7564 research outputs found
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Ion pairing as a strategy to enhance the delivery of diclofenac
Full text linkThis study explores the use of ion pairing and solvent selection to enhance the percutaneous delivery of diclofenac (DF) from topical formulations. Previous investigations identified l-histidine monochloride monohydrate (LHSS) as an ion pair candidate for diclofenac sodium (DNa). Initial in vitro permeation tests (IVPT) demonstrated that while LHSS increased DF permeation, it caused DF precipitation at higher concentrations. As DNa is sparingly soluble in water, the only solvent in which LHSS dissolves, its solubility was tested in alternative solvents. The highest solubility was observed in Transcutol® (TC), dipropylene glycol (DiPG) and propylene glycol (PG). Building on earlier research using TC : water binary systems to evaluate ion pairs, this study assessed: (i) the substitution of TC with DiPG in binary formulations, (ii) the development of ternary systems comprising water, TC and either DiPG or PG, and (iii) their impact on DF delivery using finite dose IVPT with porcine skin. The inclusion of LHSS (10 mg mL−1) with DNa (10 mg mL−1) in a DiPG : water (60 : 40 v/v) binary system significantly enhanced DF delivery (2.69 ± 1.01%), relative to the LHSS-free control (1.02 ± 0.44%, p < 0.05.). However, this was significantly lower than in TC : water binary formulations (4.80 ± 1.08–5.41 ± 2.21%; p < 0.05). Similarly, the ternary formulation containing DiPG (5 mg mL−1 DNa; 12.5 mg mL−1 LHSS; DiPG : TC : water; 10 : 40 : 50 v/v/v) resulted in lower DF delivery (5.62 ± 2.78%) compared to the corresponding TC : water (50 : 50 v/v) binary formulation (12.26 ± 3.06%, 5 mg mL−1 DNa; 12.5 mg mL−1 LHSS, p < 0.05). Conversely, replacing DiPG with PG in the ternary formulation (PG : TC : water; 10 : 40 : 50 v/v/v) containing 25 mg mL−1 LHSS, significantly enhanced DF permeation (4.26 ± 1.41 μg cm−2) compared to all binary (0.14 ± 0.28–1.52 ± 0.32 μg cm−2) and ternary formulations (0.21 ± 0.36–1.72 ± 1.06 μg cm−2, p < 0.05). This formulation also outperformed a recognised commercial product (1.74 ± 0.6 μg cm−2) by 145%, despite containing only half the DNa concentration and resulted in the highest total DF uptake as a percentage of the applied dose (27.25 ± 2.61%). This work builds on previous findings, confirming that LHSS enhances DF delivery in combination with DNa. By examining solvent systems and counterion effects, it provides a deeper understanding of formulation strategies to optimise the percutaneous delivery of DF
Metabolic response, energy expenditure and nutritional status of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
No full textBackground: Heart failure affects 26 million people worldwide, with approximately 7000 people undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in the UK annually. The metabolic response to surgery leads to variations in energy expenditure which may not correspond to estimates based on predicted equations. As a result, there is a risk of over or under feeding to the detriment of the patient (1,2).
Aims: This study measured the effect of CABG surgery on measured total energy expenditure (mTEE), nutritional status and body composition during the pre-operative, post-operative and rehabilitation periods.
Methods: In this prospective observational study of adult male patients undergoing CABG surgery, mTEE was measured through Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) from Indirect Calorimetry (IC) with added Physical Activity Level (PAL) factor. Nutritional status was assessed from weight, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scores. Measurements were taken during: pre-operative (12 to 72 hours before surgery); post-operative (1 - 4 hours after surgery); and rehabilitation (6 to 10 days after surgery). Differences between groups of measurements were assessed using ANOVA, paired-sample t-tests or the Wilcoxon signed rank test.
Results: Eleven patients were recruited. There was a significant decrease in energy expenditure (mTEE) after surgery (p = 0.002), mean body temperature was 35.45 ± 0.80 °C. Thereafter, energy expenditure increased during rehabilitation (p=0.003). Skeletal muscle mass decreased as evidence by a reduction in MUAC (p = 0.012), whilst nutritional status worsened during rehabilitation (p = 0.046).
