Leicester School of Pharmacy
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Item Metadata only Application of Design of Experiment for development of orally disintegrating tablets(British Journal of Pharmacy, 2023-12-30) Ermolina, I.; Hackl, E.The current work presents the formulation development methodology for Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs) using Design of Experiment (DoE). The statistical software JMP was used to design the experiments and analyse the data for producing sodium Ibuprofen freeze-dried ODTs. In the first stage, several pure excipients (polymers, amino acids, and polyols) were freeze-dried and the quality attributes of the cakes were evaluated. Four critical quality attributes (CQAs) were determined based on the target profile: disintegration time, mechanical strength, moisture uptake, appearance. In the second stage, the placebo tablets comprising sodium alginate, alanine, and mannitol (working as a matrix shape-former and lyo-/cryo-protectors), were designed using Mixture DoE, freeze-dried and characterized to identify the optimal combination of the excipients. In the third stage, the ODTs containing sodium Ibuprofen were designed within a reduced design space to optimize the formulation. The wettability and dissolution of the ODTs were studied. The proposed methodology enabled the estimation of working design space and facilitated the production of freeze-dried ODTs with the required quality attributes. Sodium alginate was identified as the key excipient in the formulation, affecting all CQAs. The optimal combination of sodium alginate, alanine and mannitol corresponding to the desirable target profile was found (30%:40%:30%).Item Metadata only DMU Forensics: Tripartite (Tri Active Modal) Experiential Learning from Crime Scene to Court(2021-10) Nichols-Drew, L.DMU Forensics: Tripartite TAME (Tri Active Modal Experiential) Learning from Crime Scene to Court Experiential learning is at the heart of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredited BSc (Hons) Forensic Science undergraduate degree at De Montfort University. The course accreditation requirements are aligned to key stages within the Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Laboratory Analysis and the Evaluation, Interpretation and Presentation of Evidence at Court. At DMU, we implement a Tri Active Modal Experiential approach for the student active learning experience: physical (utilising on campus facilities such as the crime scene house and non-residential space, industry specification laboratory facilities and court rooms), integrating contextual information provided by academic colleagues from our practitioner casework experience, with the virtual world (embracing innovative and immersive technologies). This is a transformative heutagogy, integrating professional expectations with essential employability skills, via co-creation, object and problem-based learning. This novel approach will be of interest to courses across DMU and will demonstrated the paramount importance of experiential learning in enhancing the student experience.Item Metadata only Using physiology teaching to support pharmacists to assess patients in the community(The Physiology Society and the Academy of Healthcare Sciences, 2022-04-01) Harrison, TimThe role of the pharmacist is rapidly evolving, with pharmacists increasingly involved in holistic patient-centred care. This is driven by a focus on community-based health services and the increasing use of the pharmacy workforce to fill gaps in other sectors. The Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS), commissioned in 2019 connects patients with minor illness with community pharmacists, with referrals coming from NHS111 and general practice. As part of this service, pharmacists need to be able to assess patients and be vigilant for acute illness presentation, understanding how to refer patients for whom they have concerns. Central to this is the application of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), as developed by the Royal College of Physicians, an aggregated score allocated to physiological measurements that standardises and improves the detection and response to acute illness in adult patients. NEWS, including the relevance of the physiological response has been taught in postgraduate pharmacy practice in recent years as part of non-medical prescribing studies. However, with the advent of the CPCS, and the recently revised initial education and training standards for pharmacists, which both recognise the evolving role of the pharmacist, NEWS is being increasingly taught across all levels of pharmacy education so that pharmacists are equipped to keep patients safe as they deliver clinically appropriate near patient services, and support patients with self-care.Item Open Access How to use clinical reasoning in pharmacy(Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 2022-02-01) Rutter, Paul; Harrison, Tim; Mills, LizzieItem Metadata only Effect of lubricants on the properties of tablets compressed from varied size granules(University of Huddersfield Press, 2023-12-30) Hackl, E.; Ermolina, I.; Kabova, E.Magnesium stearate (MgSt) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants in oral solid dosage forms. However, MgSt can negatively impact the tablets, decreasing their mechanical properties and lengthening disintegration/dissolution times. