bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Australian Hospital Pharmacists Reflect on Career Success
Authors: Jepsen Denise M , O'Neill Marjorie Spooner 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundAs not all professionals have a linear, upward career trajectory, intrinsic career success is important. This study supplements job satisfaction and retention surveys by exploring the subjective notion of career success.AimTo determine Australian hospital pharmacists' views on their intrinsic career success.MethodInterviews were conducted with experienced pharmacists from regional and metropolitan areas in central Victoria through to northern Queensland. 1 hour semi‐structured interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo9 was used to code broadly before interpretive coding.Results3 themes on career success emerged from the interviews. Hospital pharmacists felt successful in their careers when they received acknowledgement from others, from self‐confidence in their ability to do the work well and from determining their work methods.ConclusionHospital pharmacists valued acknowledgment for a job well done, self‐confidence in their ability and increasing autonomy.
Development and Implementation of a Ward‐Based Pharmacy Intervention for Dutch Surgical Patients
Authors: Boeker Eveline B , de Boer Monica , Ramrattan Maya A , van Lent‐Evers Nicolette , Gombert‐Handoko Kim B , Lie‐A‐Huen Loraine , Boermeester Marja A , Kuks Paul FM 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTMedication errors can result in patient harm and additional hospital costs. Surgical patients are at risk of experiencing medication errors mainly due to multiple transfers between care providers at different locations in the hospital with associated medication changes, comorbidities and use of high‐risk medicines. We evaluated a ward‐based pharmacy intervention to overcome these risks. A strategy tailored to the surgical pathway and associated risks was developed from admission to discharge and implemented in 3 Dutch hospitals. A total of 547 surgical patients were assessed. 93% of patients had their medications reconciled on admission, 95% of patients had at least 1 medication review by the hospital pharmacist during their stay and 89% of patients had both. An intervention was recommended 880 times, mostly stopping, starting or altering medicines. The advice was accepted and actioned by the physician in 83% of cases. This pharmacy intervention provides a practical approach for ward‐based medication reviews in surgical patients. Its cost‐effectiveness remains to be proven.
Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Breast Cancer Surgery Patients
Authors: Habak Jawad E , Varma Sheena , Kiani Mona , Twaddle Andrew , Emmerton Lynne M 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite the risks of contributing to antibiotic resistance, guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for plastic surgery,.AimTo evaluate institutional antibiotic prescribing patterns for breast cancer surgery.MethodAs there are no national antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for breast cancer surgery, the Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic for head, neck and thoracic surgery were the most appropriate reference point. Data were reviewed for 95 patients from 1 hospital who underwent 134 breast cancer operations performed by 12 surgeons over a 6‐month period in 2012. A bivariate scoring system (in agreement/not in agreement) assessed each surgical record against 4 criteria: antibiotic, route, timing of administration, dosage. A conservative assumption, that all surgical cases would require single‐dose antibiotic prophylaxis, was applied.ResultsOf the 134 operations (comprising 241 surgical procedures), 71 (53%) involved prophylactic administration of antibiotics, mainly IV cefazolin. 38 of the 71 operations also used postoperative antibiotics. There were no trends between surgeons. None of the cases was in complete agreement with the Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic.ConclusionThe lack of specificity of the Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic may account for the observed divergence in antibiotic prescribing patterns. Guidelines for breast cancer surgery are needed that are based on consultation with surgeons and balance specificity with flexibility for the surgeon's judgement of infection risk.
