Search

ABCG2 transporter protein is one of several markers of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). Gene variants of ABCG2 could affect protein expression, function, or both. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic variability of the ABCG2 gene in Mexican patients with prostate cancer. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was obtained from peripheral blood samples of 32 Mexican patients with prostate cancer. ABCG2 gene was sequenced. The electropherograms were analyzed using mutation surveyor DNA mutation analysis software (Softgenetics). The ABCG2 gene sequence revealed the presence of 22 variants: 19 previously described and three previously undescribed gene variants as part of the ABCG2 gene variability in the Mexican mestizo population (R263K G>A, R378K G>A, and Q531Q G>A). No ABCG2 variant was identified in one patient, but 1 to 12 variants were identified in the remaining 31 patients. The transition G>A was the most frequently found substitution. The largest number of ABCG2 variants was located in exon 9, and at least one of them was present in 28 of the 31 subjects in the Mexican population. The individual genetic variability of ABCG2 should be analyzed, considering its possible usefulness in personalized medicine in patients with prostate cancer.

The aim of this study was investigating the biological diversity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Chilean grapes and identifying potential candidates for use as malolactic fermentation starter cultures. The isolated bacteria underwent a comprehensive six-stage screening process, which was mutually exclusive except for the evaluation of tyramine production and citric acid intake. This process included morphological, metabolic, fermentation yield, and resistance tests to identify promising malolactic strains. Morphological assessments led to the selection of 23 isolates, which were genetically identified as Levilactobacillus brevis (65% abundance) and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (35% abundance). Among these, eight strains exhibited low sugar metabolism rates, while three demonstrated competitive growth and malolactic activity in a synthetic medium containing 10% ethanol, outperforming a commercial strain. Low consumption was observed in the qualitative citric acid intake test, whereas a positive response was noted for tyramine production. At the conclusion of the sequential selection criteria, Levilactobacillus brevis BCV-46 exhibited the most favorable characteristics for potential use as a malolactic starter culture, successfully withstanding the combined stress factors of ethanol, pH, and SO 2 .

AbstractPollen grains from different plants potentially compete for ovule access because flowers produce many more pollen grains than ovules. Pollen competition could occur on pollinators, where there is finite space for pollen placement. Here, we explore the explosive pollen deposition in Hypenia macrantha (Lamiaceae, a perennial flowering plant native to South America that is frequently visited by hummingbirds) and determine whether it can improve male performance by reducing pollen loads deposited by previously visited flowers. Through the simulation of floral visits utilizing a hummingbird skull, we showed that explosive pollen deposition by untriggered flowers dislodges almost twice as many pollen grains as already-triggered flowers. In addition, pollen removal increases with the amount of deposited pollen by the floral explosion, suggesting that the precision or the explosive force of pollen deposition plays a pivotal role in this pollen removal process. These results suggest that explosive pollen placement, a mechanism that has evolved in many unrelated angiosperm clades, may confer a prepollination male competition advantage to plants.

Plastic food packaging causes massive pollution in the environment via resource extraction, gas emissions, and the enduring plastic waste accumulation. Hence, it is of crucial importance to discover sustainable alternatives in order to protect ecosystems and conserve precious resources. Recently, seaweed has been emerging as a promising sustainable solution to plastic pollution. Seaweed is a fast-growing marine plant that is abundant in tropical coastlines and requires minimal resources to cultivate. In addition, seaweed is rich in valuable polysaccharides such as alginate, fucoidan, carrageenan, agar, and ulva, which can be extracted and processed into biodegradable films, coatings, and wraps. This ability allows the creation of an alternative to plastic food packages that are completely biodegradable, made from renewable resources, and do not linger in landfills or oceans for centuries. In this context, this review discusses the main classification of seaweed, their production and abundance in the world, and provides a summary of seaweed-based materials developed in the last 2-5 years for potential usage in the food packaging sector.

