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Development and Characterization of Novel Combinations and Compositions of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Formulations Loaded with Trans-Resveratrol for Pulmonary Drug Delivery
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: This study aimed to fabricate, optimize, and characterize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with trans-resveratrol (TRES) as an anti-cancer drug for pulmonary drug delivery using medical nebulizers. Methods: Novel TRES-NLC formulations (F1–F24) were prepared via hot, high-pressure homogenization. One solid lipid (Dynasan 116) was combined with four liquid lipids (Capryol 90, Lauroglycol 90, Miglyol 810, and Tributyrin) in three different ratios (10:90, 50:50, and 90:10 w/w), with a surfactant (Tween 80) in two different concentrations (0.5 and 1.5%), and a co-surfactant, soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC S-75; 50 mg). Results: Amongst the analyzed 24 TR-NLC formulations, F8, F14, and F22 were selected based on their physicochemical stability when freshly prepared and following storage (4 weeks 25 °C), as well as in terms of particle size (96%). Furthermore, F14 showed greater stability at 4 and 25 °C for six months and exhibited enhanced aerosolization performance, demonstrating the greater deposition of TRES in the later stages of the next-generation impactor (NGI) when using an air-jet nebulizer than when using an ultrasonic nebulizer. The F14 formulation exhibited greater stability and release in acetate buffer (pH 5.4), with a cumulative release of 95%. Conclusions: Overall, formulation F14 in combination with an air-jet nebulizer was identified as a superior combination, demonstrating higher emitted dose (ED; 80%), fine particle dose (FPD; 1150 µg), fine particle fraction (FPF; 24%), and respirable fraction (RF; 94%). These findings are promising in the optimization and development of NLC formulations, highlighting their versatility and targeting the pulmonary system via nebulization
The Use of Digital Microscopy for the Forensic Examination of Footwear
Get PDFDuring the forensic examination of footwear evidence, test impressions are taken from shoes and compared with footwear marks from crime scenes. Currently, enlargement of footwear marks is only conducted if there is visible detail at 1:1. This thesis uses a Keyence VHX 7000 digital microscope to examine 3 pairs of Nike Air Max 270 shoes for detail that could be used for comparison. Test impressions were taken to see if Schallamach were visible between replicates. Results indicate that when there is no visible detail in static test impressions at a 1:1 scale, the use of magnification at 50x and 200x exposes detail that can also be identified in three replicated impressions and the outsole that created them. Without conducting a deeper examination with the use of a Keyence VHX 7000 digital microscope, this level of detail would not have been located. In practice, this could mean that there have been instances that detail has been missed during the forensic examination of crime, and therefore, exposes a potential risk of missed convictions.
Due to a lack of research exploring footwear evidence, the understanding that static test impressions are more favourable for recording fine detail is based on anecdotal
means, and not through published validation. By experimenting with and discontinuing the use of dynamic test impressions (oil and magna with black and red fluorescent powder and Printscan) within this thesis as there was no recorded detail within these test impression methods, this thesis provides data to support the anecdotal practice.
X2 tests were conducted to enable a deeper understanding of the relationship between the detail seen in footwear test impressions and the outsole by using correspondence scores. Ultimately, there is a significant relationship supporting the view that if a 1:1 footwear impression does not show detail, that this does not mean that there is no detail to be seen; the introduction of microscopy may be required to reveal it.
Moreover, the works within this thesis have revealed that poor quality test impressions require a higher level of magnification (200x) than those that are considered a good quality, with only requiring a magnification of 50x. A finding like this can support the forensic examiner when attempting to examine a challenging print. Although further work has been suggested to continuously improve this novel method, the author proposes that with the suggested work, this method has the potential to be used by forensic science providers
Factors Influencing The Implementation Of Digital Health Technologies In Stroke And Neurological Rehabilitation: The Clinicians Perspective
No full textIntroduction: Clinicians are important stakeholders in the adoption of digital health technologies (DHTs) in rehabilitation. This study explored clinicians’ views on the factors that influence the use and non-use of DHTs in stroke and neurological rehabilitation in the UK.
Method: Following ethical approval, clinicians were recruited from participating NHS organisations using purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online using an interview schedule underpinned by the normalisation process theory. Transcribed interviews were analysed using constant comparison.