History of Extemporaneous Compounding in Australia: Changes and Developments in the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary
Authors: Kairuz Therése E , Laksmana Ihsan , Steadman Kathryn J 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary (APF) has diversified in content and grown in size. Change can be indicative of progress within, and influences on, a profession.AimTo determine variations to the formulary sections of the 22 editions of the APF (1902 to 2012) with respect to dosage forms, ingredients and compounding methods.MethodEach formula in the APF was entered into a customised Excel spreadsheet with descriptors including formula type, dosage form, active ingredient and route of administration. Data were analysed using features in Excel.ResultsA total of 1197 different formulae were identified in the 22 editions of the APF. The first edition consisted almost entirely of formulae (81% of the total number of pages) and this percentage decreased considerably to 3% to 5% in APFs published since 2002. The greatest number of formulae (n = 496) were included in 1934 (APF6), the edition which also had the greatest number of new formulae (n = 307). Most new formulae appeared for the first time between 1930 and 1964 (APF 5 to 9). A total of 47 different dosage forms were identified and the top 5 in descending order were mixtures (17%), solutions (8%), ointments (7%), eye drops (6%) and creams (5%). Most of the formulae contained in APF22 originated from APF9.ConclusionThe number of formulae has decreased in the APF over time, with recent deletions based on lack of safety and efficacy data or due to the availability of commercial products. There have been comparatively few alterations to the formulary section in the last decade.
Dispensing Practices of General Practitioners and Community Pharmacists in Malaysia–A Pilot Study
Authors: Alabid Alamin Hassan MA , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham M , Hassali Mohamed Azmi A 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn Malaysia, general practitioners (GPs) in private clinics are legally permitted to dispense medicines.AimTo compare the dispensing practices of community pharmacists and GPs in private clinics.MethodSimulated patients trained in common cold symptoms presented to GPs and community pharmacists in Penang, Malaysia. They observed their dispensing practices and recorded the number, category and cost of medicines dispensed and whether generic or brand name medicines were selected.ResultsBased on descriptive and inferential analyses, GPs dispensed more medicines (p < 0.001), more antibiotics (p = 0.001) and charged more than pharmacists (p < 0.001). From the 40 GP and 100 community pharmacist encounters, the mean number of medicines per encounter were 3.3 (± 0.9) and 2.6 (± 1.1) from clinics and pharmacies, respectively. Average medical costs were RM19.02 (± 5.70) at clinics versus RM14.35 (± 2.76) at pharmacies. Pharmacists (n = 11,11%) were more likely to promote brand name medicines than GPs (p = 0.014).ConclusionCommunity pharmacists dispensed fewer medicines and antibiotics and charged less than GPs to simulated patients presenting with common cold symptoms.
Management of Controlled Drug (Schedule 8) Liquid Discrepancies to Achieve Best Practice
Authors: Santoro Veronica A , Hilmi Samantha C , Hort Adam L , Jenkins Barry G 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTAimTo determine volume loss when Schedule 8 (S8) liquid medicines are measured during routine dispensing and checking processes.MethodA literature review and policy review of local, state and territory practices pertaining to S8 liquid medicines discrepancies was conducted, including measuring techniques, monitoring and reporting requirements. Hospital staff and manufacturers were surveyed to identify commonly used measuring techniques relevant to S8 liquid medicines. Subsequently, an experiment was conducted with 3 measuring techniques (bung, needle, cannula) to identify if measuring technique, S8 liquid viscosity, frequency of dispensing and duration of storage influence volume loss.ResultsPolicy review did not uncover substantial guidelines to inform practice. Survey findings demonstrated a lack of uniformity with the 3 commonly used measuring techniques. These 3 techniques were investigated. A bung with an oral syringe resulted in the least amount of loss independent of the frequency of dispensing or viscosity of the liquid measured; less than 1% of the liquid remained in the syringe after a dose was removed. Average discrepancy associated with this technique was 3.4% when the volume recorded in the S8 register was compared to the actual volume measured at each dispensing.ConclusionUnder laboratory conditions, volume loss through routine measurement and dosing of S8 liquid medicines was on average 3.4%. We recommend that a 4% discrepancy for S8 liquid medicines be included in institutional policies when utilising the bung and oral syringe technique.
