The time-resolved microdialysis measurements revealed that P released from the granules is rapidly removed from the soil solution in the short-term. We demonstrate that the standard equilibrium models typically used to characterise P transport in soil are not representative of the experimental system on the time scales considered. Instead, an Absorption-Diffusion model, where a single sink term accounts for all the processes removing P from the soil solution was required to correctly characterise experimental observations. Our study provides the basis for a model which could be adapted to predict within-season fertilisation scenarios in different soil conditions, and provides a conceptual description of plant/crop yield response to P fertilisation.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Global food production depends on the application of phosphorus (P) fertilisers, usually sourced from rock phosphate, a non-renewable resource. Optimising P use to ensure sustainable P application is necessary to supply food worldwide and to protect the environment from P runoff. However, standard models used to guide P application on fields are limited due to assumptions that fail to consider the short-term dynamics of P in the soil solution. This study combined time-resolved microdialysis sampling with 4D spatial information from X-ray computed tomography to inform an image-based model for assessing P-soil-plant interactions over the start of a growing season. The time-resolved microdialysis measurements revealed that P released from the granules is rapidly removed from the soil solution in the short-term. We demonstrate that the standard equilibrium models typically used to characterise P transport in soil are not representative of the experimental system on the time scales considered. Instead, an Absorption-Diffusion model, where a single sink term accounts for all the processes removing P from the soil solution was required to correctly characterise experimental observations. Our study provides the basis for a model which could be adapted to predict within-season fertilisation scenarios in different soil conditions, and provides a conceptual description of plant/crop yield response to P fertilisation.
6.
Laundon, Davis; Sengers, Bram G.; Thompson, James; Harris, Shelley E.; Beasley, Olivia; Basford, Philip J.; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Goggin, Patricia; Derisoud, Emilie; Fanelli, Diana; Bocci, Carlotta; Camillo, Francesco; Shotton, Justine; Constable-Dakeyne, Georgina; Gostling, Neil J.; Chavatte-Palmer, Pascale; Lewis, Rohan M.
Convergently evolved placental villi show multiscale structural adaptations to differential placental invasiveness. Journal Article
In: Biology letters, vol. 20, iss. 3, pp. 20240016, 2024, ISSN: 1744-957X.
@article{Laundon2024,
title = {Convergently evolved placental villi show multiscale structural adaptations to differential placental invasiveness.},
author = {Davis Laundon and Bram G. Sengers and James Thompson and Shelley E. Harris and Olivia Beasley and Philip J. Basford and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Patricia Goggin and Emilie Derisoud and Diana Fanelli and Carlotta Bocci and Francesco Camillo and Justine Shotton and Georgina Constable-Dakeyne and Neil J. Gostling and Pascale Chavatte-Palmer and Rohan M. Lewis},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2024.0016},
issn = {1744-957X},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-03-01},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {20},
issue = {3},
pages = {20240016},
abstract = {Despite having a single evolutionary origin and conserved function, the mammalian placenta exhibits radical structural diversity. The evolutionary drivers and functional consequences of placental structural diversity are poorly understood. Humans and equids both display treelike placental villi, however these villi evolved independently and exhibit starkly different levels of invasiveness into maternal tissue (i.e. the number of maternal tissue layers between placental tissue and maternal blood). The villi in these species therefore serve as a compelling evolutionary case study to explore whether placentas have developed structural adaptations to respond to the challenge of reduced nutrient availability in less invasive placentas. Here, we use three-dimensional X-ray microfocus computed tomography and electron microscopy to quantitatively evaluate key structures involved in exchange in human and equid placental villi. We find that equid villi have a higher surface area to volume ratio and deeper trophoblastic vessel indentation than human villi. Using illustrative computational models, we propose that these structural adaptations have evolved in equids to boost nutrient transfer to compensate for reduced invasiveness into maternal tissue. We discuss these findings in relation to the 'maternal-fetal conflict hypothesis' of placental evolution.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {ppublish},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Despite having a single evolutionary origin and conserved function, the mammalian placenta exhibits radical structural diversity. The evolutionary drivers and functional consequences of placental structural diversity are poorly understood. Humans and equids both display treelike placental villi, however these villi evolved independently and exhibit starkly different levels of invasiveness into maternal tissue (i.e. the number of maternal tissue layers between placental tissue and maternal blood). The villi in these species therefore serve as a compelling evolutionary case study to explore whether placentas have developed structural adaptations to respond to the challenge of reduced nutrient availability in less invasive placentas. Here, we use three-dimensional X-ray microfocus computed tomography and electron microscopy to quantitatively evaluate key structures involved in exchange in human and equid placental villi. We find that equid villi have a higher surface area to volume ratio and deeper trophoblastic vessel indentation than human villi. Using illustrative computational models, we propose that these structural adaptations have evolved in equids to boost nutrient transfer to compensate for reduced invasiveness into maternal tissue. We discuss these findings in relation to the 'maternal-fetal conflict hypothesis' of placental evolution.
7.
Digpal, Ronneil; Arkill, Kenton P.; Doherty, Regan; Yates, Joseph; Milne, Lorna K.; Broomes, Nicole; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Macdonald, Jason; Ditchfield, Adam; Narata, Ana Paula; Darekar, Angela; Carare, Roxana O.; Fabian, Mark; Galea, Ian; Bulters, Diederik
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Pathology Underlying Aneurysm Enhancement on Vessel Wall Imaging Journal Article
In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 25, no. 5, pp. 2700, 2024, ISSN: 1422-0067.
