Search Results (57)

Background: The growing demand for safe and effective phytopharmaceuticals underscores the importance of studying regionally available medicinal plants. Acorus calamus L. and Calendula officinalis L., widely distributed in the Republic of Kazakhstan, are promising sources of biologically active compounds with significant pharmacological potential. However, the combined use of their CO₂ extracts remains insufficiently characterised, particularly regarding possible synergistic interactions. Therefore, the development of new dosage forms and their comprehensive pharmacological and toxicological evaluation is a priority in modern pharmaceutical research. Methods: Concentrated extracts from Acorus calamus rhizomes and Calendula officinalis flowers were obtained using precritical CO₂ extraction. Safety was assessed through acute and chronic toxicity studies in laboratory animals according to standard non-clinical guidelines. Animals received graded doses of the extracts and developed formulations (‘Exkair’ tablets and ‘Zerp-Ak-Broncho’ granules). Clinical condition, mortality, body weight, and behaviour were monitored. Biochemical, haematological, and histopathological analyses were performed. Antitussive activity was evaluated in vivo by measuring oedema inhibition relative to reference drugs. Results: The CO₂ extracts and formulations demonstrated low toxicity and good tolerability, with no mortality or significant adverse effects observed even at high doses. Biochemical and haematological parameters remained within physiological ranges, and histopathological examination revealed no structural alterations in internal organs. Both ‘Exkair’ and ‘Zerp-Ak-Broncho’ exhibited pronounced antitussive activity, confirmed by significant suppression of oedema. This effect is likely associated with the synergistic action of flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Conclusions: The findings indicate that CO₂ extracts of Acorus calamus L. and Calendula officinalis L., as well as the developed formulations, possess a favourable safety profile and significant antitussive activity. These results support their further development as phytotherapeutic agents in Kazakhstan. Full article

Three food-like tablet types, with Young’s moduli similar to those of real foods, were prepared to investigate breakup during digestion using caffeine as a model solute. Texture was evaluated in situ during simulated digestion by measuring Young’s moduli and fracturability at various time points, providing indicators of stiffness and toughness. Type 1 disintegrated immediately; Type 2 dissolved first, followed by breakup at (1.5 ± 0.2) min, and Type 3 underwent dissolution. Young’s modulus decreased rapidly for Type 1 within a minute (from 1.00 to 0.38 MPa), while Type 2 exhibited a decrease at 1.5 min (0.94–0.58 MPa) before breakup. Type 3 resisted disintegration due to its higher modulus of elasticity. The time-dependent decrease in Young’s modulus is consistent with previous studies, suggesting that soft materials are more readily broken down. In simulated gastric fluid (SGF), Type 2 displayed similar dissolution and breakup behaviour (1.8 ± 0.04) min, followed by structural stabilisation due to swelling, with a slight decrease in modulus and fracturability at breakup. The study introduces a novel method that combines time-resolved, in situ textural measurements with real-time visual observation under physiologically relevant pulsatile flow, using purpose-designed food-like model materials to support the prediction of food breakdown behaviour and the design of foods with controlled digestion. Full article

Digital inspection technologies are increasingly being adopted in the construction industry to improve efficiency, decision quality, and sustainability performance. Mixed reality (MR) systems can reduce rework, minimise human error, and support resource-efficient inspection processes. However, empirical evidence on how perceptions of efficiency and safety influence professional acceptance of MR technologies remains limited. This study investigates the adoption of MR for construction inspection using an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) that incorporates task efficiency and safety perception as domain-specific human factors. A within-subjects scenario-based experimental design was applied, in which 103 construction professionals evaluated four inspection modalities: HoloLens MR, smart glasses, tablet-based systems, and traditional paper-based methods. Data was analysed using linear mixed-effects models, structural equation modelling, mediation analysis, and dominance analysis. The results show that HoloLens MR achieved the highest perceived efficiency and safety perception, while imposing the lowest cognitive demand. Perceived efficiency was a strong predictor of device preference and significantly predicted perceived usefulness (β = 0.322, p < 0.001), which fully mediated its effect on behavioural intention. Safety perception accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in user evaluations (η² = 0.237). These findings indicate that sustainable adoption of MR in construction inspection depends on combined perceptions of efficiency gains, usability, and safety support. Full article