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of MgSt and Sodium Stearyl Fumarate (SSF) lubricants on the physical characteristics of immediate release caffeine tablets compressed using granules of different sizes. Overall, the results demonstrate that using SSF as a lubricant significantly enhances tablet mechanical strength and reduces disintegration/wetting times for all granule sizes used to compress tablets. With smaller granules, SSF tends to be more effective. Over-lubrication with SSF leads to a decrease in tablet hardness as well, though to a significantly lesser extent than over-lubrication with MgSt.Item Open Access The Impact of the Current Student Loans Regime on Muslim Student Engagement and Retention in English Higher Education.(De Montfort University, 2025-02-05) Loonat, Sumeya; Hall, Richard; Maryam, YusraaThere is much interest in the potential for an alternative funding system for higher education students in England to support the spiritual and worldly needs of British Muslim students. At present those who wish to study in English universities and HE providers are still tied to a financial system that is contentious for many because it is predicated upon paying back interest, known as riba. From Arabic, riba points towards financial arrangements that are a form of usury, and are seen to be exploitative. This is haram, or forbidden, for practicing Muslims. The relationship between access to (and progression through) academic study and engagement with finance is contentious where it reveals the tensions between Islam as a deeply-spiritual, faith-based way of life (in Arabic, deen), and the reality that this way of life is lived, materially, in a worldly existence (in Arabic, dunya). The extent to which these tensions both play out for Muslim students and impact their lived experiences of HE has received limited attention. Although recent UK Governments have promised an alternative system, and have even engaged in consultation on the issue, there is a need for richer educational research on the impact of this system on Muslims who are trying to adhere to Islamic teachings This report engages with this gap, and discusses one Academic Innovation Project (AIP), funded at De Montfort University (DMU) in the 2023/24 academic session. This project developed, cross-institutionally, the outcomes of a third-year, DMU Education Studies dissertation undertaken in 2022/23, by Yusraa Maryam (with Richard Hall as her supervisor). This dissertation undertook a small scale, qualitative investigation of the experiences of Muslim students who saw interest-bearing loans as a barrier to their higher learning. In the AIP, Yusraa and Richard, working with Sumeya Loonat, extended and enhanced this pilot. Sumeya, a DMU PhD student and a British Muslim female, acted as a research mentor to Yusraa, and this enabled the team to ground this student-led research around retention. At its heart lay a desire to explore the factors that shape retention for Muslim students who see student loans as a barrier to their retention and ability to stay the course. Thus, we focus on the outcomes of in-depth interviews with 12 British Muslim undergraduate and postgraduate taught students, which were designed to evaluate the impacts of interest-bearing loans on Muslim students retention in one University in English HE. The analysis of these interviews highlighted how the struggle between the spiritual deen and the worldly dunya shaped much of what was reported by these students, with money challenging and conditioning faith. In this, the complex ways in which individuals engage with student finance were related to their spiritual intentions, and this then shaped their educational experiences and choices. Whilst the role of family was important in engaging with their studies, this struggle had an affective, emotional impact. In managing these outcomes, the students demonstrate very deep layers of inner faith, commitment, drive and hope for the future. These are also moulded in family and in community. At the same time, our participants made a plea for the recognition of the significance of this issue for students like them by University senior leaders. At the core of this work, we note that these students are engaged in a struggle for recognition, and in this they deserve to be heard.Item Embargo Multicomponent Crystal Forms of Albendazole for Bioavailability Improvement(ACS, 2025-01-22) Adegbolagun, Mayowa A.N.; Wang, Ke; Yamaguchi, Toshio; Hamaguchi, Tomohiko; Yoshida, Koji; Kawata, Satoshi; Seaton, Colin C.; Harano, Azuchi; Han, Jun; Wang, Zhengping; Li, M.In this study, a large-scale screening of multicomponent crystal forms of albendazole (ABZ) was carried out, aiming to improve its solubility and dissolution rate for bioavailability improvement. A computational pre-screening tool based on the hydrogen bond energy was employed for initial selection of the coformer candidates to shorten the period and number of the experimental investigations, leading to the discovery of eight ABZ multicomponent solids, e.g., 1:1 albendazole-alpha-ketoglutaric acid (ABZ-AKA), 1:1 albendazole - etidronic acid (ABZ-ETA), 1:1 albendazole – (R)-mandelic acid (ABZ-RMA), albendazole – (S)-mandelic acid (1:1 ABZ-SMA), albendazole - citraconic acid (1:1 ABZ-CTA), 1:1 albendazole - mandelic acid (ABZ-MDA), 1:1 albendazole - cyclamic acid (ABZ-CYA), and albendazole - malonic acid (1:1 ABZ-MLA). Although these solids are salt cocrystal adducts based on the ΔpKa rule, they are all salt