@article{Digpal2024,
title = {A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Pathology Underlying Aneurysm Enhancement on Vessel Wall Imaging},
author = {Ronneil Digpal and Kenton P. Arkill and Regan Doherty and Joseph Yates and Lorna K. Milne and Nicole Broomes and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Jason Macdonald and Adam Ditchfield and Ana Paula Narata and Angela Darekar and Roxana O. Carare and Mark Fabian and Ian Galea and Diederik Bulters},
doi = {10.3390/ijms25052700},
issn = {1422-0067},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-02-01},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {5},
pages = {2700},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {Intracranial aneurysms are common, but only a minority rupture and cause subarachnoid haemorrhage, presenting a dilemma regarding which to treat. Vessel wall imaging (VWI) is a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used to identify unstable aneurysms. The pathological basis of MR enhancement of aneurysms is the subject of debate. This review synthesises the literature to determine the pathological basis of VWI enhancement. PubMed and Embase searches were performed for studies reporting VWI of intracranial aneurysms and their correlated histological analysis. The risk of bias was assessed. Calculations of interdependence, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Of 228 publications identified, 7 met the eligibility criteria. Individual aneurysm data were extracted for 72 out of a total of 81 aneurysms. Univariate analysis showed macrophage markers (CD68 and MPO},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Intracranial aneurysms are common, but only a minority rupture and cause subarachnoid haemorrhage, presenting a dilemma regarding which to treat. Vessel wall imaging (VWI) is a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used to identify unstable aneurysms. The pathological basis of MR enhancement of aneurysms is the subject of debate. This review synthesises the literature to determine the pathological basis of VWI enhancement. PubMed and Embase searches were performed for studies reporting VWI of intracranial aneurysms and their correlated histological analysis. The risk of bias was assessed. Calculations of interdependence, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Of 228 publications identified, 7 met the eligibility criteria. Individual aneurysm data were extracted for 72 out of a total of 81 aneurysms. Univariate analysis showed macrophage markers (CD68 and MPO
8.
Katsamenis, Orestis
2024.
@misc{Katsamenis2024,
title = {A floating 3D printed formulation for the coadministration and sustained release of antihypertensive drugs - Underlying CT data},
author = {Orestis Katsamenis},
doi = {10.5281/ZENODO.10614260},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
publisher = {Zenodo},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {misc}
}
9.
Mulqueeney, James M.; Searle-Barnes, Alex; Brombacher, Anieke; Sweeney, Marisa; Goswami, Anjali; Ezard, Thomas H. G.
How many specimens make a sufficient training set for automated 3D feature extraction? Journal Article
In: 2024.
@article{Mulqueeney2024,
title = {How many specimens make a sufficient training set for automated 3D feature extraction?},
author = {James M. Mulqueeney and Alex Searle-Barnes and Anieke Brombacher and Marisa Sweeney and Anjali Goswami and Thomas H. G. Ezard},
doi = {10.1101/2024.01.10.575054},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
publisher = {Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory},
abstract = {Deep learning has emerged as a robust tool for automating feature extraction from 3D images, offering an efficient alternative to labour-intensive and potentially biased manual image segmentation methods. However, there has been limited exploration into the optimal training set sizes, including assessing whether artificial expansion by data augmentation can achieve consistent results in less time and how consistent these benefits are across different types of traits. In this study, we manually segmented 50 planktonic foraminifera specimens from the genus Menardella to determine the minimum number of training images required to produce accurate volumetric and shape data from internal and external structures. The results reveal unsurprisingly that deep learning models improve with a larger number of training images and that data augmentation can enhance network accuracy by up to 8.0%. Notably, predicting both volumetric and shape measurements for the internal structure poses a greater challenge compared to the external structure, due to low contrast between different materials and increased geometric complexity. These results provide novel insight into optimal training set sizes for precise image segmentation of diverse traits and highlight the potential of data augmentation for enhancing multivariate feature extraction from 3D images.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Deep learning has emerged as a robust tool for automating feature extraction from 3D images, offering an efficient alternative to labour-intensive and potentially biased manual image segmentation methods. However, there has been limited exploration into the optimal training set sizes, including assessing whether artificial expansion by data augmentation can achieve consistent results in less time and how consistent these benefits are across different types of traits. In this study, we manually segmented 50 planktonic foraminifera specimens from the genus Menardella to determine the minimum number of training images required to produce accurate volumetric and shape data from internal and external structures. The results reveal unsurprisingly that deep learning models improve with a larger number of training images and that data augmentation can enhance network accuracy by up to 8.0%. Notably, predicting both volumetric and shape measurements for the internal structure poses a greater challenge compared to the external structure, due to low contrast between different materials and increased geometric complexity. These results provide novel insight into optimal training set sizes for precise image segmentation of diverse traits and highlight the potential of data augmentation for enhancing multivariate feature extraction from 3D images.
10.
Martin, Claudia Jimenez; Maes, Vincent; Rosini, Sebastian; Smith, Ronan; Sinclair, Ian; Mavrogordato, Mark; McMahon, Turlough; Kratz, James
Observations of wrinkling in Non-Crimp Fabrics during multi-ply stack forming using in situ XCT scanning Journal Article
In: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, vol. 176, pp. 107880, 2024, ISSN: 1359-835X.
