bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the use of simulated patients and pharmacy practice research
Authors: Watson M C , Norris P , Granas A G 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Objective
The use of simulated patients to assess current practice, or to derive outcome measures for pharmacy practice research, has received much attention in recent years. A simulated patient is an individual who is trained to visit a pharmacy to enact a scenario testing specific behaviour of the pharmacist or pharmacy staff. The aim of this study was to provide a definitive review of the use of simulated patients as a methodological tool for pharmacy practice research.

Method
A systematic review was undertaken to identify all pharmacy practice studies that had used simulated patient methodology. The electronic databases searched to identify relevant studies were MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. Articles fulfilling all the following criteria were considered for inclusion in the review: primary reports of trials conducted in community pharmacy and drug store settings which used simulated patients to derive outcome measures. The review was not restricted by language or by country. The review was restricted to publications from 1976 to May 2005.

Key findings
In total, 56 full publications were retrieved for further examination, of which 46 studies were included in the review, including: nine randomised controlled trials, three controlled trials, 30 cross-sectional, two time-series and two ‘other’ studies. Ten publications were excluded: seven reviews, one laboratory-based study, one telephone survey and one study presented only as an abstract.

Conclusions
There has been steady growth in the use of simulated patient methodology over the past 30 years. Although simulated patients have received negative attention in the pharmaceutical media, they can be a rigorous and robust method of measuring practice if used appropriately. This review demonstrates the range of activities for which this method can be used, including the assessment of counselling and advice provision, the treatment of minor and major illness, and the assessment of the public health activities of pharmacy and drug store staff. Simulated patient methodology has been used in developing countries to a similar, if not greater extent, than the developed world, demonstrating its versatility and applicability to pharmacy practice research globally.
A review of pharmaceutical scheduling processes in six countries and the effect on consumer access to medicines
Authors: Gilbert Andrew , Rao Deepa , Quintrell Neil 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Objective
This analysis determined and compared pharmaceutical scheduling arrangements in six selected countries and explored how these different scheduling arrangements affect the availability of medicines to the public for self-medication.

Method
A comparison of the pharmaceutical scheduling requirements for medicines in six countries was undertaken in September 2003. The six countries of comparison were Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand (NZ), the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (UK). The World Self-Medication Industry website, in September 2003, listed 216 medicines available in 27 countries. Of these, 104 medicines were available in each of the six countries selected for the study. As different scheduling arrangements pertain to different forms (external, internal) or doses and pack sizes, the total number of medicines and medicine forms for comparison was 119. The scheduling of each of the 119 products was determined and compared across the six countries.

Results
Of the 119 medicines and medicine forms available, Australia and NZ have 38 and 34 ‘prescription-only’ medicines and 81 and 85 medicines available without a prescription respectively. UK, Canada and France have 47, 53, and 55 ‘prescription-only’ medicines and 72, 66 and 64 medicines available without a prescription. US, which has only two schedules, ‘prescription-only’ and ‘general sale’, has the highest number of ‘prescription-only’ drugs (66) and the least number of medicines available without a prescription (53).

Conclusion
The results indicate that there is a tendency for more products to be made available without a prescription in countries that have schedules with pharmacy involvement (Australia, NZ, Canada, France and UK) and a matching tendency for preparations to be held in ‘prescription-only’ schedules in the USA where ‘pharmacy-only’ schedules do not exist. The presence of ‘pharmacy-only’ schedules provides a structure whereby greater consumer access to medication is available.
Facile Synthesis of Alkenylsilanes from Organic Halides and Vinylsilanes in the Presence of Triethylamine and Palladium Catalysts
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Roan Bella L , Tanaka Masato 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Organic halides such as PhI, ArBr, and β-bromostyrene reacted with di- or monochlorovinylsilanes or triethoxyvinylsilane in the presence of triethylamine and palladium catalysts to give β-substituted vinylsilanes in excellent to moderate yields.
Decomposition of Freon-12 and Methyl Chloride over Supported Gold Catalysts
Authors: Aida Takashi , Higuchi Reiji , Niiyama Hiroo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Decomposition of Freon-12 (CCl2F2) and methyl chloride (CH3Cl) over gold catalysts were studied. Au/Co3O4 showed a high activity for CH3Cl but a lesser activity for CCl2F2 while Au/Al2O3 showed moderate activities for the both reactants. The first step of the reactions over Au/Al2O3 was considered as substitution of Cl by surface OH group on support surface.
Selective Coupling of Non-Activated Olefins with Ethyl Cyanoacetate by Mn3+-Mediated Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Shundo Ryushi , Nishiguchi Ikuzo , Matsubara Yoshiharu , Hirashima Tsuneaki 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Novel carbon-carbon bond formation of non-activated olefins with ethyl cyanoacetate has been developed by anodic oxidation using only a small amount of Mn(OAc)2·4H2O to give selectively either saturated or unsaturated coupling products depending upon the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)2·H2O.
Genital syndromes and syndromic management of vaginal discharge in a community setting
Authors: George R , Thomas K , Thyagarajan S P , Jeyaseelan L , Peedicayil A , Jeyaseelan V ,   George S and the STD Study Group
Published: May 2006

