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Compactibility of agglomerated mixtures of calcium carbonate and microcrystalline cellulose.

The tablet tensile strength (T) of agglomerated mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose-Avicel PH 102 (MC), calcium carbonate (CC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone, PVP), lubricated with magnesium stearate (MS), and formed under a compaction pressure (P(c)) ranging up to 618MPa has been determined. The compactibility was defined through: ln(-ln(1-T/T(max)))=Slope x lnP(c)+Intercept. MC/CC mixtures added of an agglutinant, before and after lubrication, show an important positive effect on their tablet tensile strength compared to a lineal relationship. This positive effect becomes smaller with decreasing compaction pressures. By different mixing methods, the higher the mixing efficiency the higher the compactibility, following the order: spray-dried>wet massing>tumble mixing. The compactibility of MC/CC/PVP spray-dried mixtures with calcium carbonate content from 20 to 60% was equal to or greater than that of pure microcrystalline cellulose. After lubrication with 2% MS the compactibility decreased, only the mixture with the maximal tablet tensile strength attained the tensile strength of pure microcrystalline cellulose. The presence of the binder, the lubricant and higher compaction pressures allow the accommodation of higher calcium carbonate proportions in the mixtures, at the maximal tablet tensile strength of the series. The lubricant decreases in a greater extent the compactibility of mixtures with a continuous phase of MC/PVP than that of CC/PVP. This is attributed to the plastic behavior of the MC/PVP continuous phase compared to a calcium carbonate continuous phase able to disrupt the Povidone and the possible lubricant coatings allowing a stronger interparticle interaction.

Calcium Carbonate↗

An effective use of benzoic anhydride and its derivatives for the synthesis of carboxylic esters and lactones: a powerful and convenient mixed anhydride method promoted by basic catalysts.

Various carboxylic esters are obtained at room temperature in excellent yields with high chemoselectivities from nearly equimolar amounts of carboxylic acids and alcohols using 2-methyl-6-nitrobenzoic anhydride with triethylamine by the promotion of a basic catalyst such as 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine. A variety of lactones are also prepared in high yields at room temperature from the corresponding omega-hydroxycarboxylic acids with use of 2-methyl-6-nitrobenzoic anhydride in the presence of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine. A similar reaction occurs with triethylamine when using a catalytic amount of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine 1-oxide as an effective promoter for the intramolecular condensation reaction. These methods are successfully applied to the synthesis of erythro-aleuritic acid lactone and an eight-membered-ring lactone moiety of octalactins A and B. The efficiency of the cyclizations is compared to those of other reported lactonizations.

Anhydrides↗

Reliability and construct validity of the client-centred rehabilitation questionnaire.

PURPOSE: A key component in assessing the performance of rehabilitation services is the client's perspective. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a publicly available measure of client-centred rehabilitation (CCRQ) that can be used for discriminative and evaluative purposes. METHOD: Mixed qualitatative and quantitative methods were used. Phase 1: Identification of seven domains of client-centred rehabilitation based on a literature review, focus groups with clients, and review by content experts. Phase 2: Item generation for the seven conceptually derived subscales and cognitive interviews with inpatient rehabilitation patients. Phase 3: Psychometric testing for internal reliability, test-retest reliability and discriminative construct validity using data from a mailed, self-administered survey to 1,568 patients discharged from two large inpatient rehabilitation facilities. RESULTS: The seven conceptually derived subscales all have strong internal (0.72 - 0.87) and test-retest reliability (0.74 - 0.85). Discriminative construct validity is demonstrated by the ability of subscales to identify significant differences between programs within two rehabilitation facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The results for the reliability and validity of this measure support its value for use in clinical and quality improvement work as well as research.

Adolescent↗

Findings from an elder abuse forensic center.

PURPOSE: The first Elder Abuse Forensic Center (EAFC) in the United States was instituted in 2003. People from a variety of disciplines, including Adult Protective Services social workers, law enforcement, the district attorney's office, a medical response team, public guardian deputies, ombudsmen, mental health services, a victim advocate, and a domestic violence expert work cooperatively on cases of elder and dependent-adult mistreatment. Researchers conducted an assessment of the EAFC's impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the collaboration. DESIGN AND METHODS: Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods included statistical analysis of data from outcome surveys of EAFC collaborators and illustrative case studies developed from case files and structured interviews. RESULTS: Mean survey scores evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the collaboration were significantly better than neutral responses. Case studies show efficient and effective case management through cooperation of the collaborating agencies. Survey results clearly support perceptions exemplified in case studies. IMPLICATIONS: An EAFC enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of those who address elder abuse in one community, which in turn leads to improved outcomes. Continued analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, and cost effectiveness of the EAFC model is ongoing.