Background: Pantoprazole is a widely used proton pump inhibitor that is highly unstable under acidic conditions. This limits the performance of conventional formulations and typically requires enteric-coated dosage forms or alternative modified-release approaches. This study reports the development of polymeric matrix mini-tablets designed to protect pantoprazole during gastric exposure and to enable pH-dependent release under intestinal conditions. The formulations combine Eudragit^® S 100, a pH-dependent polymer, with HPMC, a hydrophilic matrix former that modulates drug release through hydration and swelling. Methods: Matrix mini-tablets were prepared by blending pantoprazole with selected excipients at optimised proportions and compressing the blends by direct compression using an eccentric tablet press. Powder blends and mini-tablets were characterised according to pharmacopoeial specifications. Analytical techniques—including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)—were employed to evaluate drug content uniformity, thermal behaviour, and potential drug–excipient interactions. In vitro dissolution studies were performed under sequential pH conditions, and the release kinetics were analysed using mathematical models. Results: Dissolution testing identified formulations F2 and F6 as providing the most suitable gastro-resistant performance in the acidic stage, together with sustained release up to 24 h. Kinetic modelling supported formulation-dependent release mechanisms, and multivariate analysis (PCA) highlighted relationships between physico-mechanical attributes and drug-release behaviour. Conclusions: The proposed matrix system shows potential as a robust, coating-free platform for the modified delivery of acid-labile drugs using direct compression, simplifying manufacturing. These findings support the rational design of oral modified-release formulations based on polymeric matrices. Full article

Dysphagia is common among older adults and frequently necessitates the use of thickening agents to facilitate safe swallowing of medicines, which may in turn alter their bioavailability. This study investigated the impact of two commercially available lubricants—Gloup^® Forte and extremely thick water—on the in vitro dissolution behaviour of immediate-release gliclazide tablets. Dissolution studies were conducted using crushed and whole tablets in different media consisting of reverse osmosis water, phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), and 0.1 N HCl at 37 °C. Dissolution profiles were compared using similarity factor (f₂) analysis and modelled using established kinetic equations. Gliclazide dissolution was significantly delayed in the presence of Gloup^® Forte across all media for both crushed and whole tablets, with f₂ values below 50, indicating dissimilar profiles. Dissolution kinetics confirmed that mixing the formulated gliclazide with Gloup^® Forte delayed the release and reduced the dissolution rate constant for drug from both crushed and whole gliclazide tablets in media studied. Full article