The objective of the study was to determine the community prevalence of genital syndromes in women and evaluate the syndromic management of vaginal discharge in this setting. A representative sample for the state of Tamilnadu was chosen using probability proportional to size cluster technique. Thirty clusters were selected from three districts. Demographic, sexual behaviour, risk factors, clinical and laboratory data were collected from the selected population using a structured questionnaire. Direct smear examination for Trichomonas vaginalis, culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus ducreyi, serological tests for syphilis (RPR and TPHA), hepatitis B (Hbs Ag ELISA), IgM and IgG antibodies to HSV2 (Novum diagnostics, Germany) and PCR test for detection of C. trachomatis from urine were done. There were 1157 women in the selected population. On examination, vaginal discharge was the most common genital syndrome (38.4%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of vaginal discharge as a marker for STD in women was found to be 43.3%, 61.6%, 10.7% and 91.1%, respectively. We concluded that treatment on the basis of syndromic management would result in over-treatment of 90% of women with vaginal discharge.
Quality of primary care for sexually transmitted diseases in Durban, South Africa: influences of patient, nurse, organizational and socioeconomic characteristics
Authors: Bachmann M O , Colvin M S E , Nsibande D , Connolly C , Curtis B 
Published: May 2006

Quality of sexually transmitted disease (STD) primary care in South Africa varies widely but reasons for this are poorly understood. We investigated 37 randomly sampled clinics providing STD care, with simulated patients, and staff interviews and record review. Census data provided local socioeconomic indicators. Multiple regression identified independent predictors of quality. Of 271 simulated patient visits, 79% were correctly treated and 39% were correctly managed. Women received worse care, and care tended to be poorer in mainly African and mainly coloured (mixed race) areas. African and Indian nurses were more likely to provide correct treatment. Previous STD training was marginally associated with correct treatment. Quality assessments using simulated patients were not generally associated with assessments using staff interviews and record review. There were frequent missed opportunities for STD prevention and treatment, and evidence of racial but not socioeconomic inequalities.
Interprofessional collaboration in the hospital: strategies and meanings
Authors: Reeves Scott , Lewin Simon 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: Interprofessional collaboration is widely advocated in health and social care policies. However, existing research provides a relatively poor understanding of how professionals collaborate or the meanings they attach to their collaborative work. This paper aims to contribute to understanding of this activity by providing an in-depth account of interprofessional collaboration on medical wards in a large teaching hospital. Methods: Ethnographic methods were used, including individual and group interviews with health and social care staff (i.e. doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers; n = 49) and participant observations of ward-based work. Results: The organisation of medical teams, who cared for patients across a number of wards, and the task-oriented nature of medical work, limited opportunities for collaboration with other professionals (e.g. nurses, therapists) who were usually based on a single ward. Consequently, collaboration tended to be task-based, terse and formalistic. Staff employed a range of informal and formal communication strategies to overcome these constraints. Professionals also gave contrasting accounts of collaboration: doctors viewed collaboration primarily as an activity involving work with their medical colleagues, whereas other professionals saw it more as an interprofessional activity. Conclusions: Temporospatial constraints and contrasting notions of 'collaboration' are important factors in shaping the nature of interprofessional collaboration. Policies that promote this activity cannot assume that shared understanding of collaboration exists. They also need to be mindful of the practical constraints that affect collaboration in hospital wards.
Will it make a difference if I show up and share? A citizens' perspective on improving public involvement processes for health system decision-making
Authors: Abelson Julia , Forest Pierre-Gerlier , Eyles John , Casebeer Ann , Mackean Gail ,   The Effective Public Consultation Project Team
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Health policy decision-makers are grappling with increasingly complex and ethically controversial decisions at a time when citizens are demanding more involvement in these decision processes. Objectives: To assess and revise a set of guiding principles for the design of public involvement processes generated from a synthesis of public participation design and evaluation frameworks that can be used to inform the design and evaluation of future public participation processes in the health sector. Methods: Six focus groups held in five Canadian provinces comprising citizens with considerable experience of public participation processes. Results and discussion: Our findings suggest that citizen participants are highly critical of, and discerning about, their public participation experiences. Yet, they are optimistic and determined to contribute in meaningful ways to future public policy processes. They are clear about where improvements are needed and give top priority to what information is shared, and how, among participants and decision-makers. The views of experienced citizens mapped well onto most of the prior principles of public involvement with a few modifications. First, participants gave greater emphasis to the content and balance of information for the purposes of building trust and credibility between citizens and decision-makers. Second, participants viewed themselves, as well as decision-makers, as sources of information to be shared through the consultation process. Finally, participants stressed the importance of getting the information and communication principles right over addressing all other principles.
Do different types of nurses give different triage decisions in NHS Direct? A mixed methods study
Authors: O'Cathain Alicia , Nicholl Jon , Sampson Fiona , Walters Stephen , McDonnell Ann , Munro James 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: To determine whether nurses with different clinical backgrounds make different triage decisions in NHS Direct, the 24-hour telephone helpline staffed by nurses. Methods: Mixed methods including semistructured interviews with 24 nurses and a multilevel analysis of 60 794 calls triaged by 296 nurses. Results: Nurse accounts helped to identify nurse characteristics that might affect decision-making. The proportion of calls triaged to self-care was 40% (24 049/60 794), varying by individual nurse from a 10th centile of 22% to a 90th centile of 60%, after adjustment for the age and sex of the patient and the time of the call. Variability was partly explained by the length of clinical experience of nurses and the type of software used: nurses with more than 20 years clinical experience were more likely to triage callers to self-care than those with less than ten years experience (42% versus 36%, respectively; odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.13, 1.78). Proportions triaged to self-care differed by the type of clinical decision support software used: 31%, 37% and 44%. There was no evidence that the clinical background of nurses (hospital or community), their length of experience in NHS Direct, the range of their experience, or their gender affected triage decisions. Interviews identified that nursing characteristics affected individual nurses in different ways and helped to generate a hypothesis for future research – that individual nurses' approaches to risk may influence triage decisions. Conclusion: There is no likely benefit in narrowing nurse recruitment to particular clinical backgrounds. The appropriateness of triage decisions still needs to be evaluated.
Average-Case and Smoothed Competitive Analysis of the Multilevel Feedback Algorithm
Authors: Becchetti Luca , Leonardi Stefano , Marchetti-Spaccamela Alberto , Schäfer Guido , Vredeveld Tjark 
Published: May 2006