Adult↗

Becoming an advanced practitioner in neonatal nursing: a psycho-social study of the relationship between educational preparation and role development.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this research were to identify (a) the educational and working experiences and (b) subsequent training needs of graduates of one ANNP course in the UK. The objectives were (a) to assess the medium to long-term impact of the training programme on the professional development of the respondents; (b) identify potential areas of excellence and (c) areas for improvement in this and other training programmes for ANNPs. BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care continues to be a rapidly changing area of work. Nurses and doctors in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have to be skilled equally in interpersonal communications and technical expertise. The Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP) training programme was introduced in 1992 in the UK in the broader political context of extending nursing roles in a range of specialties. The role of the neonatal intensive care nurse had expanded elsewhere previously, particularly in North America as a response to medical staffing crises where the practice and the training/education programmes were expanded during the 1970s/1980s and continued to evolve to encompass an advanced role for the neonatal nurse practitioner. DESIGN: This was a study of five cohorts of graduates from one university course training programme for advanced neonatal practitioners (ANNPs) to explore their experiences of their role as ANNPs in the context of changes and developments in the British National Health Service and their own personal and professional development. METHODS: This study employs mixed methods (interviews, focus groups and a survey) and forms of data analysis (qualitative and quantitative) to explore the experiences of the transition to becoming an advanced practitioner. Data were collected from a sample of five cohorts; members of the current course team and the nursing and medical staff at one NICU which employs many of these graduates. RESULTS: Most graduates value their course experience and the ANNP role and the findings suggest that confidence about practice develops naturally with postcourse experience. However, the more experienced and confident ANNPs frequently reported increased inter-professional role confusion/conflict with junior doctors, and some consultants particularly where there are only one or two ANNPs overall in the team. CONCLUSIONS: There are personal and professional benefits to individual nurses who have had this training. However more attention needs to be paid to ongoing professional development particularly the management of professional role relationships among all nurses and between nurses and doctors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A focus on professional role relationships and more effective communication in the clinical setting would be of benefit to all members of multi-disciplinary teams. A greater level of day-to-day support is required for ANNPs, other neonatal nurses and junior doctors if this is to be achieved, especially in clinical settings where there are few ANNPs or the addition of these clinical specialists is relatively new.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Self-reported training methods of mixed martial artists at a regional reality fighting event.

This study surveyed 28 athletes competing at a regional mixed martial arts (MMA) event. The survey attempted to gather information regarding overall training volume, supplement use, and specific exercises used. The survey return rate was 100% (28/28). Twenty-five out of the 28 athletes supplemented their training with strength training. Overall frequency of strength training sessions/week ranged from 1-7, and overall frequency of fighting specific training sessions/week ranged from 3-12. Five out of the 28 athletes used/had used anabolic-androgenic steroids. Twelve of the MMA athletes did not perform exercises specifically for the neck musculature, and only 8 used the power clean and/or power snatch within their strength-training program. The results suggest that strength and conditioning specialists should educate MMA athletes regarding the importance of balanced training, effective exercises, and the side effects of anabolic androgenic steroid use.

Adult↗

Bone cement improved by vacuum mixing and chilling.

Two mixing methods, hand and vacuum mixing, were compared using high viscosity, high molecular, antibiotic containing polymethylmethacrylate kept at two different temperatures, 4 degrees C and 21 degrees C, prior to mixing. The mechanical properties, i.e., fracture strength, maximum deflection, modulus of elasticity and hardness, were improved by vacuum mixing when compared with hand mixing at both temperatures. The fatigue life was 10 times longer after vacuum mixing. Chilling prior to mixing made the mixing easier and improved the handling characteristics. Vacuum mixing delayed the setting time by 1 minute, but also decreased the peak temperature. Radiographic analysis showed that vacuum mixing mainly reduced the microporosity, but also the macroporosity. The mechanical properties deteriorated slightly after 2 months in Ringer's solution, but the differences between the mixing procedures remained unchanged.

Bone Cements↗