@article{JimenezMartin2024,
title = {Observations of wrinkling in Non-Crimp Fabrics during multi-ply stack forming using in situ XCT scanning},
author = {Claudia Jimenez Martin and Vincent Maes and Sebastian Rosini and Ronan Smith and Ian Sinclair and Mark Mavrogordato and Turlough McMahon and James Kratz},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X23004566},
doi = {10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107880},
issn = {1359-835X},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing},
volume = {176},
pages = {107880},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {This paper shows the internal evolution of wrinkles occurring in a single diaphragm forming process using time-resolved in situ XCT scanning. Forming trials were carried out over a curved C-spar geometry using Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF) plies of 45°/135°, 0°/90° and 0°/45° orientations arranged in single-orientation and mixed-orientation stacks. Results show most of the diaphragm movement and change in wrinkle size, shape, and location occurs in the early application (<0.1 bar) of vacuum. The further application of vacuum shows consolidation, with wrinkle size decreasing but shape and location remaining largely unchanged. Single-orientation stacks of 45°/135° plies showed the closest resemblance between initial and final wrinkling, while mixed-orientation stacks showed complex wrinkling due to the 0° plies creating internal ply separation due to excess length. Overall, the study shines a light on the internal interaction between layers that occurs during wrinkling, showing mechanisms only observable with XCT.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper shows the internal evolution of wrinkles occurring in a single diaphragm forming process using time-resolved in situ XCT scanning. Forming trials were carried out over a curved C-spar geometry using Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF) plies of 45°/135°, 0°/90° and 0°/45° orientations arranged in single-orientation and mixed-orientation stacks. Results show most of the diaphragm movement and change in wrinkle size, shape, and location occurs in the early application (<0.1 bar) of vacuum. The further application of vacuum shows consolidation, with wrinkle size decreasing but shape and location remaining largely unchanged. Single-orientation stacks of 45°/135° plies showed the closest resemblance between initial and final wrinkling, while mixed-orientation stacks showed complex wrinkling due to the 0° plies creating internal ply separation due to excess length. Overall, the study shines a light on the internal interaction between layers that occurs during wrinkling, showing mechanisms only observable with XCT.
11.
Laundon, Davis; Gostling, Neil J; Sengers, Bram G; Chavatte-Palmer, Pascale; Lewis, Rohan M
Placental evolution from a three-dimensional and multiscale structural perspective Journal Article
In: Evolution, vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 13–25, 2023, ISSN: 1558-5646.
@article{Laundon2023,
title = {Placental evolution from a three-dimensional and multiscale structural perspective},
author = {Davis Laundon and Neil J Gostling and Bram G Sengers and Pascale Chavatte-Palmer and Rohan M Lewis},
editor = {Tristan Stayton and Tracey Chapman},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/78/1/13/7425018},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpad209},
issn = {1558-5646},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-11-01},
journal = {Evolution},
volume = {78},
number = {1},
pages = {13–25},
publisher = {Oxford University Press (OUP)},
abstract = {The placenta mediates physiological exchange between the mother and the fetus. In placental mammals, all placentas are descended from a single common ancestor and functions are conserved across species; however, the placenta exhibits radical structural diversity. The selective pressures behind this structural diversity are poorly understood. Traditionally, placental structures have largely been investigated by grouping them into qualitative categories. Assessing the placenta on this basis could be problematic when inferring the relative “efficiency” of a placental configuration to transfer nutrients from mother to fetus. We argue that only by considering placentas as three-dimensional (3D) biological structures, integrated across scales, can the evolutionary questions behind their enormous structural diversity be quantitatively determined. We review the current state of placental evolution from a structural perspective, detail where 3D imaging and computational modeling have been used to gain insight into placental function, and outline an experimental roadmap to answer evolutionary questions from a multiscale 3D structural perspective. Our approach aims to shed light on placental evolution, and can be transferred to evolutionary investigations in any organ system.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The placenta mediates physiological exchange between the mother and the fetus. In placental mammals, all placentas are descended from a single common ancestor and functions are conserved across species; however, the placenta exhibits radical structural diversity. The selective pressures behind this structural diversity are poorly understood. Traditionally, placental structures have largely been investigated by grouping them into qualitative categories. Assessing the placenta on this basis could be problematic when inferring the relative “efficiency” of a placental configuration to transfer nutrients from mother to fetus. We argue that only by considering placentas as three-dimensional (3D) biological structures, integrated across scales, can the evolutionary questions behind their enormous structural diversity be quantitatively determined. We review the current state of placental evolution from a structural perspective, detail where 3D imaging and computational modeling have been used to gain insight into placental function, and outline an experimental roadmap to answer evolutionary questions from a multiscale 3D structural perspective. Our approach aims to shed light on placental evolution, and can be transferred to evolutionary investigations in any organ system.
12.
Galvez-Hernandez, Pedro; Smith, Ronan; Gaska, Karolina; Mavrogordato, Mark; Sinclair, Ian; Kratz, James
The effect of X-ray computed tomography scan parameters on porosity assessment of carbon fibre reinfored plastics laminates Journal Article
In: Journal of Composite Materials, vol. 57, no. 29, pp. 4535–4548, 2023, ISSN: 1530-793X.