Results: Eleven clinicians, who had been involved in the adoption of DHTs for stroke and neurological rehabilitation, from five NHS organisations in England and Scotland, participated in an interview. The adopted DHTs included apps, sensors, robotics, virtual reality and audio-video platforms. The analysis identified processes for implementation and the influencers (barriers and facilitators) on these. Key influencers included time, willingness and skills to use the technology, championing the technology, funding, and information technology support.
Conclusions: Implementing DHTs is complex and time consuming for clinicians to navigate. Strategies that appeared to positively influence adoption included securing funding, developing working relationships with local information technology teams, developing staff skills through training, practice and support, and having team members championing the use of the technology, acknowledging that all strategies require an investment in time. The findings from this study will be synthesised with views of other stakeholder groups (including service users, project leads, service managers, information technologists and digital developers), and reviews of related literature to generate a comprehensive framework to guide DHT implementation in rehabilitation
Application of machine learning techniques to predict fire development in an ISO 9705 room
Get PDFMachine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, shows potential for enhancing computational fire modelling compared to traditional methods such as computational fluid dynamics. This study explored using artificial neural networks to predict heptane fire development within a compartment, varying heat release rates from 100 to 3000 kW and ventilation areas from 0.16 to 4.8 m2. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were trained using computational data from an ISO 9705 room. Network optimisation involved adjusting training-to-validation ratios and fine-tuning hidden layer neuron counts. Results indicate optimised ANNs achieved less than 7% error for heat release rate predictions and 1.5% for ventilation size predictions, with a notable computational cost reduction exceeding 104-fold. These findings suggest a promising future for integrating machine learning into fire engineering, significantly reducing analysis time therefore fostering safety improvements and innovation in the field
Predicting food safety risk based on workforce complexity – overcoming communication and engagement barriers to strengthen food safety culture
No full textA Scoping Review of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: BEME Guide No. 84
Get PDFBackground
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, and there is a critical need for a nuanced understanding of how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and educational practice in medical education. This review aimed to map the literature regarding AI applications in medical education, core areas of findings, potential candidates for formal systematic review and gaps for future research.
Methods
This rapid scoping review, conducted over 16 weeks, employed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and adhered to STORIES and BEME guidelines. A systematic and comprehensive search across PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and MedEdPublish was conducted without date or language restrictions. Publications included in the review spanned undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education, encompassing both original studies and perspective pieces. Data were charted by multiple author pairs and synthesized into various thematic maps and charts, ensuring a broad and detailed representation of the current landscape.
Results
The review synthesized 278 publications, with a majority (68%) from North American and European regions. The studies covered diverse AI applications in medical education, such as AI for admissions, teaching, assessment, and clinical reasoning. The review highlighted AI's varied roles, from augmenting traditional educational methods to introducing innovative practices, and underscores the urgent need for ethical guidelines in AI's application in medical education.
Conclusion
The current literature has been charted. The findings underscore the need for ongoing research to explore uncharted areas and address potential risks associated with AI use in medical education. This work serves as a foundational resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers in navigating AI's evolving role in medical education. A framework to support future high utility reporting is proposed, the FACETS framework
The 3D structure of disc-instability protoplanets
Get PDFContext. The model of disc fragmentation due to gravitational instabilities offers an alternate formation mechanism for gas giant planets, especially those on wide orbits.
Aims. Our goal is to determine the 3D structure of disc-instability protoplanets and to examine how this relates to the thermal physics of the fragmentation process.
Methods. We modelled the fragmentation of gravitationally unstable discs using the SPH code PHANTOM, and followed the evolution of the protoplanets formed through the first and second-hydrostatic core phases (up to densities 10−3 g cm−3).
Results. We find that the 3D structure of disc-instability protoplanets is affected by the disc environment and the formation history of each protoplanet (e.g. interactions with spiral arms, mergers). The large majority of the protoplanets that form in the simulations are oblate spheroids rather than spherical, and they accrete faster from their poles.
