bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development and validation of a screening tool for the identification of patients experiencing medication-related problems
Authors: Gordon Karen J , Smith Felicity J , Dhillon Soraya 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
Medication-related problems can adversely affect patients' health and treatment outcomes. While many authors have investigated the frequency of different types of medication-related problem, no studies have described the development and validation of a screening tool to identify patients who are experiencing medication-related problems. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a screening tool for the identification of patients experiencing medication-related problems.

Methods
Based on the literature, a screening tool was developed for this purpose. Patients prescribed a cardiovascular medicine, who were aged over 18 years, were recruited from four community pharmacies and five general practice surgeries in South London. Patients were interviewed with the screening tool in the pharmacies and surgeries. Subsequently in-depth interviews in patients' own homes were conducted to validate the findings and assess the effectiveness of the tool.

Key findings
Ninety-nine patients in the pharmacies and 122 in the surgeries were recruited and interviewed using the screening tool; 74 of these were identified with at least one medication-related problem. Seventy-eight participants (43 identified with at least one problem and 35 with no apparent problems) agreed to be interviewed in their own homes. In 83% of cases the screening tool correctly distinguished between patients with at least one medication-related problem and those identified with none. The screening tool was less likely than the home interview to pick up problems which required the patient to comment on the service of the surgery or pharmacy.

Conclusion
The screening tool could have a valuable role in identifying patients experiencing medication-related problems. Its focus on patients' perspectives is important in ensuring that service developments are responsive to the needs of consumers.
Professional ethics in pharmacy: the Australian experience
Authors: Chaar Betty , Brien Jo-anne , Krass Ines 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe profession of pharmacy has the unique characteristic of having both professional and business orientations. There is today, in addition to this unique characteristic, a strong shift in pharmacy towards more involvement in patient-centred health care, and increased emphasis on the patient's best interests and autonomy, within a framework of what is known as ‘bioethics’. With this shift of professional focus comes a heightened level of responsibility due to increased expectations of the patient and greater involvement in healthcare and decision making at a personal level with the patient. There is therefore inherent in this increased involvement an increased propensity for ethical problems to arise. The aim of this study is to investigate the application of ethical theory in the practice of pharmacy in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.MethodSemi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 practitioners. The content of transcribed interviews was qualitatively analysed for emerging themes. Themes were identified by the primary researcher and independently validated by the other investigators.Key findingsThe majority of pharmacists interviewed in NSW Australia practised within a theoretical framework of ‘best interests of the patient’. Pharmacists experienced dilemmas in practice involving a number of ethical principles. Pharmacists relied on common sense to circumvent such dilemmas and never referred to their professional code of ethics. There appeared to be a general lack of training, and a varying perception of difficulty with decision making, regarding ethical dilemmas encountered, depending on issues such as legal requirements, personal opinions or financial demands.ConclusionFindings of this study indicated primarily that pharmacists in Australia regard the ethical principle of ‘best interest’ of the patient as the fundamental framework within which they practice. Pharmacists experience ethical dilemmas in practice, predominantly in the community setting, relying on logical reasoning, practical skills and personal morals to manage the situation, rather than consulting with a code of ethics. Also of significance in this study was the finding that financial pressure had a strong negative impact on the decision making and application of ethical principles of younger pharmacists in practice.
Effect of reminder cards on compliance with antihypertensive medication
Authors: da Costa Filipa Alves , Guerreiro José Pedro , de Melo Magda Nunes , Miranda Ana da Costa , Martins Ana Paula , Garçāo José , Madureira Brenda 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
Poor compliance to antihypertensive medications has been identified as a primary cause of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), with consequent increases in hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. Therefore, any measure known to improve compliance should be encouraged. This study assessed the impact of reminder cards on compliance to antihypertensive therapy.

Method
A field trial was undertaken in pharmacies located in the districts of Lisbon and Porto. Eligible participants comprised those aged 30–74 years, prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) in monotherapy, and taken on a once-daily regimen. Patients were allocated to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG), the latter being provided with a reminder card, an alarm-type device due to remind the patient of the time to take his medication. Patients were monitored monthly during 3 months for compliance and blood pressure control.

Key findings
Seventy-one patients participated in the study (intervention: 35; control group: 36). Compliance was similar between the groups in the first 2 months of follow-up (97.1% IG vs 94.9% CG at first follow-up and 97.5% IG vs 94.2% CG at second follow-up) and higher in the intervention group at the end of the study (97.3% IG vs 87.3% CG; P = 0.011). There were no mean blood pressure differences between compliant and non-compliant subjects at the end of the study (P value for differences in systolic BP (Psyst) = 0.580; and P value for differences in diastolic BP (Pdlast) = 0.175).