@article{GalvezHernandez2023,
title = {The effect of X-ray computed tomography scan parameters on porosity assessment of carbon fibre reinfored plastics laminates},
author = {Pedro Galvez-Hernandez and Ronan Smith and Karolina Gaska and Mark Mavrogordato and Ian Sinclair and James Kratz},
url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00219983231209383},
doi = {10.1177/00219983231209383},
issn = {1530-793X},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-01},
journal = {Journal of Composite Materials},
volume = {57},
number = {29},
pages = {4535–4548},
publisher = {SAGE Publications},
abstract = {Combinations of X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) scan times, from 30 s to 60 min, and voxel sizes, from 6 to 50 µm, were investigated for their effect on the porosity measurements of a unidirectional carbon fibre epoxy composite volume. The sample had a total void volume of around 2%, which is typical of the tolerance expected in the aerospace industry. The volume contained localised voids that create sub-volumes with representative high (5%) and low (1%) porosity regions. The ability to detect small-size voids in the lower porosity regions decreased as the voxel size increased. Scan resolutions above 25 µm resulted in a coarser segmentation and overestimation of the porosity due to the presence of partial volume effects. Scan times shorter than 2 min resulted in noisy images, requiring aggressive filtering that affected the segmentation of voids. Porosity segmentation was performed by thresholding and Deep Learning methods. Deep Learning segmentation was found to recognise noise better, providing more consistent and cleaner segmented data than thresholding. To capture micro-voids that contribute to porosity levels at the typical aerospace tolerance of 2%, scan parameters with a voxel size equal to or smaller than 25 µm, scan times of 2 to 8 min, and deep learning segmentation were found to be the most promising. These shorter scan times can be used to increase the productivity of CT scanning for porosity or observing time-resolved events. The data provided here contributes to the body of knowledge studying X-ray hardware settings and optimising image segmentation.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Combinations of X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) scan times, from 30 s to 60 min, and voxel sizes, from 6 to 50 µm, were investigated for their effect on the porosity measurements of a unidirectional carbon fibre epoxy composite volume. The sample had a total void volume of around 2%, which is typical of the tolerance expected in the aerospace industry. The volume contained localised voids that create sub-volumes with representative high (5%) and low (1%) porosity regions. The ability to detect small-size voids in the lower porosity regions decreased as the voxel size increased. Scan resolutions above 25 µm resulted in a coarser segmentation and overestimation of the porosity due to the presence of partial volume effects. Scan times shorter than 2 min resulted in noisy images, requiring aggressive filtering that affected the segmentation of voids. Porosity segmentation was performed by thresholding and Deep Learning methods. Deep Learning segmentation was found to recognise noise better, providing more consistent and cleaner segmented data than thresholding. To capture micro-voids that contribute to porosity levels at the typical aerospace tolerance of 2%, scan parameters with a voxel size equal to or smaller than 25 µm, scan times of 2 to 8 min, and deep learning segmentation were found to be the most promising. These shorter scan times can be used to increase the productivity of CT scanning for porosity or observing time-resolved events. The data provided here contributes to the body of knowledge studying X-ray hardware settings and optimising image segmentation.
13.
Ji, Wenfei; Zhang, Qicheng; Alvarez-Borges, Fernando; Yuan, Guanjie; Duijneveldt, Jeroen Van; Briscoe, Wuge H.; Scarpa, Fabrizio
Composite sepiolite/chitosan layer-by-layer coated flexible polyurethane foams with superior mechanical properties and energy absorption Journal Article
In: Composite Structures, vol. 322, pp. 117419, 2023.
@article{Ji2023,
title = {Composite sepiolite/chitosan layer-by-layer coated flexible polyurethane foams with superior mechanical properties and energy absorption},
author = {Wenfei Ji and Qicheng Zhang and Fernando Alvarez-Borges and Guanjie Yuan and Jeroen Van Duijneveldt and Wuge H. Briscoe and Fabrizio Scarpa},
doi = {10.1016/j.compstruct.2023.117419},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-01},
journal = {Composite Structures},
volume = {322},
pages = {117419},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {Flexible polyurethane foam composites with enhanced stiffness and energy dissipation have been prepared via a facile layer-by-layer assembly approach. The composite foams consisted of naturally abundant nanoclay/chitosan multilayers (up to six) deposited onto the foam struts via dip-coating. The nanoclay/chitosan polyurethane foams were characterised using infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental mapping and μ-CT scanning. Quasi-static mechanical compression of the foams with 6 bilayers showed a 202% increase in the stiffness and a 33% enhancement in the damping loss factor compared to the uncoated pristine foam. Vibration transmissibility tests showed that the dynamic modulus of the 6-bilayer coated foams was 3 times that of the pristine foam. Remarkably, impact tests registered a 50% decrease in the transmitted impact force of these sepiolite/chitosan layer-by-layer coated open cell polyurethane foams, demonstrating their improved energy dissipation capability compared to other nanocoated foams in open literature.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Flexible polyurethane foam composites with enhanced stiffness and energy dissipation have been prepared via a facile layer-by-layer assembly approach. The composite foams consisted of naturally abundant nanoclay/chitosan multilayers (up to six) deposited onto the foam struts via dip-coating. The nanoclay/chitosan polyurethane foams were characterised using infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental mapping and μ-CT scanning. Quasi-static mechanical compression of the foams with 6 bilayers showed a 202% increase in the stiffness and a 33% enhancement in the damping loss factor compared to the uncoated pristine foam. Vibration transmissibility tests showed that the dynamic modulus of the 6-bilayer coated foams was 3 times that of the pristine foam. Remarkably, impact tests registered a 50% decrease in the transmitted impact force of these sepiolite/chitosan layer-by-layer coated open cell polyurethane foams, demonstrating their improved energy dissipation capability compared to other nanocoated foams in open literature.