forms according to the structure analyses and FTIR results. The dissolution study has shown that the cocrystals of both ABZ-ETA and ABZ-CYA significantly improved the ABZ dissolution performance in comparison with the parent drug of ABZ.Item Metadata only Consultant Pharmacists(Pharmaceutical Press, 2025-01-09) Barnett, Nina L; Doherty, Stephen; Hamilton, RyanItem Open Access Enhancing Process Control and Quality in Amorphous Solid Dispersions Using In-Line UV–Vis Monitoring of L* as a Real-Time Response(MDPI, 2025-01-23) Bezerra, Mariana; Almeida, Juan; de Castro, Matheus; Grootveld, Martin; Schlindwein, W. S.Background: This study demonstrates the application of the sequential design of experiments (DoE) approach within the quality by design (QbD) framework to optimize extrusion processes through screening, optimization, and robustness testing. Methods: An in-line UV–Vis process analytical technology (PAT) system was successfully employed to monitor critical quality attributes (CQAs) of piroxicam amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) extrusion products, specifically lightness (L*). Results: L* measurement proved highly effective for ensuring the quality and uniformity of ASDs, offering real-time insights into their physical appearance and process stability. Small variations in L* acted as early indicators of processing issues, such as phase separation or bubble formation, enabling timely intervention. This straightforward and rapid technique supports real-time process monitoring and control, allowing automated adjustments to maintain product consistency and quality. By adopting this strategy, manufacturers can minimize variability, reduce waste, and ensure adherence to quality target product profiles (QTPPs). Conclusions: Overall, this study highlights the value of in-line UV–Vis spectroscopy as a PAT tool in hot melt extrusion, enhancing CQA assessment and advancing the efficiency and reliability of ASD manufacturing.Item Metadata only Comparing the use of DNA in criminal investigations &DVI across European borders(2016-07-15) Johnston, EmmaThis 2-day seminar discussed cross-jurisdiction uses of genetic technologies in criminal justice and disaster victim identification (DVI), including the role of the UK and other member states as collaborators and within the EU. This summary was collated by ECR bursary holders Emma Johnston and Fabio Oldoni.Item Open Access Photokinetics of Photothermal Reactions(MDPI, 2025-01-15) Maafi, MounirPhotothermal reactions, involving both photochemical and thermal reaction steps, are the most abundant sequences in photochemistry. The derivation of their rate laws is standardized, but the integration of these rate laws has not yet been achieved. Indeed, the field still lacks integrated rate laws for the description of these reactions’ behavior and/or identification of their reaction order. This made difficult a comprehensive account of the photokinetics of photothermal reactions, which created a gap in knowledge. This gap is addressed in the present paper by introducing an unprecedented general model equation capable of mapping out the kinetic traces of such reactions when exposed to light or in the dark. The integrated rate law model equation also applies when the reactive medium is exposed to either monochromatic or polychromatic light irradiation. The validity of the model equation was established against simulated data obtained by a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. It was then used to describe and quantify several situations of photothermal reactions, such as the effects of initial concentration, spectator molecules, and incident radiation intensity, and the impact of the latter on the photonic yield. The model equation facilitated a general elucidation method to determine the intrinsic reaction parameters (quantum yields and absorptivities of the reactive species) for any photothermal mechanism whose number of species is known. This paper contributes to rationalizing photokinetics along the same general guidelines adopted in chemical kinetics.Item Metadata only The Social Science Perspective on Forensic Science: Missing Migrants & Trust in Forensic Science Evidence(2024-09-12) Johnston, EmmaItem Metadata only A Collaborative Approach to Understanding Digital Triage and Trust in Forensic Science(2024-10-18) Kapageorgiadou, Violeta; O'Brien, C; Abreu Minero, V; Zhang, Min; Flowe, Heather; Hughes, Vincent; Johnston, Emma; Maclennan, Maria; Morris, S; Nic Daeid, Niamh; Nsiah Amoako, Emmanuel; Sallavaci, O; Warner, M; Frumkin, LaraIn this presentation, we discuss the multifaceted collaboration and knowledge exchange underpinning a joint project launch and stakeholder event for the Trust in Forensic Science Evidence and the Digital Forensic Triage projects. Collaboration was embedded into the design of both projects since ideation, as they are both funded by the UKRI forensic science for the justice system sandpit, a scheme supporting interdisciplinary research in forensic science. First, we consider the inherently collaborative nature of both projects, with the research teams made up of inter-institutional and interdisciplinary researchers and partners. Spread across different universities in the UK, researchers on these projects had been collaborating remotely using digital platforms, and the launch event offered the first opportunity for many of these researchers to meet in person. Second, we discuss the collaboration