Conclusion
This small-scale study indicates a possible positive impact on patients' compliance resulting from the use of reminder cards. However, this needs confirming in larger scale studies with longer monitoring periods.
Health promotion perceptions among community pharmacists in Nigeria
Authors: Oparah Azuka C , Okojie Obehi O 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the attitudes of Nigerian community pharmacists towards health promotion, to determine the importance pharmacists attach to health promotion behaviours and their perceived involvement in promoting them among their clients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in two Nigerian cities. Attitudes toward health promotion were assessed using a 24-item instrument. The importance pharmacists attach to healthy behaviours as well as their perceived involvement was assessed using a 23-item standard instrument. Interval data on questionnaire items were gathered on a Likert-type scale, and the demographic characteristics of the respondents were also profiled. Principal factor analysis employed Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalisation. Associations between demographic profile and responses were evaluated using Student's t test and one-way ANOVA.ResultsAbout 84% of the respondents indicated a favourable attitude towards health promotion. Nearly all the respondents (98%) were interested in health promotion services, and 94% indicated willingness to devote extra time to talk to patients. A majority (93%) reported willingness to retrain on health promotion. Lack of health promotion policy for pharmacists, and negative attitude towards the utilisation of pharmacy technicians were potential barriers. Pharmacists that were studied attached very high importance to 12 of the 23 widely advocated health promotion behaviours, and felt they should be very involved in seven of them. Medication-related counselling, use of condoms, and maintenance of blood pressure were perceived to be top priorities. Rating attitudinal scores, importance of healthy behaviours, and level of involvement were 94.07 ± 20.77, 99.22 ± 21.78, and 93.33 ± 24.01 respectively (range 23 to 115; midpoint 69). Perceived involvement had moderate correlation with the importance attached, r = 0.6488 (P = 0.0008).ConclusionThere is an indication that the Nigerian community pharmacists in this survey perceived an extended role in health promotion, especially medication-related activities. This is consistent with the philosophy of primary healthcare and pharmaceutical care.
Comparison of medication-prescribing patterns for patients in different social groups by a group of doctors in a general practice
Authors: Harding Jenifer Anne , McElnay James C 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
This study was designed to compare medication-prescribing patterns of five general practitioners (GPs) who served patients living in two different communities, one of which is more economically deprived.

Method
The study focused on cardiovascular and antibiotic prescribing. Practice population data including history of cardiovascular disease and records of medication prescribed were considered with public health and socio-economic statistics for each community.

Setting
The study practice serves 8300 patients in two clinics, Tipton and Gornal, 4 miles apart. Each has similar numbers of registered patients. Tipton is in one of England's most deprived areas, ranked 16 out of 354 in the Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2004, compared with Gornal which is situated in an area ranked 109.

Key findings
For each Tipton patient, mean prescribing costs were 37% higher and mean number of prescription items were 16% higher over the study period compared with Gornal. Although a higher incidence might be expected in Tipton, little difference in identified cardiovascular disease (CVD) was found between Tipton and Gornal, and prescribing rates of aspirin and statins were similar. Tipton patients with CVD were less likely to be prescribed antihypertensives especially calcium channel blockers (P = 0.003) and diuretics (P = 0.02). Tipton patients received on average 3.27 different cardiovascular drugs compared with 3.80 in Gornal (P = 0.004). In those aged 65 years and over, this reduced to 3.08 in Tipton compared with 3.82 in Gornal (P = 0.001). Tipton patients generally, and children specifically, were significantly more likely to receive antibiotic prescriptions (P &lt;0.0001).

Conclusion
This study suggested that some prescribing patterns differed at the two clinics, which may reflect different behaviours by the GPs when prescribing in the two communities of different population need.
Generic medicines: perceptions of consumers in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Kong David C M , Stewart Kay 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore consumers' perceptions and opinions of generic medicines and to identify barriers to their use of generic medicines.MethodA qualitative approach was used. A purposive sample of consumers, aged 22–80 years, living in the Melbourne, Australia, metropolitan area were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide.Key findingsSixteen consumers were interviewed. Thematic content analysis of the interviews identified four major themes: knowledge about generic medicines, acceptance of generics, non-acceptance of generics, and education needs pertaining to generic medicine use. In terms of knowledge, some consumers were not familiar with the term ‘generic medicines’, but were more familiar with the term ‘cheaper brand of medicine’. The major reason for acceptance of generic medicines among the consumers interviewed was cost. Positive encouragement from the healthcare providers was seen to influence generic medicine uptake by consumers. The major barriers to acceptance included influence from medical practitioners, side-effects from generic brands, and confusion that may arise from using different brands. To encourage future uptake of generics by consumers, some of the respondents recommended that education strategies be implemented by healthcare practitioners and governmental agencies to educate people on the safety and efficacy of generic medicines.ConclusionsThis study indicated that consumers interviewed generally had positive attitudes towards the use of generic medicines. The findings also suggest that direct patient education by the healthcare providers on issues relating to safety and efficacy of generic medicines could further enhance their uptake.
New Zealand pharmacy students' knowledge of health, healthcare and medicines issues in developing countries
Authors: Norris Pauline , Woodhouse Amy , Woods David 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to assess students' knowledge of health, healthcare and medicines in developing countries, as a first step toward developing appropriate teaching materials on these topics. Setting School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Method
A questionnaire was administered to second and third year pharmacy students at the University of Otago, in class time.

