Electrochemically Controlled Dissolution of Nanocarbon-Cellulose Acetate Phthalate Microneedle Arrays.

Transdermal microneedles have captured the attention of researchers in relation to a variety of applications, and silicone-based molds required to produce these systems are now widely available and can be readily manufactured on the lab bench. The production of nanocomposite microneedle arrays through micromolding techniques is described. The formulation of nanoparticulate carbon along with pH sensitive cellulose acetate phthalate as a polymeric binder is shown to produce conductive microneedles whose swelling/dissolution properties can be controlled electrochemically. Through exploiting hydrogen evolution at the microneedle array, changes in local pH can induce swelling within the needle structure and could lay the foundations for a new approach to the smart device controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. The surface modification of the carbon needles with palladium and cysteine is critically assessed from sensing and drug delivery perspectives.

Salicylate Poisoning Potential of Topical Pain Relief Agents: From Age Old Remedies to Engineered Smart Patches.

The pain relief capabilities of methyl salicylate are well established and a multitude of over-the-counter products populate pharmacy shelves. Over-application of the topical preparation containing the drug, or its accidental ingestion, invariably result in salicylate poisoning and in severe cases can be fatal. The drug has been a regular feature of the US National Poison Database Survey over the past decade and continues to pose a risk to children and adults alike. The aim of the review has been to cast a spotlight on the drug and assess why its use remains problematic, how technology could offer more efficacious delivery regimes, and minimise the possibility of accidental or intentional misuse.

Investigating the use of endogenous quinoid moieties on carbon fibre as means of developing micro pH sensors.

The redox profile obtained from electrochemically oxidised carbon fibre was exploited as a foundation from which to design a reusable pH probe. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the surface after anodisation revealed an increase in the population of endogenous quinone moieties. Square wave voltammograms recorded in various buffer solutions (pH3-9) yielded a distinct and unambiguous oxidation process through which to ascribe the peak potential - with the latter found to shift in a sub-Nernstian (-0.052 V/pH) manner. The design of a discrete 2-electrode reusable probe which provides a rapid assessment of pH is described and a preliminary characterisation of the electrochemical performance is critically assessed.

Violence against mental health professionals: when the treater becomes the victim.

Violence toward mental health staff has been receiving national attention in the face of diminishing resources to treat what appears to be an increasingly violent patient population. Assaults by psychiatric patients against mental health care providers are both a reality and a concern, as the effects of violence can be devastating to the victim. Some staff rationalize that violence is an occupational hazard and believe that they are equipped to cope with it. Despite these beliefs, these victims suffer from many of the same physical and psychological sequelae as victims of a natural disaster or street crime. This review of literature will examine several studies dealing with the precipitants of violence in the mental health setting, the patient populations more likely to become violent and the mental healthcare staff at the greatest risk of becoming their victims. It will also discuss possible methods of preventing such acts of violence and techniques for both staff and patients to cope with violent behavior.