with stakeholders from forensic science, policing, government, private sectors, and academia. The event facilitated focus group discussions and mind-mapping sessions centred around the use of a Priority Matrix. Ethical approval processes were considered in developing the event, the methodological and design choices made, and how the event offered an opportunity for the researchers to develop working strategies. We designed the event encouraging input from relevant stakeholders, to co-create project goals and directions based on shared interests in developing robust methods for the use of forensic science in the justice system. Finally, the event fostered collaboration between the ‘Trust’ and ‘Triage’ projects, with discussions provoking unforeseen insights that spanned the interests of both projects. We identified key themes pertaining to each project, and spanning both projects, that were written up in two reports that were returned to stakeholders with the goal of furthering and fostering collaborative relationships with them. The primary objective of this presentation is to demonstrate the value of collaborative approaches in gaining a comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena across diverse fields and to contribute to discussions on best practice in collaborative research by highlighting both the successes and challenges that arose.Item Metadata only International Careers in Forensic Science(2022-12-07) Johnston, EmmaThis talk will cover how you can have an international career in forensic science: what opportunities are available and what skills are important. We will consider what you can start doing & thinking about now, as a student, to prepare you for a global future.Item Metadata only Women in Forensic Science(2024-05-22) Johnston, Emma; Nichols-Drew, L.This discussion examines the role of women in forensic science. Featuring Dr Emma Johnston and Leisa Nichols-Drew, both senior lecturers at De Montfort University, who shared their experiences and insights into this vital field. Emma and Leisa began by recounting their unique career paths. Emma detailed her background in biology and forensic science, including her work with LGC Forensics and her significant research projects in Guatemala and Europe. Leisa shared her journey from studying biomedicine to working with the Forensic Science Service and her focus on training police and conducting research on knife crime. The discussion highlighted the noteworthy representation of women in forensic science, a field where women are more prevalent compared to other STEM areas. Emma and Leisa explored possible reasons for this trend, such as the profession’s alignment with helping roles and the impact of having strong female role models. Despite the progress, they acknowledged ongoing challenges, including gender pay gaps and the under-representation of women in leadership roles. They emphasised the importance of supportive environments and role models in encouraging more women to pursue and advance in forensic science careers. Emma and Leisa also addressed the rewarding aspects of their work, from solving complex cases to contributing positively to the criminal justice system. They shared personal stories illustrating the real-world impact of forensic science, such as Emma’s involvement in identifying missing persons in Guatemala and Leisa’s work on knife crime prevention. In discussing educational opportunities, they dispelled the myth that forensic science lacks job prospects. They highlighted how the skills developed in this field, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, are transferable to various career paths. The conversation concluded with reflections on the supportive ethos within the forensic science community and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and professional development in the field. For those interested in learning more about the experiences of women in forensic science and the broader implications for the criminal justice system, the full podcast is available on the IN-CJ website. Stay updated on future discussions and events by following IN-CJ on Twitter. This discussion is part of the Newsdesk 2024 event series, aimed at fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge on critical issues in international criminal justice.Item Metadata only MDVI: The need for education and training(2024-09-25) Johnston, EmmaThe aim of my doctoral research was to examine the role of forensic science in identifying missing migrants in Europe. I took a qualitative approach and conducted interviews were with key stakeholders across the continent from forensic science, international organisations, academia, civil society and policing. To make progress in identifying missing migrants, I argue that a truly interdisciplinary approach is necessary. This process must balance scientific and non-scientific contributions, including contextual information, and establish trust between contributors. Drawing on my research findings and the wider literature, I propose the establishment of the European Migrant Identification Centre (MIC) to coordinate efforts on the forensic identification of missing migrants in Europe. The MDVI COST Action fulfils several of the functions of the proposed MIC. Given my background in education and the clear need for work in this area, I am part of Working Group 4 (WG4): Continued Professional Development. This presentation will highlight some of the key findings from