Key findings
Two hundred and three students completed the questionnaire (83% of 245). Students showed awareness of the nature of health problems in developing countries, though they tended to significantly underestimate the extent of these problems, and the extent of differences in life expectancy between the richest and poorest nations. Their knowledge and understanding of medicines issues was variable: 87% correctly indicated that oral rehydration in childhood diarrhoea would save many lives, but nearly half the students did not know that antibiotics could be purchased without a prescription in many developing countries, or thought that they could not. Students indicated considerable interest in working as a pharmacist in a developing country in the future, and in taking courses in international healthcare. New Zealand students tended to exhibit better knowledge of the development level of selected countries, and the extent of significant health problems, but less knowledge of medicines-related issues, and some more negative views of people in developing countries than students from outside New Zealand.

Conclusion
Students show interest in learning and working in developing countries, but there are gaps in their knowledge about health, healthcare and pharmacy in those countries. Stimulating student's interest and awareness of developing countries may contribute towards addressing the health professional ‘brain drain’ from developing to developed countries.
Primary care pharmacist workforce mobility: why do pharmacists want to work in primary care and how do these reasons differ for community and hospital pharmacists?
Authors: Mullen Rachel , Hassell Karen , Noyce Peter 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to describe the migratory and working patterns of primary care pharmacists, to explore the reasons pharmacists changed jobs, and in particular to ascertain from which sector pharmacists moved into primary care.

Method
A self-completion postal questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data on current post and working practices and reasons for movement into the primary care sector, and semi-structured interviews to explore in more depth reasons for movement across sectors. Setting Primary care pharmacists in England in 2001.

Key findings
Just over half (52%) of the sample worked exclusively in primary care, having most likely left a post in hospital pharmacy, while almost half (48%) of the sample adopted a ‘portfolio’ pattern of working, where the primary care pharmacists have more than one job. This is most likely to be a locum position in community pharmacy. Pharmacists in this study were mostly attracted into primary care because they wanted to undertake more interesting work, make better use of their knowledge and get involved with the primary healthcare team. They left their previous place of work because they needed a change. The importance primary care pharmacists gave to each of these reasons differed, depending on the sector of employment they had left or continued to work in.

Conclusion
As a sector of practice, primary care is drawing pharmacists from both the community and hospital sectors of the profession. However, the impact on the hospital sector is more marked as pharmacists are leaving this sector completely, while primary care pharmacists are more likely to maintain their practice commitments in the much larger community sector.
Scottish community pharmacists' current involvement in and attitudes towards ‘extended service’ provision: a national survey
Authors: Inch Jackie , Bond Christine M , Lee Amanda J , Scott Anthony , Grant Aileen M 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Objective
To determine Scottish community pharmacists' present involvement with ‘extended’ service provision, as outlined in ‘The right medicine’ policy document, as well as an insight into the attitudes of pharmacists in delivering such services.

Setting
All community pharmacists working in Scotland.

Method
A questionnaire was developed, piloted and refined before mailing to all community pharmacists working in Scotland (n = 1621). Two reminders were sent to non-responders. Data on current service provision was analysed using SPSS version 11 for windows.

Key findings
An overall response rate of 56.4% (914/1621) was achieved for pharmacists. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the ‘key service areas’ being provided from community pharmacies. Some services were obviously agreed with more than others. In particular repeat dispensing and emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) were rated highly. Least agreement was provided for needle exchange and schemes for supporting carers.

