A proposed anatomy syllabus for entry-level physiotherapists in the United Kingdom: A modified Delphi methodology by physiotherapists who teach anatomy.

The ever-increasing scope of physiotherapy practice is raising questions on what anatomical knowledge and skills ought to be taught within qualifying physiotherapy degree programmes in the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of the study was to create core anatomical knowledge and skills learning objectives to inform knowledge and skills for entry-level physiotherapists in the UK. A two phased modified Delphi methodology created a consensual anatomy curriculum.

Application of Mathematical Models to Determine the Feasibility of Amorphous Drug Layering in Pan Coaters.

Oral solid dosage forms that contain APIs in the amorphous state have become commonplace because of many drug substances exhibiting poor water solubility, which negatively impacts their absorption in the human GI tract. While micronization, solvent spray-drying, and hot-melt extrusion can address solubility issues, spray coating of the APIs onto beads and tablets offers another option for producing amorphous drug products. High-level comparisons between bead and tablet coating technologies have the potential for simpler equipment and operation that can reduce the cost of development and manufacturing.

Interrelationships Between Coating Uniformity and Efficiency in Pan Coating Processes.

The relationships between coating uniformity and efficiency were explored for tablet coating processes in pan coaters. The factors affecting the size of the spray zone were modeled using one-dimensional deposition analysis of spray droplets. This model was incorporated into the analytical model developed for coating uniformity by Choi et al.

Novel Coating Uniformity Models for Tablet Pan Coaters.

Novel mathematical models were developed to predict inter-tablet coating uniformity in terms of coefficients of variation (CV) and acceptance values (AV) for cylindrical tablet pan coaters, operating in batch and continuous modes. The models, based on binomial coating spray and tablet movement distribution functions and on bed geometry, yielded equations and results that are in good agreement with previously reported experimental data, most empirical expressions, and more computationally intensive models. The new model equations are readily useable for process analysis, optimization, scale-up, and manufacturing design and control.

High-Q Tuneable 10-GHz Bragg Resonator for Oscillator Applications.

This paper describes the design, simulation, and measurement of a tuneable 9.365-GHz aperiodic Bragg resonator. The resonator utilizes an aperiodic arrangement of non ( /4) low-loss alumina plates ( , loss tangent of to ) mounted in a cylindrical metal waveguide.

Development and evaluation of a dimensionless mechanistic pan coating model for the prediction of coated tablet appearance.

A mathematical, mechanistic tablet film-coating model has been developed for pharmaceutical pan coating systems based on the mechanisms of atomisation, tablet bed movement and droplet drying with the main purpose of predicting tablet appearance quality. Two dimensionless quantities were used to characterise the product properties and operating parameters: the dimensionless Spray Flux (relating to area coverage of the spray droplets) and the Niblett Number (relating to the time available for drying of coating droplets). The Niblett Number is the ratio between the time a droplet needs to dry under given thermodynamic conditions and the time available for the droplet while on the surface of the tablet bed.

A 3D assessment and feedback tool for Ankylosing Spondylitis from the perspective of healthcare professionals.

To investigate the utility of 3D visualization technology to augment assessment and feedback for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a visualization prototype was developed, and both subjective and objective measures of current assessment instruments were compared. To verify and establish a base-line for the prototype's effectiveness, motion data and measurement data from a healthy adult in a laboratory environment were collected. To validate the prototype, a qualitative evaluation was undertaken using multiple methods including a pilot study, focus groups, and individual interviews.

Investigation of the interactions of enteric and hydrophilic polymers to enhance dissolution of griseofulvin following hot melt extrusion processing.

Objectives: This study focuses on the application of hot melt extrusion (HME) to produce solid dispersions containing griseofulvin (GF) and investigates the in-vitro dissolution performance of HME powders and resulting tablet compositions containing HME-processed dispersions.

Methods: Binary, ternary and quaternary dispersions containing GF, enteric polymer (Eudragit L100-55 or AQOAT-LF) and/or vinyl pyrrolidone-based polymer (Plasdone K-12 povidone or S-630 copovidone) were processed by HME. Two plasticizers, triethyl citrate (TEC) and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), were incorporated to aid in melt processing and to modify release of GF in neutral media following a pH-change in dissolution.

An update on pharmaceutical film coating for drug delivery.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical coating processes have generally been transformed from what was essentially an art form in the mid-twentieth century to a much more technology-driven process.

Areas Covered: This review article provides a basic overview of current film coating processes, including a discussion on polymer selection, coating formulation additives and processing equipment. Substrate considerations for pharmaceutical coating processes are also presented.

Techniques to assess film coatings and evaluate film-coated products.

Background: Polymeric film coatings have been applied to pharmaceutical solids for decorative, protective, or functional purposes. The application process is quite complex, with variables related to the coating formulation, substrate properties, processing parameters, and interactions thereof, all of which can affect product performance.

Objective: This article describes a number of experimental techniques used to determine the physical, mechanical, adhesive, thermal, and permeability properties of free and applied films.

A visualisation tool for augmenting assessment of ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic condition which requires clinical assessment to inform the management of AS, the intent being to alleviate the symptoms and to improve the health of the suffering person. An integral part of the current assessment is the measurements taken of a number of subjective and objective factors that affect the person's health status. There is growing awareness that the protocols and means of taking the measurements are both inaccurate and inconsistent.

Improving children's physical activity in out-of-school hours care settings.

Issues Addressed: Improving children's opportunities for and participation in physical activity at out-of-school hours (OOSH) care.

Methods: A needs assessment, 12-month implementation and evaluation were conducted. Strategies included feedback and support to improve physical activity programs and policies; staff training; resource distribution; and grants to disadvantaged services.