Effect of the numerical grid density on the modelling of fluid flow in a stirred tank with a PMT impeller

The paper present the results of numerical simulations performed for a stirred tank equipped with a PMT type impeller, filled up with a Newtonian fluid. The effects of the grid density and mesh quality and also of the simulation mode on the modelling of fluid flow in a stirred tank were studied. The results are compared with literature data obtained from LDA measurements. It was found that denser numerical grids give more detailed information about generated flow field near the impeller blades. Additionally, better compatibility of predicting and experimental results was obtained in the case of the transient mode simulation, what also demonstrates a significant effect of the angular position of the impeller against baffles on the generated velocity field

A comprehensive approach to transdermal drug delivery through the skin: Ibuprofen derivatives in semi-solid formulations

Abstract. This article presents a comprehensive study on the formulation and evaluation of pharmaceutical emulsions for topical drug delivery. The research focused on emulsions containing ibuprofen and its derivatives (sodium and L-lysine propyl ester salts), investigating their solubility, consistency, stability, and skin permeation. The study offers valuable insights into the development of effective pharmaceutical products. Background. Transdermal and topical drug delivery is a promising approach for the treatment of various medical conditions. Pharmaceutical emulsions provide an ideal platform for delivering active substances through the skin. The selection of emulsion ingredients, consistency, and stability play a critical role in determining the suitability of these formulations. Aim of the study. The primary aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate pharmaceutical emulsions containing ibuprofen and other active substances. Key objectives included assessing solubility, consistency, stability, and skin permeation characteristics of the emulsions. The study aimed to provide insights into the development of effective topical drug delivery systems. Material and methods. Solubility tests were conducted to select suitable emulsion ingredients. Various emulsions were prepared with different water-to-oil phase ratios. Rheology modifiers were added to enhance consistency. Quality control assessments were performed, including uniformity, consistency, stability, density, viscosity, and particle size analysis. The release of active substances from the formulations and their penetration and accumulation in the skin were determined. Results. The results revealed variations in viscosity, consistency, and stability among different formulations. Emulsion-based preparations demonstrated the highest accumulation of active substances in the skin, with formulation F1 (5294.617 μg/g skin) exhibiting the most promising results. The highest release of ibuprofen was observed from the formulation based on Celugel with the addition of [LysOPr][IBU] (F6) - approximately 7750 μg IBU/cm2, and the highest penetration of the active substance was obtained for the emulsion with the addition of IBU∙Na (F2) - 3300 μg IBU/cm2 after 24 hours of testing. Conclusion. This comprehensive study on pharmaceutical emulsions for topical drug delivery provides critical insights into the formulation and evaluation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The findings highlight the importance of ingredient selection, consistency, and stability in the development of effective emulsion-based formulations. Furthermore, the study suggests that emulsion-based preparations have potential for topical applications, especially for more hydrophilic active substances. Future research can build on these results to enhance drug delivery systems and improve patient outcomes

Dementia in rural settings: A scoping review exploring the personal experiences of people with dementia and their carers

Rural areas tend to be inhabited by more older people and thus have a higher prevalence of dementia. Combined with lower population densities and more sparse geography, rural areas pose numerous barriers and costs relating to support and resource provision. This may leave people with dementia in rural places at a significant disadvantage, leading to a heavy reliance on informal support networks. The present study explores the personal experiences of people living with dementia and carers living in rural areas, seeking to discover both benefits and challenges, as well as recommendations within the literature for improving the lives of those affected by dementia in rural areas. A scoping review following the framework of Arksey and O'Malley identified 60 studies that describe or discuss the personal experience of dementia (either by the person with dementia or carer), in relation to living in rural or remote geographical areas. Four overarching themes were derived, namely the possible benefits of living in a rural community (supportive rural communities), sources of strength described by people affected by dementia in rural areas (managing and coping), detrimental aspects of living in a rural community (rural community challenges) and difficulties with dementia care services. Three further themes yielded recommendations for improving the experience of dementia in rural areas. This review highlights some potential opportunities related to living in rural areas for people living with dementia. These often come with parallel challenges, reflecting a delicate balance between being well-supported and being in crisis for those living in rural areas. Given the limited access to formal services, supporting people with dementia in rural areas requires input and innovation from the people, organisations and services local to those communities

Reference to the index of the correspondence of Joseph Benson Mather (1814-1890), the bulk of the correspondence consisting of Francis Cotton's letters to J. B 'Mather, and some other correspondence from members of the Society of Friends (Quakers), family and a few business correspondents and a few letters addressed to J.B. Mather's children.