Conclusions:
Despite the surgical insult, these patients did not become hypercatabolic and showed reduced energy expenditure during the post-operative period. Nutritional status worsened overall and skeletal muscle mass reduced. This study highlights the difficulty of estimating energy expenditure. Sedation, cooling and immobilisation will be expected to reduce energy expenditure, whereas injury will increase it. The net effect may therefore be a reduction in energy expenditure. Accurate estimations can only be made after measuring energy expenditure or by use of prediction equations validated for use in similar patient groups
Tracking the shift from health to harm: Development and validation of a short screening tool for orthorexia nervosa (STONE)
Full text linkOrthorexia Nervosa (ON), a problematic fixation on healthy eating, has captured researchers' attention for over a decade. We aimed to develop a brief screening tool for ON that captures physical appearance as a motivating factor, behavioural aspects (rigid control over food selection, consumption and preparation), and nutritional aspects (avoidance of foods considered “impure”). Using a sequential, iterative design, 687 participants completed a self-reported survey across four studies: item identification and selection through exploratory factor analysis (n = 248), testing factorial construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis (n = 127), discriminant validity via known group differences (n = 241), and test-retest reliability of two subsequent administrations of the selected items (n = 71). The final unidimensional version of the short Screening Tool for Orthorexia Nervosa (STONE) comprises eight items. It demonstrated excellent known-group validity and ability to differentiate ON from other types of strict dietary control (e.g., health-based or religious restrictions). Consistent with the view of ON as behaviours aimed at rigid dietary control, avoidance of "impure" foods, and motivation to enhance physical appearance, STONE scores positively related to measures of eating pathology and appearance orientation, while only weakly correlating with obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Based on its psychometric properties, STONE is recommended as a first-level screening tool for ON in research contexts and epidemiology studies among adults. Due to its brevity, it can be easily combined with other scales to explore ON or related phenomena. Future studies should examine convergent validity and test it among adolescents and in different cultural contexts
Enhancing the aqueous solubility of hemin at physiological pH through encapsulation within polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibres
Full text linkIron deficiency anaemia is a widespread global nutritional disorder, affecting almost a quarter of the global population and contributing to impaired cognitive development, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and weakened immune function. Despite its prevalence, oral iron supplementation remains problematic due to the poor solubility and low bioavailability of ferric supplements, coupled with the frequently experienced gastrointestinal side effects associated with ferrous iron salt supplements. Hemin, a chloride-ligated ferric analogue of heme, presents a potentially safer alternative. However, its poor solubility at neutral pH limits its practical application in oral supplementation. Here, we aimed to develop a novel formulation for hemin using electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibres, as a platform to enhance the aqueous solubility of hemin and thereby improve its bioavailability. Hemin at various concentrations was successfully encapsulated within PVP nanofibres. The nanofibres were characterised for their morphology, physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency and dissolution properties. Notably, the nanofibres dissolved rapidly in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4), forming hemin–PVP nanoparticles (10–80 nm in diameter) and larger aggregates (200–2000 nm in diameter) that maintained hemin in a soluble form. This approach achieved a total solubilised hemin concentration of 273 µM, representing an approximately 200-fold enhancement in solubility. These findings highlight the potential of electrospun hemin–PVP nanofibres as a promising component of an oral iron supplement, offering enhanced solubility and the potential of improved bioavailability for cellular uptake
Chemical analyses and therapeutic properties of plant extracts
Full text linkIt has been almost 20 years since the World Health Organization (WHO) established the International Regulatory Co-operation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH), as part of a WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. Ensuring the efficacy, quality, and safety of herbal medicines is a key component of the strategy. The articles presented in this Special Issue address this component and represent a growing body of work in which a plethora of bioactive properties, of the therapeutic potential, of plants extracts have been identified. The obvious and consistent questions that arise from such studies are what are the contributions of the plants’ constituents to these properties and how significant is the therapeutic potential identified? The factors, which some might call challenges, that need to be considered in answering such a question effectively include the impact of different extraction techniques on the bioactive properties of plant extracts and developing and utilizing methods that simulate and model as closely as possible disease processes in humans. The aim of this Special Issue was to invite submissions that explored and addressed these factors as part of the process of gaining greater insights into how the bioactive properties of plant extracts (1) are conferred by their constituents and (2) can be exploited in developing new therapies for certain conditions
Impact of a recipe kit scheme (BRITE box) on cooking and food‐related behaviours of children and families: exploring parental/carer views
Full text linkBackground:
Dietary intakes in UK children fail to meet national recommendations, especially in low‐income groups. Involving children in food preparation and cooking may enhance acceptability of a wider range of foods, enhance their skills and increase their enjoyment of food. An innovative recipe meal kit scheme, Building Resilience in Today's Environment (BRITE) Box, was developed during the pandemic primarily to address food insecurity (FI). Administered via schools, it offers pre‐weighed ingredients sufficient for a meal for a family of five, plus a child‐focused recipe, weekly during school termtimes.