In this paper, we introduce the notion of smoothed competitive analysis of online algorithms. Smoothed analysis has been proposed by Spielman and Teng [25] to explain the behavior of algorithms that work well in practice while performing very poorly from a worst-case analysis point of view. We apply this notion to analyze the multilevel feedback algorithm (MLF) to minimize the total flow time on a sequence of jobs released over time when the processing time of a job is only known at time of completion.The initial processing times are integers in the range [1, 2K]. We use a partial bit randomization model, i.e., the initial processing times are smoothed by changing the k least significant bits under a quite general class of probability distributions. We show that MLF admits a smoothed competitive ratio of O((2k/σ)3+ (2k/σ)22K-k), where σ denotes the standard deviation of the distribution. In particular, we obtain a competitive ratio of O(2K-k) if σ = Θ(2k). We also prove an Ω(2K-k) lower bound for any deterministic algorithm that is run on processing times smoothed according to the partial bit randomization model. For various other smoothing models, including the additive symmetric smoothing one, which is a variant of the model used by Spielman and Teng [25], we give a higher lower bound of Ω(2K).A direct consequence of our result is also the first average-case analysis of MLF. We show a constant expected ratio of the total flow time of MLF to the optimum under several distributions including the uniform one.
Role of Genetic Polymorphism Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ2 Pro12Ala on Ethnic Susceptibility to Diabetes in South-Asian and Caucasian Subjects
Authors: Radha Venkatesan , Vimaleswaran Karani S. , Babu Hunsur Narayan S. , Abate Nicola , Chandalia Manisha , Satija Pankaj , Grundy Scott M. , Ghosh Saurabh , Majumder Partha P. , Deepa Raj , Rao Sathyanarayana M.R. , Mohan Viswanathan 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To determine whether the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ Pro12ala polymorphism modulates susceptibility to diabetes in South Asians.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—South Asians (n = 697) and Caucasians (n = 457) living in Dallas/Forth Worth, Texas, and South Asians living in Chennai, India (n = 1,619), were enrolled for this study. PPAR-γ Pro12Ala was determined using restriction fragment–length polymorphism. Insulin responsiveness to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was measured in nondiabetic subjects.
RESULTS—The Caucasian diabetic subjects had significantly lower prevalence of PPAR-γ 12Ala when compared with the Caucasian nondiabetic subjects (20 vs. 9%, P = 0.006). However, there were no significant differences between diabetic and nondiabetic subjects with reference to the Pro12Ala polymorphism among the South Asians living in Dallas (20 vs. 23%) and in India (19 vs. 19.3%). Although Caucasians carrying PPAR-γ Pro12Ala had lower plasma insulin levels at 2 h of OGTT than the wild-type (Pro/Pro) carriers (76 ± 68 and 54 ± 33 μU/ml, respectively, P = 0.01), no differences in either fasting or 2-h plasma insulin concentrations were found between South Asians carrying the PPAR-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism and those with the wild-type genotype at either Chennai or Dallas.
CONCLUSIONS—Although further replication studies are necessary to test the validity of the described genotype-phenotype relationship, our study supports the hypothesis that the PPAR-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism is protective against diabetes in Caucasians but not in South Asians.