Conclusion
There appears to be wide variation in current service provision in the ‘key service areas’ considered. The highest involvement included EHC and methadone supervision. The lowest involvement was for needle exchange and schemes for supporting carers. Community pharmacist's attitudinal ratings were generally positive towards the ‘key service areas’ suggested.
Synthesis of CdxZn1−xS Nanoparticles in Porous Vycol Glass by Reaction of Single-source Precursors
Authors: Wada Yuji , Niinobe Daisuke , Kaneko Masahiro , Tsukahara Yasunori 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
CdxZn1−xS nanoparticles incorporated in a nanoporous Vycor glass (PVG) were fabricated by incorporating and decomposing bis(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamato)cadmium and bis(N,N-dibutyldithiocarbamato)zinc sequentially. Fabrication of the alloy compound was confirmed by the shift in the X-ray diffraction pattern with respect to those of pure CdS and ZnS.
Selenium Distribution in Human Soft Tissue Determined by Using X-ray Scanning Analytical Microscope and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Analysis
Authors: Uo Motohiro , Asakura Kiyotaka , Kohgo Takao , Watari Fumio 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Se localilzation in the human oral mucosae which contain dental amalgam or dental silver alloy particles was analyzed by X-ray scanning analytical microscopy (XSAM). Se distribution was visualized, and the localization in the neighbor of amalgam or silver particles was confirmed. The chemical state of Se was analyzed by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. Se was estimated as the low valency state. The possibility of using XSAM and XAFS for the analysis of the distribution and chemical state of rarely contained elements in biological tissue was suggested.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Property of Manganese(II) Complex of 1,2-closo-Carboranyl Biradical with S = 3/2 Ground State
Authors: Iwahori Fumiyasu , Matsumura Kazunari , Yamashita Masahiro , Abe Jiro 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Three-spin magnetic cluster consists of manganese(II) and ortho-carboranyl biradical OCB-BNN have been synthesized and characterized as the first example of the carborane containing paramagnetic complex. The crystal structure of discrete 1:1 complex Mn(hfac)2·OCB-BNN was unambiguously determined. In the crystal structure, OCB-BNN behaves as the molecular tweezers that bind to manganese(II) ion. The strong antiferromagnetic interaction (J/kB = −181(2) K) was found between nitronyl nitroxides and manganese(II) ion.
Tuning the Emission Color of Heavy Metal Complexes by Altering the Ligation of Metal with Carbon of Carbazole Unit
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Yang Chuluo , Chen Liang , Zhang Kai , Qin Jingui 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Four novel carbazole-based Ir(III) and Pt(II) complexes exhibiting emission from blue-green to red have been synthesized and characterized. The prominent tuning of emission color has been achieved by altering the ligation of metal with carbon atom at 2 or 3 position of carbazole unit.
Near-field Imaging of Surface-enhanced Raman Active Sites in Aggregated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Imura Kohei , Okamoto Hiromi , Hossain Mohammad K , Kitajima Masahiro 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
We observed near-field images of aggregates of gold nanospheres, by detecting TPI-PL from gold and Raman scattering from Rhodamine 6G adsorbed on the nanoparticles. The results were analyzed in relation to the localized Raman active site (hot spot) of surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
Photodimerization of Anthryl Moieties in a Poly(methacrylic acid) Derivative as Reversible Cross-linking Step in Molecular Imprinting
Authors: Matsui Jun , Ochi Yoshifumi , Tamaki Katsuyuki 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
A methodology for reversible molecular imprinting is presented. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is prepared by photo-cross-linking poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) with anthryl moieties as photo-cross-linking sites in the presence of an antimalarial drug cinchonidine as a template molecule, resulting in enhanced binding capacity to cinchonidine, compared with non-imprinted polymers. MIP is then “initialized” by exposure to shortwave UV that cleaves the anthracene-dimer-based cross-links, resulting in the reduced binding capacity comparable to the non-imprinted polymers.
Click Chemistry on Curdlan: A Regioselective and Quantitative Approach to Develop Artificial β-1,3-Glucans with Various Functional Appendages
Authors: Hasegawa Teruaki , Umeda Mariko , Numata Munenori , Fujisawa Tomohisa , Haraguchi Shuichi , Sakurai Kazuo , Shinkai Seiji 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
β-1,3-Glucans having various functional appendages (lactoside, ferrocene, pyrene, etc.) can be prepared in an convenient, quantitative, and regioselective manner through chemo-selective [3 + 2]-cycloadditions between 6-azido-6-deoxy-curdlan and various functional modules with a terminal alkyne.
Efficient Synthesis of a Group of Saponins via Orthogonal Protection–Deprotection Glycosylation
Authors: Hou Shujie , Zou Chuanchun , Zhou Liang , Lei Pingsheng , Yu Dequan 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
One new building block of tigogenyl glycoside with orthogonal protective groups has been efficiently synthesized. Using the building block as the key synthon, a small library of saponins with branched sugar moieties was built in an efficient way.
Rapid Entry to 1,4-Diazepane-2,5-dione from β-Amino Acids
Authors: Sathe Manisha , Ghorpode Ramarao , Kaushik Mahabir Parshad 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
A versatile method for the synthesis of conformationally constrained 1,4-diazepane-2,5-dione from β-amino acids is described. These heterocyclic compounds will be useful as a new platform for the synthesis of conformationally constraint peptidomimetics.