Background: The compaction of formulation blends is a critical stage in pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing, particularly when drug substances or functional excipients exhibit limited flowability and tabletability. Objectives: This study systematically examined the mechanical behaviour of viscoelastic microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and brittle anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate (DCPA), as well as their mixtures, to check how deformation mechanisms influence powder handling and tablet performance. Methods: A compaction simulator, mimicking a small rotary tablet press, was used to evaluate tablet weight variability, densification profiles, die-filling height, force–displacement behaviour, and in-die Heckel analysis. Additional assessments included compression times, breaking force, tensile strength, elastic recovery, as well as in-die and out-of-die tablet thickness across various compositions and compaction pressures. Results/Conclusions: Bulk density values from the simulator showed strong correlation with pharmacopeial measurements (R² ≥ 0.997). Measurable differences in true density and cohesiveness led to poor flowability for MCC and good flow for DCPA, with mixtures containing higher DCPA concentration displaying markedly improved flow characteristic. Compaction analyses confirmed extensive plastic deformation for MCC and fragmentation for DCPA. Increasing MCC content elevated die-fill height, compaction energy, and tablet weight variability, whereas higher DCPA fractions decreased apparent density of tablets and reduced energy demand. Tabletability and compressibility profiles reflected that MCC generated hard tablets but exhibited higher elastic recovery, while DCPA formed softer tablets with closer to linear strength–pressure relationships. Energy profiling demonstrated that MCC stored more elastic energy and required higher overall compression work, whereas DCPA reduced elastic accumulation. Overall, blending viscoelastic and brittle excipients offers a robust strategy for optimizing manufacturability, mechanical strength, and energy efficiency in tablet production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hot-melt extrusion (HME) has gained prominence for the manufacture of sustained-release oral dosage forms, yet the application of wax-based matrices and their resilience to alcohol-induced dose dumping (AIDD) remains underexplored. This study aimed to develop and characterise wax-based sustained-release felodipine formulations, with a particular focus on excipient functionality and robustness against AIDD. Methods: Felodipine sustained-release formulations were prepared via HME using Syncrowax HGLC as a thermally processable wax matrix. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and lactose monohydrate were incorporated as functional fillers and processing aids. The influence of wax content and filler type on mechanical properties, wettability, and drug release behaviour was systematically evaluated. Ethanol susceptibility testing was conducted under simulated co-ingestion conditions (4%, 20%, and 40% v/v ethanol) to assess AIDD risk. Results: MCC-containing tablets demonstrated superior sustained-release characteristics over 24 h, showing better wettability and disintegration. In contrast, tablets formulated with lactose monohydrate remained structurally intact during dissolution, overly restricting drug release. This limitation was effectively addressed through granulation, where reduced particle size significantly improved surface accessibility, with 0.5–1 mm granules achieving a satisfactory release profile. Ethanol susceptibility testing revealed divergent behaviours between the two filler systems. Unexpectedly, MCC-containing tablets showed suppressed drug release in ethanolic media, likely resulting from inhibitory effect of ethanol on filler swelling and disintegration. Conversely, formulations containing lactose monohydrate retained their release performance in up to 20% v/v ethanol, with only high concentrations (40% v/v) compromising matrix drug-retaining functionality and leading to remarkably increased drug release. Conclusions: This study highlights the pivotal role of excipient type and constitutional ratios in engineering wax-based sustained-release formulations. It further contributes to the understanding of AIDD risk through in vitro assessment and offers a rational design strategy for robust, alcohol-resistant oral delivery systems for felodipine. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes, such as fused deposition modelling (FDM), have emerged as transformative technologies in pharmaceutical manufacturing, enabling the production of drug delivery systems with complex and customised geometries. These advancements provide precise control over drug release profiles and facilitate the development of patient-specific medicines. This study investigates the dissolution behaviour of AM-fabricated tablets made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a hydrophilic and biocompatible polymer widely used in drug delivery systems. The influence of the initial mass, surface area, and surface-area-to-volume ratio (S/V) on dissolution kinetics is evaluated for tablets with intricate geometries. Our findings demonstrate that these parameters, while critical for conventional tablet shapes, are insufficient to fully predict the dissolution behaviour of complex geometries. Furthermore, this study highlights how geometric modifications can enable the administration of the same drug dosage through sustained or immediate release profiles, offering enhanced versatility in drug delivery. By leveraging the geometric design freedom provided by AM technologies, this research underscores the potential for optimising drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance. Full article