Parent Perceptions of Caring for Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mulvaney Shelagh A. , Schlundt David G. , Mudasiru Eniola , Fleming Mary , Vander Woude Ann M. , Russell William E. , Elasy Tom A. , Rothman Russell 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—No studies have been performed to examine parent perceptions of caring for adolescents with type 2 diabetes. In this qualitative study, we examined parent perceptions of barriers and strategies to address barriers to self-care in adolescents with type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Families of adolescents with type 2 diabetes were recruited from a pediatric diabetes clinic. Focus groups were used to elicit parent experiences and perceptions of diabetes management of their adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Questions concerning barriers to self-care behaviors were asked by trained group facilitators. Transcripts were coded into themes by three reviewers. Qualitative analyses were conducted using NVIVO software.
RESULTS—Between 2003 and 2005, six focus groups were conducted with a total of 27 parents or guardians. Parents identified many barriers to and practical strategies for positive adolescent self-management. Five domains that influence self-management were identified: the role of others with diabetes, parenting skills, perceived lack of normalcy, environment, and adolescent development. Parents identified many barriers to dietary and exercise habits that were unique to the circumstances of adolescents with type 2 diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS—Parents identified many barriers to self-management that may be unique to adolescents with type 2 diabetes. The importance of others and environmental influences in the self-management behavior of adolescents with type 2 was evident. Interventions that are designed to improve self-management should include components that address multiple influences such as peers, school professionals, parents, siblings, and/or family systems.
A Clinical Screening Tool Identifies Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Authors: Fourlanos Spiros , Perry Christine , Stein Mark S. , Stankovich Jim , Harrison Leonard C. , Colman Peter G. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is defined as adult-onset diabetes with circulating islet antibodies but not requiring insulin therapy initially. Diagnosing LADA has treatment implications because of the high risk of progression to insulin dependency. Currently, there are no recommendations for islet antibody testing in adult-onset diabetes. In this study, we aimed to develop a clinical screening tool to identify adults at high risk of LADA who require islet antibody testing.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Subjects with LADA (n = 102, GAD antibody [GADA]+) and type 2 diabetes (n = 111, GADA−) (aged 30–75 years) were interviewed retrospectively. The clinical features documented were age of onset, acute symptoms of hyperglycemia, BMI, and personal and family history of autoimmune disease. Any clinical feature that was significantly more frequent in LADA was designated as a distinguishing clinical feature. In each subject, a “LADA clinical risk score,” based on the total number of distinguishing features, was calculated. A prospective study of adults with newly diagnosed diabetes (n = 130) was used to determine whether the LADA clinical risk score could identify LADA.
RESULTS—In the retrospective study, five clinical features were more frequent in LADA compared with type 2 diabetes at diagnosis: 1) age of onset &lt;50 years (P &lt; 0.0001), 2) acute symptoms (P &lt; 0.0001), 3) BMI &lt;25 kg/m2 (P = 0.0004), 4) personal history of autoimmune disease (P = 0.011), and 5) family history of autoimmune disease (P = 0.024). In the prospective study, the presence of at least two of these distinguishing clinical features (LADA clinical risk score ≥2) had a 90% sensitivity and 71% specificity for identifying LADA and a negative predictive value for a LADA clinical risk score ≤1 of 99%.
CONCLUSIONS—At least two distinguishing clinical features are found in a majority of patients with LADA at diagnosis and can be used to identify adults with diabetes at higher risk for LADA.