14.
Li, J.; Katsamenis, O.; Limbert, G.
Image-based micromechanical modelling of skin dermis Proceedings Article
In: X International Conference on Computational Bioengineering (ICCB 2023), Vienna, Austria, 2023.
@inproceedings{Li2023,
title = {Image-based micromechanical modelling of skin dermis},
author = {J. Li and O. Katsamenis and G. Limbert},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-01},
booktitle = {X International Conference on Computational Bioengineering (ICCB 2023)},
address = {Vienna, Austria},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
15.
Milne, L.; Merlini, J.; Hall, M.; Allen, C.; Nizamundeen, Z.; Hopkinson, L.; Digpal, R.; Doherty, R.; Yates, J.; Broomes, N.; Katsamenis, O.; Darekar, A.; Cararer, R.; Fabian, M.; Galea, I.; Bulters, D.; Sullivan, R.; Levann, A.; Lennon, R.; Hippensteell, J.; Boor, P.; Lawrence, C.; Dyer, D.; Wandall, H.; Bates, D.; Arkill, K.; Merry, C.; Hook, A.
The Development of ToF-SIMS As A Label Free Method of In Situ Glycosaminoglycan Analysis Proceedings Article
In: BSMB/BIOCHEM SOC Harden Conference, 89th Harden Conference - Proteoglycans: Matrix Master Regulators, Surrey, UK, 2023.
@inproceedings{Milne2023,
title = {The Development of ToF-SIMS As A Label Free Method of In Situ Glycosaminoglycan Analysis},
author = {L. Milne and J. Merlini and M. Hall and C. Allen and Z. Nizamundeen and L. Hopkinson and R. Digpal and R. Doherty and J. Yates and N. Broomes and O. Katsamenis and A. Darekar and R. Cararer and M. Fabian and I. Galea and D. Bulters and R. Sullivan and A. Levann and R. Lennon and J. Hippensteell and P. Boor and C. Lawrence and D. Dyer and H. Wandall and D. Bates and K. Arkill and C. Merry and A. Hook},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-01},
booktitle = {BSMB/BIOCHEM SOC Harden Conference, 89th Harden Conference - Proteoglycans: Matrix Master Regulators},
address = {Surrey, UK},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inproceedings}
}
16.
Keeling, George P.; Baark, Friedrich; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Xue, Jing; Blower, Philip J.; Bertazzo, Sergio; Rosales, Rafael T. M.
68Ga-bisphosphonates for the imaging of extraosseous calcification by positron emission tomography Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 13, no. 1, 2023.
@article{Keeling2023,
title = {68Ga-bisphosphonates for the imaging of extraosseous calcification by positron emission tomography},
author = {George P. Keeling and Friedrich Baark and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Jing Xue and Philip J. Blower and Sergio Bertazzo and Rafael T. M. Rosales},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41149-7},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-41149-7},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},
abstract = {Radiolabelled bisphosphonates (BPs) and [18F]NaF (18F-fluoride) are the two types of radiotracers available to image calcium mineral (e.g. bone), yet only [18F]NaF has been widely explored for the non-invasive molecular imaging of extraosseous calcification (EC) using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. These two radiotracers bind calcium mineral deposits via different mechanisms, with BPs chelating to calcium ions and thus being non-selective, and [18F]NaF being selective for hydroxyapatite (HAp) which is the main component of bone mineral. Considering that the composition of EC has been reported to include a diverse range of non-HAp calcium minerals, we hypothesised that BPs may be more sensitive for imaging EC due to their ability to bind to both HAp and non-HAp deposits. We report a comparison between the 68Ga-labelled BP tracer [68Ga]Ga-THP-Pam and [18F]NaF for PET imaging in a rat model of EC that develops macro- and microcalcifications in several organs. Macrocalcifications were identified using preclinical computed tomography (CT) and microcalcifications were identified using µCT-based 3D X-ray histology (XRH) on isolated organs ex vivo. The morphological and mineral analysis of individual calcified deposits was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). PET imaging and ex vivo analysis results demonstrated that while both radiotracers behave similarly for bone imaging, the BP-based radiotracer [68Ga]Ga-THP-Pam was able to detect EC more sensitively in several organs in which the mineral composition departs from that of HAp. Our results strongly suggest that BP-based PET radiotracers such as [68Ga]Ga-THP-Pam may have a particular advantage for the sensitive imaging and early detection of EC by being able to detect a wider array of relevant calcium minerals in vivo than [18F]NaF, and should be evaluated clinically for this purpose.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Radiolabelled bisphosphonates (BPs) and [18F]NaF (18F-fluoride) are the two types of radiotracers available to image calcium mineral (e.g. bone), yet only [18F]NaF has been widely explored for the non-invasive molecular imaging of extraosseous calcification (EC) using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. These two radiotracers bind calcium mineral deposits via different mechanisms, with BPs chelating to calcium ions and thus being non-selective, and [18F]NaF being selective for hydroxyapatite (HAp) which is the main component of bone mineral. Considering that the composition of EC has been reported to include a diverse range of non-HAp calcium minerals, we hypothesised that BPs may be more sensitive for imaging EC due to their ability to bind to both HAp and non-HAp deposits. We report a comparison between the 68Ga-labelled BP tracer [68Ga]Ga-THP-Pam and [18F]NaF for PET imaging in a rat model of EC that develops macro- and microcalcifications in several organs. Macrocalcifications were identified using preclinical computed tomography (CT) and microcalcifications were identified using µCT-based 3D X-ray histology (XRH) on isolated organs ex vivo. The morphological and mineral analysis of individual calcified deposits was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). PET imaging and ex vivo analysis results demonstrated that while both radiotracers behave similarly for bone imaging, the BP-based radiotracer [68Ga]Ga-THP-Pam was able to detect EC more sensitively in several organs in which the mineral composition departs from that of HAp. Our results strongly suggest that BP-based PET radiotracers such as [68Ga]Ga-THP-Pam may have a particular advantage for the sensitive imaging and early detection of EC by being able to detect a wider array of relevant calcium minerals in vivo than [18F]NaF, and should be evaluated clinically for this purpose.