Triclabendazole (TCB) is a well-established anthelmintic effective in treating fascioliasis, a neglected tropical disease. This study employs quality by design (QbD) to investigate the impact of TCB polymorphism and pharmacotechnical variables, from the development of immediate-release tablets to process optimization and green analysis. Critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical material attributes (CMAs), characterized by type of polymorph, composition of excipients (talc, lactose, cornstarch, and magnesium stearate), and compression force, were screened using a Plackett–Burman design (n = 24), identifying polymorphic purity and cornstarch as a CPP. To establish a mathematical model linking CPP to dissolution behaviour, a multiple linear regression (MLR) was applied to the training design (central composite design, n = 18). Simultaneously, a near-infrared spectroscopy coupled to partial least squares (NIR-PLSs) method was developed to analyze CPPs. An independent set of samples was prepared and analyzed using the NIR-PLSs model, and their dissolution profiles were also obtained. The PLSs model successfully predicted the CPPs in the new samples, yielding almost quantitative results (100 ± 3%), and MLR dissolution predictions mirrored the actual dissolution profiles (f2 = 85). In conclusion, the developed model could serve as a comprehensive tool for the development and control of pharmaceutical formulations, starting from the polymorphic composition and extending to achieve targeted dissolution outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: An automated extrusion-based material deposition is a contemporary and rapid method for pharmaceutical dose-dispensing and preparing (printing) individualized solid dosage forms. The aim of this study was to investigate and gain knowledge of the feasibility of automated extrusion-based material deposition technology in preparing customized prednisolone (PRD)-loaded gel tablets for veterinary applications (primarily for dogs and cats). Methods: The PRD loads of the extrusion-based deposited gel tablets were 0.5% and 1.0%, and the target weights of tablets were 0.250 g, 0.500 g, and 1.000 g. The effects of the material deposition processes on the physical solid state, in vitro dissolution, and the physicochemical stability of PRD gel tablets were investigated. Results: The small-sized gel tablets presented a uniform round shape with an exceptionally smooth outer surface texture. The actual average weight of the tablets (n = 10) was very close to the target weight, showing the precision of the process. We found that PRD was in a pseudopolymorphic sesquihydrate form (instead of an initial PRD crystalline form II) in the gel tablets. In all the immediate-release gel tablets studied, more than 70% of the drug load was released within 30 min. The soft texture and dimensions of gel tablets affected the dissolution behaviour in vitro, suggesting the need for further development and standardization of a dissolution test method for such gel tablets. A short-term storage stability study revealed that the content of PRD did not decrease within 3 months. Conclusions: Automated extrusion-based material deposition is a feasible method for the rapid preparation of gel tablets intended for veterinary applications. In addition, the present technology and gel tablets could be used in pediatric and personalized medicine where precise dosing is crucial. Full article

Background: Poor medication adherence results in negative health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Several healthcare professionals provide interventions to improve medication adherence, with the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in people with chronic diseases remaining unclear. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions for improving medication adherence in adults with chronic conditions. Methods: Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS) were searched without applying a temporal limit. Studies evaluating the effects of nurse-led interventions on medication adherence in adults with one or multiple chronic conditions were included. Interventions only targeting a single acute disease were excluded. Results: A total of twenty-two studies with 5975 participants were included. Statistically significant improvements in adherence were reported in five out of seven studies involving face-to-face visits to patients with heart failure (n = 2), chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1) and multimorbidity (n = 1) and in four out of nine studies adopting a mixed method involving face-to-face visits and telephone follow-up for patients with heart failure (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1), coronary disease (n = 1) and multimorbidity (n = 1). Remote interventions were effective in improving medication adherence in one out of six studies. No statistically significant differences were found between tablet computer-based patient education and nurse-led educational sessions. The motivational approach was found to be one of the most common strategies used to promote patient medication adherence. Conclusions: Nurse-led face-to-face visits may be effective in improving medication adherence in people with chronic diseases. However, further research is needed because current methods for measuring medication adherence may not accurately capture patient behaviour and medication consumption patterns. Full article

A critical element of neurological function is eye–hand coordination: the ability of our vision system to coordinate the information received through the eyes to control, guide, and direct the hands to accomplish a task. Recent evidence shows that this ability can be disturbed by strokes or other neurological disorders, with critical consequences for motor behaviour. This paper presents a system based on serious games and multimodal devices aimed at improving the assessment of eye–hand coordination. The system implements gameplay that involves drawing specific patterns (labyrinths) to capture hand trajectories. The user can draw the path using multimodal devices such as a mouse, a stylus with a tablet, or robotic devices. Multimodal input devices can allow for the evaluation of complex coordinated movements of the upper limb that involve the synergistic motion of arm joints, depending on the device. A preliminary test of technological validation with healthy volunteers was conducted in the laboratory. The Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) index was used to compare hand trajectories without considering time-series lag. The results suggest that this multimodal framework allows for measuring differences between fine and gross motor skills. Moreover, the results support the viability of this system for developing a high-resolution metric for measuring eye–hand coordination in neurorehabilitation. Full article