Conclusions. The 3D structure of disc-instability protoplanets is expected to affect their observed properties and should be taken into account when interpreting observations of protoplanets embedded in their parent discs
HD 12098: a highly distorted dipole mode in an obliquely pulsating roAp star
Get PDFHD 12098 is an roAp star pulsating in the most distorted dipole mode yet observed in this class of star. Using TESS Sector 58 observations we show that there are photometric spots at both the magnetic poles of this star. It pulsates obliquely primarily in a strongly distorted dipole mode with a period of Ppuls = 7.85 min (νpuls = 183.34905 d−1; 2.12210 mHz) that gives rise to an unusual quadruplet in the amplitude spectrum. Our magnetic pulsation model cannot account for the strong distortion of the pulsation in one hemisphere, although it is successful in the other hemisphere. There are high-overtone p modes with frequencies separated by more than the large separation, a challenging problem in mode selection. The mode frequencies observed in the TESS data are in the same frequency range as those previously observed in ground-based Johnson B data, but are not for the same modes. Hence the star has either changed modes, or observations at different atmospheric depth detect different modes. There is also a low-overtone p mode and possibly g modes that are not expected theoretically with the >1 kG magnetic field observed in this star
Data privacy and protection in communication networks
Get PDFThis exhaustive study examines the crucial topic of protecting user data and maintaining privacy within the complex realm of communication networks. It meticulously analyzes the multifarious dimensions of data privacy, including its conceptual foundations, the significant dangers resulting from intrusions, and the fundamental principles of privacy protection. The investigation encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of concrete strategies such as data anonymization, de-identification techniques, granular data sharing controls, and the use of cryptography. Real-world case studies attest to the efficacy of these methods, providing tangible evidence of their practical viability. The article predicts the evolving landscape of privacy protection, which will be driven by the rapid advancement of technologies and the adaptive responses required by regulations and social responsibilities. The collaborative engagement of individuals, corporations, and governing bodies emerges as crucial in charting the future of data privacy, highlighting the inherent interplay between technological innovations, legal frameworks, and proactive user participation
An evaluation of a transitional care programme for older adults in a general hospital in the Netherlands: Needs, preferences and perspectives of the average old and the oldest old
Get PDFAim
This research aimed to evaluate a transitional care programme for older adults who were acutely admitted to a general hospital, with a special focus on health outcomes and healthcare utilisation for the oldest patients and to clarify patients’ and health care providers’ perspectives on the care provided.
Background
Populations around the world are ageing, and many older adults have complex health problems owing to multimorbidity. Consequently, they experience many transitions in care. During the past decade, transitional care for older adults has become increasingly important in terms of safe transitions and prevention of adverse events during transitions.
Methodology and methods
A mixed methods research design, based upon pragmatism and critical realism, was used in a parallel convergent design study. Measurements in the quantitative phase of the study were based on the The Older Persons and Informal Caregivers Survey Minimal Dataset (TOPICS-MDS). Data from the hospital registry and questionnaires were used. In the qualitative phase of the study reflexive thematic analysis was used on data gathered in interviews with patients, hospital nurses and community nurses and two focus group meetings with the geriatric team, and staff and managers from the home care organisations.
Findings
The quantitative part of the study did not show any significant results of the effect of the Transitional Care Bridge (TCB) programme on the prevention of functional decline, health care utilisation and other health outcomes. However, the study revealed an increase in preventive care in the more frail TCB group. The qualitative part of the study reveals the programme was valued by patients, family members and professionals. The familiarity with the programme and personal attitudes of professionals may have influenced expectations and outcomes. Many patients enrolled in the programme were very frail and often ,unaware of the programme. As they often already received some kind of home care, patients were initially referred to the usual carers. The assessment of the care needs of the oldest patients to some extent fail to recognise what would contribute most to ageing well at home. Professionals in hospital as well as home care organisations struggled with motivation towards the programme and felt they still remained working within their silos. Professional roles were not always clearly defined, valued and reflected upon, and outcomes relating to collaboration reveal a gap between the different worlds of hospital and home.
Contribution to current knowledge
Transitional care interventions should be redeveloped for and with the oldest adults and their informal caregivers and address their needs during the period shortly after discharge, and help them build structure into their daily routines, resume activities and exercise. Reflective practices on shared values, implications and outcomes should be developed as a competence within and between all involved organisations of transitional care. More reflective and emergent research approaches are needed to inform policies on ageing well in place and prevention