17.
Krajangsawasdi, Narongkorn; Alvarez-Borges, Fernando; Ball, Keiran M.; Mavrogordato, Mark N.; Hamerton, Ian; Woods, Benjamin K. S.; Ivanov, Dmitry S.; Longana, Marco L.
DcAFF (Discontinuous Aligned Fibre Filament) – Mechanical properties investigation on multilayer 3D printed parts Journal Article
In: Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 264, pp. 110903, 2023, ISSN: 1359-8368.
@article{Krajangsawasdi2023,
title = {DcAFF (Discontinuous Aligned Fibre Filament) – Mechanical properties investigation on multilayer 3D printed parts},
author = {Narongkorn Krajangsawasdi and Fernando Alvarez-Borges and Keiran M. Ball and Mark N. Mavrogordato and Ian Hamerton and Benjamin K. S. Woods and Dmitry S. Ivanov and Marco L. Longana},
doi = {10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.110903},
issn = {1359-8368},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-01},
journal = {Composites Part B: Engineering},
volume = {264},
pages = {110903},
publisher = {Elsevier BV},
abstract = {DcAFF (Discontinuous Aligned Fibre Filament) is a novel thermoplastic filament developed for 3D printing. This filament is reinforced with highly aligned discontinuous fibres and is based on the High Performance Discontinuous Fibre (HiPerDiF) method which produces thin tapes suitable for a range of different composite manufacturing processes. The HiPerDiF, using fibres longer than the critical length, provides mechanical performance comparable to continuous fibre composites with the high formability typical of short fibre composites. Thanks to the development of the third-generation HiPerDiF machine and the DcAFF filament forming method, circular DcAFF filaments can be produced consistently and at high rates. In this paper, both the physical properties and the internal architecture of the produced filament were investigated. In particular, μCT scanning and image post-processing were used to quantify fibre alignment. The designed filament-forming process ensures that the large fraction of the fibres in the final product are well aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filament. The mechanical properties of the multilayer DcAFF 3D printing part are presented for the first time in this paper with tensile, short beam shear (SBS), and open-hole tensile testing. The comparison with the previous studies and data in the literature shows comparable or indeed superior stiffness of DcAFF over existing methods for 3D printing composite parts; however, to be able to consider this material as a viable candidate for high-performance 3D printing further improvements are required in term of strength, e.g. increasing fibre-matrix adhesion or substituting the proof-of-concept PLA matrix with a high performance one.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
DcAFF (Discontinuous Aligned Fibre Filament) is a novel thermoplastic filament developed for 3D printing. This filament is reinforced with highly aligned discontinuous fibres and is based on the High Performance Discontinuous Fibre (HiPerDiF) method which produces thin tapes suitable for a range of different composite manufacturing processes. The HiPerDiF, using fibres longer than the critical length, provides mechanical performance comparable to continuous fibre composites with the high formability typical of short fibre composites. Thanks to the development of the third-generation HiPerDiF machine and the DcAFF filament forming method, circular DcAFF filaments can be produced consistently and at high rates. In this paper, both the physical properties and the internal architecture of the produced filament were investigated. In particular, μCT scanning and image post-processing were used to quantify fibre alignment. The designed filament-forming process ensures that the large fraction of the fibres in the final product are well aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filament. The mechanical properties of the multilayer DcAFF 3D printing part are presented for the first time in this paper with tensile, short beam shear (SBS), and open-hole tensile testing. The comparison with the previous studies and data in the literature shows comparable or indeed superior stiffness of DcAFF over existing methods for 3D printing composite parts; however, to be able to consider this material as a viable candidate for high-performance 3D printing further improvements are required in term of strength, e.g. increasing fibre-matrix adhesion or substituting the proof-of-concept PLA matrix with a high performance one.
18.
Tabriz, Atabak Ghanizadeh; Gonot-Munck, Quentin; Baudoux, Arnaud; Garg, Vivek; Farnish, Richard; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Hui, Ho-Wah; Boersen, Nathan; Roberts, Sandra; Jones, John; Douroumis, Dennis
3D Printing of Personalised Carvedilol Tablets Using Selective Laser Sintering Journal Article
In: Pharmaceutics, vol. 15, no. 9, pp. 2230, 2023.