A lack of strategies for the utilization of harvest residues (HRs) has led to serious environmental problems due to an accumulation of these residues or their burning in the field. In this study, wheat and corn HRs were used as feedstock for the production of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by treatment with 2–8% sodium hydroxide, 10% hydrogen peroxide and further hydrolysis with 1–2 M hydrochloric acid. The changes in the FT-IR spectra and PXRD diffractograms after chemical treatment confirmed the removal of most of the lignin, hemicellulose and amorphous fraction of cellulose. A higher degree of crystallinity was observed for MCC obtained from corn HRs, which was attributed to a more efficient removal of lignin and hemicellulose by a higher sodium hydroxide concentration, which facilitates the dissolution of amorphous cellulose during acid hydrolysis. MCC obtained from HRs exhibited lower bulk density and poorer flow properties but similar or better tableting properties compared to commercial MCC (Ceolus^TM PH101). The lower ejection and detachment stress suggests that MCC isolated from HRs requires less lubricant compared to commercial MCC. This study showed that MCC isolated from wheat and corn HRs exhibits comparable tableting behaviour like commercial sample, further supporting this type of agricultural waste utilization. Full article

This study investigated whether and how medication reviews (MRs) conducted by pharmacists and general practitioners (GPs) with patient involvement can be performed on the island of Aruba (Dutch Caribbean). In this mixed-methods pilot study (both qualitative and quantitative), constructive and observational methodologies were combined. Healthcare providers’ and patients’ views on MRs and aspects of Aruban healthcare and culture relevant to MRs were examined. These insights were used to develop a protocol for conducting and implementing MRs in Aruba. Surveys were distributed and semi-structured interviews were held among Aruban community pharmacists and GPs, and a pilot program was created in which MRs were carried out with four Aruban patients and their GPs. According to the included healthcare providers, the main purpose of MRs is to optimize the patient experience and achieve concordance. Even though pharmacists and GPs consider their partnership equal, they have different views as to who should bear which responsibility in the MR process in matters regarding patient selection and follow-up. Common Aruban themes that were mentioned by the healthcare providers and deemed relevant for conducting MRs included behaviour/culture, healthcare, lifestyle, and therapy compliance. Anamnesis should be concise during the MR, and questions about medication storage, concerns, beliefs, and practical problems, as well as checks for limited health literacy, were considered important. In the pilot, at least three to, maximally, eight pharmacotherapy-related problems (PRPs) were detected per MR consultation, such as an incorrect dosage of acetylsalicylic acid, an inappropriate combination tablet for blood pressure regulation, and the absence of important laboratory values. All patients considered their consultation to be positive and of added value. In addition, it was observed that an MR can potentially generate cost savings. The information obtained from the healthcare providers and patients, together with the basic principles for MRs, as applied in the Netherlands, led to a definitive and promising MR format with practical recommendations for community pharmacists in Aruba: in comparison with the Dutch MR approach, GPs and pharmacists in Aruba could collaborate more on patient selection for MRs and their follow-up, because of their specific knowledge regarding the medications patients are taking chronically (pharmacists), and possible low levels of health literacy (GPs). Taking into account the Aruban culture, pharmacists could ask extra questions during MRs, referring to lifestyle (high prevalence of obesity), readability of medication labels (limited literacy), and herbal product use (Latin American culture). GPs and medical specialists sometimes experience miscommunication regarding the prescription of medication, which means that pharmacists must carefully take into account possible duplicate medications or interactions. Full article

Zoos are an important repository of animals, which have a wide range of visual systems, providing excellent opportunities to investigate many comparative questions in sensory ecology. However, behavioural testing must be carried out in an animal welfare-friendly manner, which is practical for zoo staff. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study to facilitate behavioural research on the sensory ecology of captive primates. A system consisting of a tablet computer and an automated feeder connected wirelessly was developed and presented to captive primate species to evaluate interactions with and without previous training. A colour stimulus, analogous to the Ishihara test, was used to check the level of interaction with the device, supporting future studies on sensory ecology with zoo animals. Animals were able to use the system successfully and displayed signs of learning to discriminate between the visual stimuli presented. We identified no risk for small primates in their interactions with the experimental setup without the presence of keepers. The use of electronic devices should be approached with caution to prevent accidents, as a standard practice for environmental enrichment for larger animals (e.g., spider monkeys). In the long term, the system developed here will allow us to address complex comparative questions about the functions of different visual systems in captive animals (i.e., dichromatic, trichromatic, etc.). Full article