Methods:
Qualitative and quantitative exploration of BRITE Box using questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews among parents/carers of children receiving the boxes was conducted at two timepoints a year apart.
Results:
A total of 154 parents/carers completed questionnaires and 29 were interviewed. Responses indicated multiple benefits of the scheme, including increased confidence in cooking among both children and parents/carers. Both questionnaire responses and interviews suggested improvements in a range of food‐related behaviours, including cooking and eating together and talking more about food. Parents/carers suggested that their children were more willing to eat vegetables and healthy foods and to try new foods and flavours. They also reported greater use of leftovers thereby potentially reducing food waste. Improved behaviours, willingness to try new foods and flavours, reduced food waste and lower stress of trying to think of new and acceptable family meals are likely to have contributed to the positive impact on their mental health reported by BRITE Box parents/carers.
Conclusions:
Meal kits for children may improve dietary diversity, enhance enjoyment and skills and impact positively on a range of family food‐related behaviours. We argue that BRITE Box has the potential for widespread positive impacts on cooking and food‐related behaviours in children and families, meriting wider study and dissemination as a positive approach to healthy eating in children
Evaluating the key factors affecting productivity in the manufacturing sector: a hybrid decision-making framework with evidence from north of Iran
No full textPurpose
In today’s world, one of the most important factors of the country’s economic development is improving the productivity of manufacturing industries. Identifying factors affecting the productivity of manufacturing industries and prioritizing them is effective in promoting productivity and can promise to achieve organizational and national productivity. The purpose of this research is to identify the effective factors in improving the productivity of manufacturing industries.
Design/methodology/approach
The present research method is a descriptive-survey and the data collection tool is a questionnaire. In the first step, according to the studies conducted by reviewing the research literature using a comparative method, library studies and asking opinions from experts, potential factors affecting the productivity of industries were identified and analyzed. Then the factors were divided into four main categories, and the selected factors were determined by using a questionnaire and combining the opinions of experts. Then, the importance of the selected factors was determined using the Fuzzy SWARA decision-making method, and the final ranking of the selected industries of the province was done using the MOORA method.
Findings
The results of this research showed that the factors “profit margin,” “The ratio of sales on current assets” and “The ratio of exports to sales,” respectively, have the highest importance, among the pharmaceutical and household appliances industries of the province that are present in the stock exchange, Caspian Tamin Company has the highest productivity with a productivity score of 0.437.