@article{Tabriz2023a,
title = {3D Printing of Personalised Carvedilol Tablets Using Selective Laser Sintering},
author = {Atabak Ghanizadeh Tabriz and Quentin Gonot-Munck and Arnaud Baudoux and Vivek Garg and Richard Farnish and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Ho-Wah Hui and Nathan Boersen and Sandra Roberts and John Jones and Dennis Douroumis},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/9/2230},
doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics15092230},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-01},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {2230},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {Selective laser sintering (SLS) has drawn attention for the fabrication of three-dimensional oral dosage forms due to the plurality of drug formulations that can be processed. The aim of this work was to employ SLS with a CO2 laser for the manufacturing of carvedilol personalised dosage forms of various strengths. Carvedilol (CVD) and vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (Kollidon VA64) blends of various ratios were sintered to produce CVD tablets of 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg. The tuning of the SLS processing laser intensity parameter improved printability and impacted the tablet hardness, friability, CVD dissolution rate, and the total amount of drug released. Physicochemical characterization showed the presence of CVD in the amorphous state. X-ray micro-CT analysis demonstrated that the applied CO2 intensity affected the total tablet porosity, which was reduced with increased laser intensity. The study demonstrated that SLS is a suitable technology for the development of personalised medicines that meet the required specifications and patient needs.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Selective laser sintering (SLS) has drawn attention for the fabrication of three-dimensional oral dosage forms due to the plurality of drug formulations that can be processed. The aim of this work was to employ SLS with a CO2 laser for the manufacturing of carvedilol personalised dosage forms of various strengths. Carvedilol (CVD) and vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (Kollidon VA64) blends of various ratios were sintered to produce CVD tablets of 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg. The tuning of the SLS processing laser intensity parameter improved printability and impacted the tablet hardness, friability, CVD dissolution rate, and the total amount of drug released. Physicochemical characterization showed the presence of CVD in the amorphous state. X-ray micro-CT analysis demonstrated that the applied CO2 intensity affected the total tablet porosity, which was reduced with increased laser intensity. The study demonstrated that SLS is a suitable technology for the development of personalised medicines that meet the required specifications and patient needs.
19.
Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Basford, Philip J.; Robinson, Stephanie K.; Boardman, Richard P.; Konstantinopoulou, Elena; Lackie, Peter M.; Page, Anton; Ratnayaka, J. Arjuna; Goggin, Patricia M.; Thomas, Gareth J.; Cox, Simon J.; Sinclair, Ian; Schneider, Philipp
A high-throughput 3D X-ray histology facility for biomedical research and preclinical applications Journal Article
In: Wellcome Open Research, vol. 8, pp. 366, 2023.
@article{Katsamenis2023e,
title = {A high-throughput 3D X-ray histology facility for biomedical research and preclinical applications},
author = {Orestis L. Katsamenis and Philip J. Basford and Stephanie K. Robinson and Richard P. Boardman and Elena Konstantinopoulou and Peter M. Lackie and Anton Page and J. Arjuna Ratnayaka and Patricia M. Goggin and Gareth J. Thomas and Simon J. Cox and Ian Sinclair and Philipp Schneider},
url = {https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19666.1},
doi = {10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19666.1},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-01},
journal = {Wellcome Open Research},
volume = {8},
pages = {366},
publisher = {F1000 Research Ltd},
abstract = {Background: The University of Southampton, in collaboration with the University Hospital Southampton (UHS) NHS Foundation Trust and industrial partners, has been at the forefront of developing three-dimensional (3D) imaging workflows using X-ray microfocus computed tomography (μCT) -based technology. This article presents the outcomes of these endeavours and highlights the distinctive characteristics of a μCT facility specifically tailored for 3D X-ray Histology, with primary focus on applications in biomedical research and preclinical and clinical studies.
Methods: The UHS houses a unique 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility, offering a range of services to national and international clients. The facility employs specialised μCT equipment designed specifically for histology applications, allowing whole-block XRH imaging of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. It also enables correlative imaging by combining μCT imaging with other microscopy techniques, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, as well as data visualization, image quantification, and bespoke analysis.
Results: Over the past seven years, the XRH facility has successfully completed over 120 projects in collaboration with researchers from 60 affiliations, resulting in numerous published manuscripts and conference proceedings. The facility has streamlined the μCT imaging process, improving productivity, and enabling efficient acquisition of 3D datasets.
Conclusions: The 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility at UHS is a pioneering platform in the field of histology and biomedical imaging. To the best of our knowledge, it stands out as the world's first dedicated XRH facility, encompassing every aspect of the imaging process, from user support to data generation, analysis, training, archiving, and metadata generation. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for establishing similar XRH facilities, covering key aspects of facility setup and operation. Researchers and institutions interested in developing state-of-the-art histology and imaging facilities can utilize this resource to explore new frontiers in their research and discoveries.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: The University of Southampton, in collaboration with the University Hospital Southampton (UHS) NHS Foundation Trust and industrial partners, has been at the forefront of developing three-dimensional (3D) imaging workflows using X-ray microfocus computed tomography (μCT) -based technology. This article presents the outcomes of these endeavours and highlights the distinctive characteristics of a μCT facility specifically tailored for 3D X-ray Histology, with primary focus on applications in biomedical research and preclinical and clinical studies.