Joseph Benson Mather (1814-1890) was the eldest son of Robert and Ann Mather who settled in Tasmania in 1822. He joined his father in his drapery and hosiery business in 1836 and later established his own business as a merchant tailor and importer in Liverpool Street, Hobart, taking his son, Joseph Francis, into partnership as J.B. Mather & Son in 1874. J.B.Mather was for many years Clerk to the Hobart Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. The bulk of the correspondence consists of Francis Cotton's letters to J. B Mather, and some other correspondence from members of the Society of Friends (Quakers), family and a few business correspondents and a few letters addressed to J.B. Mather's children

Bone marrow recovery by morphometry during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children

Bone marrow architecture is grossly distorted at the diagnosis of ALL and details of the morphological changes that accompany response to Induction chemotherapy have not been reported before. While marrow aspirates are widely used to assess initial response to ALL therapy and provide some indications, we have enumerated marrow components using morphometric analysis of trephine samples with the aim of achieving a greater understanding of changes in bone marrow niches. Morphometric analyses were carried out in the bone marrow trephine samples of 44 children with ALL, using a NanoZoomer HT digital scanner. Diagnostic samples were compared to those of 32 control patients with solid tumors but without marrow involvement. Samples from patients with ALL had significantly increased fibrosis and the area occupied by bony trabeculae was lower than in controls. Cellularity was higher in ALL samples due to leukemic infiltration while the percentage of normal elements such as megakaryocytes, adipocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts were all significantly lower. During the course of Induction therapy, there was a decrease in the cellularity of ALL samples at day 15 of therapy with a further decrease at the end of Induction and an increase in the area occupied by adipocytes and the width of sinusoids. Reticulin fibrosis decreased throughout Induction. Megakaryocytes increased, osteoblasts and osteoclasts remained unchanged. No correlation was found between clinical presentation, early response to treatment and morphological changes. Our results provide a morphological background to further studies of bone marrow stroma in ALL

Reference to the index of Dr George Fordyce Story a medical practitioner, who, in 1828 accompanied his friend Francis Cotton to Australia, travelling as surgeon on the "Mary".

Dr Story made his home with the Cotton family who had settled at Kelvedon near Swansea. He looked after the health of the large family and the farm servants but his main position was assistant district surgeon at the Waterloo Point (Swansea) convict station. His scientific knowledge was helpful in farm and sheep development, analysing patent scab cures etc. Francis Cotton and his wife Anna Maria (Tilney) formerly of Kelvedon, Essex, U.K. were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers)and Dr Story also became a Quaker and made some missionary visits on behalf of the Friends to South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. He was a keen botanist and naturalist and corresponded with and collected specimens for Dr. von Mueller of Melbourne Botanical Gardens. He also kept regular meteorological records for the Royal Society of Tasmania. He served as electoral officer for Glamorgan, was on the Glamorgan School Board and helped to found a Library in Swansea in 1862. Dr. Story's papers include medical case notes and accounts, student notes and exercises, botanical papers including some correspondence with Dr. von Mueller, copies of electoral returns etc. C

Special topic: The association between pulse ingredients and canine dilated cardiomyopathy: addressing the knowledge gaps before establishing causation.

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog

Can flash glucose monitoring improve glucose management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with type 2 diabetes? A protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are disproportionately impacted by type 2 diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology (such as Abbott Freestyle Libre 2, previously referred to as Flash Glucose Monitoring) offers real-time glucose monitoring that is convenient and easy to use compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). However, this technology’s use is neither widespread nor subsidised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with type 2 diabetes. Building on existing collaborations with a national network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this randomised controlled trial aims to assess the effect of CGM compared to SMBG on (i) haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), (ii) achieving blood glucose targets, (iii) reducing hypoglycaemic episodes and (iv) cost-effective healthcare in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people health setting. Methods: This is a non-masked, parallel-group, two-arm, individually randomised, controlled trial (ACTRN12621000753853). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with type 2 diabetes on injectable therapy and HbA1c ≥ 7.5% (n = 350) will be randomised (1:1) to CGM or SMBG for 6 months. The primary outcome is change in HbA1c level from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes include (i) CGM-derived metrics, (ii) frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes, (iii) health-related quality of life and (iv) incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained associated with the CGM compared to SMBG. Clinical trial sites include Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Aboriginal Medical Services, primary care centres and tertiary hospitals across urban, rural, regional and remote Australia. Discussion: The trial will assess the effect of CGM compared to SMBG on HbA1c for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with type 2 diabetes in Australia. This trial could have long-term benefits in improving diabetes management and providing evidence for funding of CGM in this population. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000753853. Registered on 15th June 2021