Originality/value
Looking at the background of the research, no comprehensive research has been conducted to identify indicators that affect productivity in the manufacturing industry, and only a few studies have evaluated productivity indicators for small, specialized industries. Therefore, in the current research, considering the uncertainty in experts' opinions, a hybrid model is presented to identify and comprehensively evaluate the productivity indicators of manufacturing industries using the decision-making method of Fuzzy SWARA and MOORA, which is unique in its turn
Social value and corporate social responsibility (CSR) through inclusive stakeholder engagement in the UK architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector
Full text linkSocial value, a core element of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is increasingly recognised as essential for promoting fairness, equality, well-being, and community engagement in sustainable industry practices. Despite its significance, the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector continues to face challenges in embedding social value effectively intoproject delivery. These challenges are intensified by a lack of clear theoretical grounding on what social value entails, resultingin fragmented interpretations and inconsistent implementation across AEC professionals. As a result, social value initiatives often struggle to move beyond vague commitments, while disengaged and vulnerable groups are often excluded from decision-making processes. This study draws on insights from three deliberative focus groups involving 20 industry experts in the UK, exploring barriers to achieving meaningful social value outcomes in the AEC sector. Findings reveal that social value definitions and assessment methods remain vague and inconsistent, while the value of community knowledge is frequently underestimated. Critically, early-stage project engagement with disengaged groups is often deprioritized due to resource constraints, limiting opportunities for inclusive participation. To address these challenges, the study proposes targeted strategies to overcome power imbalances in stakeholder engagement. These include developing tailored engagement approaches to involve traditionally disengaged groups, alongside the creation of place-based case studies that exemplify best practices in achieving equitable social value outcomes. By prioritizing inclusive engagement throughout the project lifecycle, the AEC sector can better align social value delivery with sustainable development goals and improve outcomes for marginalized communities
Toward a collaborative, collective, and integrative international chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear security education
Full text linkBackground:
Despite the entry into force of the 1975 Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) many years ago, the risk of malign use of chemistry and biology has been a consistently growing threat. Various initiatives have been proposed to address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security issues, particularly on the issue of dual-use research of concern (DURC).
Methods:
In this article, we first briefly review the history and evolution of chemical and biological security education. Then we discuss the challenges faced among the initiatives developed to strengthen the BTWC and CWC. We further analyze the lessons learned for establishing global biosecurity education, and we conclude that international collaboration and coordination are keys to raising awareness of the necessity for biological security education. In the end, we detail our new initiative entitled the International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN), which aims to provide this needed global framework through developing resources in biosecurity education in collaboration with international and regional actors using new methodologies and a linguistic plurality.
Discussion:
We believe that a collaborative, collective, and integrative international CBRN security education is the key to ensuring a broad engagement in biosecurity education and addressing the issue of DURC
Comparison of measured and predicted energy expenditure among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
No full textBackground:
There is a lack of consensus on estimating energy requirements among critically-ill patients whose metabolic state shifts after surgery (1). The current validated prediction equations frequently used are often outdated and based on earlier populations which differ from contemporary patients who tend to be older, more ethnically diverse and with more co-morbidities, including obesity (2). This leads to potential inaccurate estimations of energy expenditure which has been found to be detrimental on patient outcomes (3).
Aims:
This study assessed the validity of prediction equations in reflecting energy expenditure in relation to metabolic response in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.
Methods:
Energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry in patients undergoing CABG surgery pre-operatively (12 - 72 hours before surgery); post-operatively (1 - 4 hours after surgery); and in rehabilitation (6 - 10 days after surgery). A systematic literature search identified appropriate validated prediction equations for comparison. The level of agreement between measured total energy expenditure (mTEE) and predicted total energy expenditure (pTEE) (Mifflin St. Jeor, ESPEN 22.5kcal/kg, ESPEN 27.5kcal/kg and ESPEN ventilated) was explored through Pearson’s correlation, Bland Altman plots and limits of agreement (LOA) were established through the mean ± standard deviation multiplied by 1.96. G*power version 3.1.9.4 was used to determine observed power for Pearson’s correlation.
Results:
Eleven males undergoing CABG were recruited to this study. There were significant correlations between mTEE and pTEE for ESPEN ventilated (p<0.001) in post-operative stage and Mifflin St. Jeor and ESPEN 27.5kcal/kg in rehabilitation stage (p = 0.007 and p= 0.025 respectively). ESPEN ventilated and ESPEN 27.5kcal/kg found to be more accurate overall in estimating TEE. However, inaccuracies were identified for both equations.
Conclusions:
The most acceptable prediction equation was seen to be ESPEN ventilated in post-operative stage and ESPEN 27.5kcal/kg in rehabilitation stage. Findings from this study agree with current ESPEN guidelines in critical care (4), recommending the use of ESPEN ventilated in the absence of IC, as well of the use of body weight equations for predicting energy expenditure