Anticholinergic Burden Assessed Using General Practice Electronic Records
Authors: Ball Patrick A , Morrissey Hana , Pilotto Louis SJ 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTAimTo determine the anticholinergic burden (ACB) of an Australian primary care population.MethodA cross‐sectional study was undertaken of medication data from 11 general practices. Participants were active patients aged 65 years and over seen at least 3 times in the last 2 years (n = 4853). The ACB score was calculated based on a UK peer‐reviewed scoring system (Fox) and a modified scale (Fox‐plus) that included medications not present in the Fox scale. The main outcome measure was total ACB from prescribed medications.ResultsA Fox ACB score ≥ 4 is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, 249 (9%) females, 130 (6%) males and 379 (8%) overall fell in this category. Applying the Fox‐plus ACB scale, 983 (36%) females, 630 (30%) males and 1613 (33%) overall fell in this category.ConclusionA large proportion of the elderly population may have cognitive impairment because of their therapy. Alternative medications or strategies are needed to maintain therapeutic benefits with a low ACB.
Medicine Use among Older Australians Before and After Hip Fracture
Authors: Leach Michael J , Pratt Nicole L , Roughead Elizabeth E 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundHip fracture impacts on quality of life and may lead to premature death. In Australia, the extent of use of medicines that increase risk of falls or hip fracture in at‐risk older people is not known.AimTo determine the use of medicines associated with falls or hip fracture before hip fracture and whether medicine use changed after hip fracture.MethodData from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs healthcare claims database were used. The cohort included patients aged > 65 years who were hospitalised for hip fracture in 2009. Percentages of patients using medicines associated with falls or hip fracture were calculated in the 6 weeks before hospitalisation for hip fracture. McNemar's test was used to assess changes in medicines used before admission and after discharge from hospital.Results2235 patients with a median age of 87 years had hip fractures in 2009. At least 1 medicine that increases risk of falls or hip fracture was used by 84% of patients before admission. Of the drug classes that increase risk of falls or hip fracture, the 4 most commonly dispensed before admission were antihypertensives (63%), antidepressants (29%), benzodiazepines (26%) and opioids (19%). After discharge, the use of antipsychotics (p < 0.0001), opioids (p < 0.0001), benzodiazepines (p = 0.0009) and antidepressants (p = 0.01) increased significantly.ConclusionMost older patients used at least 1 medicine that increases the risk of falls or hip fracture before and after hip fracture. Antipsychotic, opioid, benzodiazepine and antidepressant use increased significantly after hospital discharge.
Octreotide Use in Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia
Authors: Lam Alice , Lam Skip SH , Chang Denis WH , Badov David 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundGastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) accounts for 4% of non‐variceal gastrointestinal bleeding. Argon Plasma Coagulation, an endoscopic therapy, is the treatment of choice, followed by medications and surgery. There is limited evidence for drug therapies, such as corticosteroids, hormones, tranexamic acid, thalidomide and octreotide, to treat GAVE.AimTo describe a case of octreotide use in GAVE.Clinical detailsA 78‐year‐old female with repeat gastrointestinal bleeds required frequent hospitalisation for investigations and blood and iron transfusions. She was eventually diagnosed with GAVE but multiple endoscopic treatments were ineffective. She was unsuitable for surgery because of her advanced age and comorbidities. She was initiated on octreotide 200 micrograms 3 times daily with ongoing maintenance on 100 micrograms 3 times daily.OutcomePrior to initiation of octreotide (June 2011 to May 2012), the patient was transfused with 53 units of blood, 5.9 g of iron and spent 151 days in hospital. Post initiation of octreotide (June 2012 to April 2013), she only required 13 units of blood, 1.9 g of iron and spent 38 days in hospital.ConclusionSuccessful use of octreotide in this patient with GAVE contributes to the limited available evidence.
Identifying Inappropriate Prescribing for Older People
Authors: Elliott Rohan A , Stehlik Paulina 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTOlder people are at risk of polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing and adverse drug reactions. Reasons include comorbidities, altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and limited evidence to guide drug therapy decisions, especially for people aged > 75 years. Tools to assist with identifying inappropriate prescribing for older people have been developed. The most well known is the Beers criteria, a list of medications that an expert panel agreed should usually be avoided. Criticism of the Beers criteria and limited applicability outside of North America, led to the development of other tools and a major revision of the Beers criteria in 2012. Since 2008, the Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions and the Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment have gained popularity. Australian indicators and electronic decision support systems have also been developed. This article provides an overview of the tools for identifying (and avoiding) inappropriate prescribing and their application in clinical practice and research.