Methods: The UHS houses a unique 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility, offering a range of services to national and international clients. The facility employs specialised μCT equipment designed specifically for histology applications, allowing whole-block XRH imaging of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. It also enables correlative imaging by combining μCT imaging with other microscopy techniques, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, as well as data visualization, image quantification, and bespoke analysis.
Results: Over the past seven years, the XRH facility has successfully completed over 120 projects in collaboration with researchers from 60 affiliations, resulting in numerous published manuscripts and conference proceedings. The facility has streamlined the μCT imaging process, improving productivity, and enabling efficient acquisition of 3D datasets.
Conclusions: The 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility at UHS is a pioneering platform in the field of histology and biomedical imaging. To the best of our knowledge, it stands out as the world's first dedicated XRH facility, encompassing every aspect of the imaging process, from user support to data generation, analysis, training, archiving, and metadata generation. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for establishing similar XRH facilities, covering key aspects of facility setup and operation. Researchers and institutions interested in developing state-of-the-art histology and imaging facilities can utilize this resource to explore new frontiers in their research and discoveries.
Methods: The UHS houses a unique 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility, offering a range of services to national and international clients. The facility employs specialised μCT equipment designed specifically for histology applications, allowing whole-block XRH imaging of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. It also enables correlative imaging by combining μCT imaging with other microscopy techniques, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, as well as data visualization, image quantification, and bespoke analysis.
Results: Over the past seven years, the XRH facility has successfully completed over 120 projects in collaboration with researchers from 60 affiliations, resulting in numerous published manuscripts and conference proceedings. The facility has streamlined the μCT imaging process, improving productivity, and enabling efficient acquisition of 3D datasets.
Conclusions: The 3D X-ray Histology (XRH) facility at UHS is a pioneering platform in the field of histology and biomedical imaging. To the best of our knowledge, it stands out as the world's first dedicated XRH facility, encompassing every aspect of the imaging process, from user support to data generation, analysis, training, archiving, and metadata generation. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for establishing similar XRH facilities, covering key aspects of facility setup and operation. Researchers and institutions interested in developing state-of-the-art histology and imaging facilities can utilize this resource to explore new frontiers in their research and discoveries.
20.
Monou, Paraskevi Kyriaki; Andriotis, Eleftherios G.; Tsongas, Konstantinos; Tzimtzimis, Emmanouil K.; Katsamenis, Orestis L.; Tzetzis, Dimitrios; Anastasiadou, Pinelopi; Ritzoulis, Christos; Vizirianakis, Ioannis S.; Andreadis, Dimitrios; Fatouros, Dimitrios G.
Fabrication of 3D Printed Hollow Microneedles by Digital Light Processing for the Buccal Delivery of Actives Journal Article
In: ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, vol. 9, no. 8, pp. 5072–5083, 2023.
@article{Monou2023,
title = {Fabrication of 3D Printed Hollow Microneedles by Digital Light Processing for the Buccal Delivery of Actives},
author = {Paraskevi Kyriaki Monou and Eleftherios G. Andriotis and Konstantinos Tsongas and Emmanouil K. Tzimtzimis and Orestis L. Katsamenis and Dimitrios Tzetzis and Pinelopi Anastasiadou and Christos Ritzoulis and Ioannis S. Vizirianakis and Dimitrios Andreadis and Dimitrios G. Fatouros},
url = {https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00116},
doi = {10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00116},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-08-01},
journal = {ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {5072–5083},
publisher = {American Chemical Society (ACS)},
abstract = {In the present study, two different microneedle devices were produced using digital light processing (DLP). These devices hold promise as drug delivery systems to the buccal tissue as they increase the permeability of actives with molecular weights between 600 and 4000 Da. The attached reservoirs were designed and printed along with the arrays as a whole device. Light microscopy was used to quality control the printability of the designs, confirming that the actual dimensions are in agreement with the digital design. Non-destructive volume imaging by means of microfocus computed tomography was employed for dimensional and defect characterization of the DLP-printed devices, demonstrating the actual volumes of the reservoirs and the malformations that occurred during printing. The penetration test and finite element analysis showed that the maximum stress experienced by the needles during the insertion process (10 N) was below their ultimate compressive strength (240–310 N). Permeation studies showed the increased permeability of three model drugs when delivered with the MN devices. Size-exclusion chromatography validated the stability of all the actives throughout the permeability tests. The safety of these printed devices for buccal administration was confirmed by histological evaluation and cell viability studies using the TR146 cell line, which indicated no toxic effects.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In the present study, two different microneedle devices were produced using digital light processing (DLP). These devices hold promise as drug delivery systems to the buccal tissue as they increase the permeability of actives with molecular weights between 600 and 4000 Da. The attached reservoirs were designed and printed along with the arrays as a whole device. Light microscopy was used to quality control the printability of the designs, confirming that the actual dimensions are in agreement with the digital design. Non-destructive volume imaging by means of microfocus computed tomography was employed for dimensional and defect characterization of the DLP-printed devices, demonstrating the actual volumes of the reservoirs and the malformations that occurred during printing. The penetration test and finite element analysis showed that the maximum stress experienced by the needles during the insertion process (10 N) was below their ultimate compressive strength (240–310 N). Permeation studies showed the increased permeability of three model drugs when delivered with the MN devices. Size-exclusion chromatography validated the stability of all the actives throughout the permeability tests. The safety of these printed devices for buccal administration was confirmed by histological evaluation and cell viability studies using the TR146 cell line, which indicated no toxic effects.