my research with particular relevance to the work of WG4. I argue that educational projects relating to the forensic identification of missing migrants need to take place on three levels. • Internal education among MIC divisions/ COST working groups and key stakeholders about each other’s roles, responsibilities and requirements. • Education programmes with migrant communities which would allow the opportunity for families to learn about forensic methods and the identification processes so that they can make a truly informed decision about whether and how they participate • External education work to publicise and raise awareness of the issue of migrant deaths and the lack of identifications, particularly the impact on families. In the presentation I will outline how the COST Action (in particular WG4) could work to address these education and training requirements.Item Metadata only Identification of skeletal remains through DNA(2022-10-13) Johnston, EmmaItem Metadata only Academic Innovation Project: The Virtual Crime Scene and Forensic Laboratory(2021-02-05) Nichols-Drew, L.; Goodger, Alexandra; Doorne, Gemma; Johnston, Emma; Fisher, Kim; Brawn, R. J.; Farrugia, Kevin J.; Swinfield, Chloe; Hall, Sarah; O'Sullivan, Angela; Weale, Robert; De'Ath, SarahWithin the undergraduate forensic science degree at DMU, students are engaged with all aspects of the Criminal Justice System (from the crime scene, to the forensic laboratory, to court). The physical facilities on our campus are impressive, however, with increasing cohort sizes, the academic team decided to incorporate novel active learning approaches for students to interact with, to further broaden and diversify their learning experiences. By utilising 360⁰ video footage and images, the team have created bespoke virtual learning resources via Adobe Captivate. Additionally, the input from CELT and the technician team via the Technician Commitment, has further evidenced our holistic approach to educational resource development. This enhanced capability was positively welcomed at the course accreditation in 2019 by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Furthermore, this has been an exciting opportunity for colleagues within the forensic science team, in conjunction with colleagues from the School of Pharmacy, CELT, Faculties of HLS and CEM. Resources have been designed for students to access on Blackboard, such is the system compatibility with this new software. Despite the challenges and uncertainty of the Covid-19 lockdown, which prevented us from sharing these with our students and assessing their responses in focus groups, we are now incorporating these into the 2020-21 curriculum. Evaluative feedback will form a dual purpose, in that it will be used to feedforward for future resource development and will assist colleagues in their PGCap action research. This project is of paramount importance in enabling us to ensure forensic science at DMU is at the forefront of pedagogic advancement.Item Metadata only DMU Forensics: Tripartite Experiential Learning from Crime Scene to Court(2021-11-10) Campbell, Alexandra; Neuvonen, Anu; Swinfield, Chloe; Doorne, Gemma; Farrugia, Kevin J.; Johnston, Emma; Fisher, Kim; Nichols-Drew, L.; Brawn, R. J.; Hall, SarahExperiential learning is at the heart of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredited BSc (Hons) Forensic Science undergraduate degree at De Montfort University. The course accreditation requirements are aligned to key stages within the Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Laboratory Analysis and the Evaluation, Interpretation and Presentation of Evidence at Court. At DMU, we implement a Tri-modal approach for the student active learning experience: physical (utilising on campus facilities such as the crime scene house and non-residential space, industry specification laboratory facilities and court rooms), integrating contextual information provided by academic colleagues from our practitioner casework experience, with the virtual world (embracing innovative and immersive technologies). This is a transformative heutagogy, integrating professional expectations with essential employability skills, via co-creation, object, active and problem-based learning. This novel approach will be of interest to courses across DMU and will demonstrated the paramount importance of experiential learning in enhancing the student experience.Item Metadata only International perspectives in forensic science(Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, 2022-12-15) Johnston, EmmaOn 7th December 2022 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences held its annual student conference in partnership with De Montfort University. The conference theme was “International Perspectives in Forensic Science” and presentations covered topics related to international opportunities and careers in forensic science. Presenters from universities, industry and international organisations discussed forensic archaeology, anthropology, DNA and fingermarks from the UK to New Zealand and Kenya. Several presenters were generous enough to share their own career journeys with students. The topic proved to be popular with students and over 100 registered to take part. Having had the privilege to work abroad as part of my forensic science career, this led me to reflect on our current students and how we prepare them for a global career in forensic science in a post-pandemic world.