Cloning and Genomic Characterization of a Natural Insecticidal Peptide LaIT1 with Unique DDH Structural Fold
Authors: Chen Jing , Xu Yue , San Mingkui , Cao Zhijian , Li Wenxin , Wu Yingliang , Chen Zongyun 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTTwo native peptides with disulfide‐directed hairpin (DDH) fold, LaIT1 and LITX, were recently isolated from scorpion venom, a development that offered insights into exploring the evolutionary linkage between DDH and inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides. In this work, we isolated and identified the full‐length cDNAs of LaTI1, a representative member with DDH fold, and further determined its complete gene structure. The precursor organization of LaIT1 is similar to that of ICK peptides. The LaIT1 gene contains four exons interrupted by three unique introns and differed from ICK peptides, suggesting divergent genomic organizations of DDH peptides and ICK peptides. Phylogenetic analysis further showed that the “simple” DDH peptide originates from the “complex” ICK peptide, rather than the reverse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the genomic organization of DDH‐fold peptides, and it presents new evidence of an evolutionary linkage between ICK and DDH peptides.
Microfluidic biocatalysis enhances the esterification of caffeic acid and methanol under continuous‐flow conditions
Authors: Wang Sha‐Sha , Li Zhong‐Jian , Sheng Sheng , Wu Fu‐An , Wang Jun 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundMethyl caffeate is an important intermediate for the synthesis of other caffeate esters, but its industrial production via enzymatic esterification in a batch reactor is hindered by a long reaction time (9 h). To develop a rapid process for the high‐yield production of methyl caffeate, a two‐piece continuous‐flow poly(dimethylsiloxane) microreactor with a sandwich‐like microchannel structure was designed for the esterification of caffeic acid and methanol catalyzed by Novozym 435 in [Bmim][Tf2N].RESULTSA maximum yield of 98.45% was achieved in a short period of time (2.5 h) in the microreactor at a flow rate of 2 µL min−1, and the reaction temperature was reduced from 75°C to 70°C compared with the batch reactor. The kinetic constants Km and Vm/Km(app) were 0.76 times lower and 282.08 times higher, respectively, than those in the batch reactor. Immobilized lipase could be reused at least 23 times without losing catalytic activity.CONCLUSIONThe use of a continuous‐flow packed‐bed enzyme microreactor is an efficient method to produce methyl caffeate. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigating the biometric and physicochemical characteristics of freshly harvested Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): a comparative approach
Authors: Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R , Bono Gioacchino 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe practicality of biometrics of seafood cannot be overemphasized, particularly for competent authorities of the shrimp industry. However, there is a paucity of relevant literature on the relationship between biometric and physicochemical indices of freshly harvested shrimp. This work therefore investigated the relationship between biometric (standard length (SL), total weight (TW) and condition factor (CF)) and physicochemical (moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, water activity, water retention index, colour values and fracturability) characteristics of freshly harvested Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) obtained from three different farms. The relationships between these parameters were determined using correlation and regression analyses.RESULTSNo significant correlation (P > 0.05) was found between the biometric and physicochemical indices of the sampled L. vannamei specimens. Possibly the lack of post‐mortem and physical change(s) at day of harvest together with the absence of temporal variable may have collectively limited the degree of any significant correlation between biometric and physicochemical data points measured in this study. Although the TWs of freshly harvested L. vannamei shrimp resembled (P > 0.05), SL and CF differed significantly (P < 0.05) with minimal explained variance. Moreover, some biometric and physicochemical variables were independently correlated (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONData indicated that no significant correlation existed between biometric and physicochemical characteristics of freshly harvested L. vannamei shrimp. Across the farms studied, however, the biometric data were comparable. To best knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the biometric and physicochemical properties of freshly harvested shrimp using a comparative approach, which is also applicable to other economically important aquaculture species. Overall, this work provides useful information for competent authorities/stakeholders of the fishery industry and serves as a baseline for preservative treatments. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical profile of major taste‐ and health‐related compounds of Oblačinska sour cherry
Authors: Alrgei Hassan Omran S , Dabić Dragana Č , Natić Maja M , Rakonjac Vera S , Milojković‐Opsenica Dušanka , Tešić Živoslav Lj , Fotirić Akšić Milica M 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDOblačinska sour cherry, an autochthonous cultivar, is the most planted cultivar in Serbian commercial orchards. Owing to its long cultivation under different agro‐ecological conditions, it is a mixture of different clones. To obtain comprehensive information on Oblačinska sour cherry fruit, the total carbohydrate composition, total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity and polyphenolic profiles of 39 clones were investigated.RESULTSFructose was found to be the dominant sugar, followed by glucose, sorbitol and sucrose. Rutin and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant polyphenols. Some clones contained pinobanksin, hesperetin and galangin, which, to best knowledge, is the first time these compounds have been reported in sour cherry fruit.CONCLUSIONThe data obtained showed huge variation within the germplasm studied, confirming the fact that Oblačinska sour cherry is not a cultivar but a population. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Topcoat‐Assisted Perpendicular and Straightly Parallel Coexisting Orientations of Block Copolymer Films
Authors: Jeong Jiyoung , Ha Jeong Sook , Lee Sang‐Soo , Son Jeong Gon 
Published: April 2015

Highly ordered perpendicular orientation and straightly parallel orientation coexisting polystyrene‐block‐polydimethylsiloxane (PS‐b‐PDMS) cylindrical microdomains with 10 nm width can be realized by using polyvinyl acetate as a partially dewetted topcoat and solvent annealing with acetone vapor. During solvent annealing, the swelled topcoat begins to dewet and the dewetting rim sweeps the surface of the block copolymer films to align the cylindrical microdomains with the direction of dewetting propagation. However, the wetted region of the topcoat/PS‐b‐PDMS film forms with a perpendicular orientation due to reduced surface tension and sufficient concentration gradient in the solvent evaporation step. The orientational changes (perpendicular/straightly parallel orientation) in the dewetted/wetted area are also investigated according to the vapor pressure of solvent annealing. The degree of directionality of the swept PS‐b‐PDMS films according to the distance from the dewetting front, which is equivalent with time after sweeping, is examined. To control the direction of dewetting and complex structures within a specific area, an imprinting process is introduced to form topographical line–space patterns in the topcoat and perpendicular/parallel orientation of BCP patterns in the line–space patterns, respectively.
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Risk of malignancy after augmentation cystoplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Biardeau Xavier , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Rouprêt Morgan , Phé Véronique 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo systematically evaluate the evidence regarding the risk of malignancy after augmentation cystoplasty.MethodA systematic review search was performed through Medline and Embase databases using the following key words: “cancer,” “malignant neoplasm,” “cystoplasty,” and “bladder augmentation” until November 2014. An article was considered relevant to this review if it focused on malignant tumors occurring after augmentation cystoplasty performed for benign bladder disease.ResultsAfter screening, 57 articles were included in the synthesis. The level of evidence was usually poor and results should be interpreted with caution. The follow‐up time probability to develop a malignant tumor(s) after augmentation cystoplasty ranged from 0–5.5% and estimated incidence ranged from 0 to 272.3 per 100,000 patients/year. Adenocarcinoma was the commonest histological type (51.6%). Malignant lesions predominantly occurred at the entero‐urinary anastomosis (50%). The mean latency period was 19 years and most malignant lesions were diagnosed more than 10 years after surgery (90%). Long‐term surveillance by cystoscopy is still controversial because of its lack of efficiency. Non‐invasive techniques have been proposed and need further evaluations. Tumors were often diagnosed at an advanced stage within surveillance protocols, because of urinary tract related symptoms (64.1%). The carcinogenesis pathway is still not clearly understood but several factors are involved.ConclusionAugmentation cystoplasty is associated with a risk of malignancy. Studies regarding carcinogenesis and surveillance strategies should be considered to develop a more efficient follow‐up protocol and allow early diagnosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:675–682, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.