Recent attention has been given to animal feeding and its impact on human nutrition. Animal feeding is essential for meeting human dietary needs, making it a subject of significant interest and investigation. This review seeks to outline the current understanding of this disciplinary area, with a focus on key research areas and their potential implications. The initial part of the paper discusses the importance of animal feed resources and recognizes their crucial role in guaranteeing sufficient nutrition for both humans and animals. Furthermore, we analyzed the categorization of animal feeds based on the guidelines established by the National Research Council. This approach offers a valuable structure for comprehending and classifying diverse types of animal feed. Through an examination of this classification, we gain an understanding of the composition and nutritional content of various feedstuffs. We discuss the major categories of metabolites found in animal feed and their impact on animal nutrition, as well as their potential health advantages for humans. Flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, terpenoids, vitamins, antioxidants, alkaloids, and essential oils are the primary focus of the examination. Moreover, we analyzed their possible transference into animal products, and later we observed their occurrence in foods from animal sources. Finally, we discuss their potential to promote human health. This review offers an understanding of the connections among the major metabolites found in feedstuffs, their occurrence in animal products, and their possible impact on the health of both animals and humans.

The relevance of science diplomacy and open science in today's world is undeniable. Science diplomacy enables countries to jointly address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and food security. Open science, promoting accessible and transparent research, plays a pivotal role in this context. Nevertheless, the degree of openness is subject to specific circumstances, contingent upon varying factors, including local knowledge and resources. Latin America has not only been at the forefront of pioneering open access strategies, making it an interesting case to study, but it has also shown a tangible interest in using science diplomacy. Our research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a quantitative survey involving 50 organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting open science in Latin America, along with two qualitative focus group studies. Our primary objective is to assess if and how these entities use science diplomacy to achieve their objectives. Non-policy entities were prioritized due to their institutional stability in the region. We highlight successful strategies and delve into the existing barriers hindering the full implementation of open science principles. Our research aims to enhance collaboration between these organizations and policy and decision-makers by providing a set of recommendations in that direction. By shedding light on the current landscape and dynamics of open science in Latin America, we aspire to focus on science diplomacy, facilitate informed decision-making, and formulate policies that further propel the region along the path of openness, collaboration, and innovation in scientific research., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Camacho Toro, Cumba Garcia, Galvis, Echeverría-King, Pantović, Alarcón-López, Suarez, Figueroa, Torres-Atencio, Widmaier, Fraga and Benavides.)

Although aging has been investigated extensively at the organismal and cellular level, the morphological changes that individual cells undergo along their replicative lifespan have not been precisely quantified. Here, we present the results of a readily accessible machine learning-based pipeline that uses standard fluorescence microscope and open access software to quantify the minute morphological changes that human fibroblasts undergo during their replicative lifespan in culture. Applying this pipeline in a widely used fibroblast cell line (IMR-90), we find that advanced replicative age robustly increases (+28-79%) cell surface area, perimeter, number and total length of pseudopodia, and nuclear surface area, while decreasing cell circularity, with phenotypic changes largely occurring as replicative senescence is reached. These senescence-related morphological changes are recapitulated, albeit to a variable extent, in primary dermal fibroblasts derived from human donors of different ancestry, age, and sex groups. By performing integrative analysis of single-cell morphology, our pipeline further classifies senescent-like cells and quantifies how their numbers increase with replicative senescence in IMR-90 cells and in dermal fibroblasts across all tested donors. These findings provide quantitative insights into replicative senescence, while demonstrating applicability of a readily accessible computational pipeline for high-throughput cell phenotyping in aging research., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Aging Association.)

Introduction: Short episodes of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in the heart (classical ischemic preconditioning, IPC) or in a limb (remote ischemic preconditioning, RIPC) before a prolonged ischemic episode, reduce the size of the infarct. It is unknown whether IPC and RIPC share common mechanisms of protection. Animals KO for NOX2, a superoxide-producing enzyme, or KO for NLRP3, a protein component of inflammasome, are not protected by IPC. The aim of this study was to investigate if NOX2 or NLRP3 inflammasome are involved in the protection induced by RIPC. Methods: We preconditioned rats using 4 × 5 min periods of IR in the limb with or without a NOX2 inhibitor (apocynin) or an NLRP3 inhibitor (Bay117082). In isolated hearts, we measured the infarct size after 30 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion. In hearts from preconditioned rats we measured the activity of NOX2; the mRNA of Nrf2, gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase, glutathione dehydrogenase, thioredoxin reductase and sulfiredoxin by RT-qPCR; the content of glutathione; the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the content of IL-1β and IL-10 in cardiac tissue. In exosomes isolated from plasma, we quantified NOX2 activity. Results: The infarct size after IR decreased from 40% in controls to 9% of the heart volume after RIPC. This protective effect was lost in the presence of both inhibitors. RIPC increased NOX2 activity in the heart and exosomes, as indicated by the increased association of p47phox to the membrane and by the increased oxidation rate of NADPH. RIPC also increased the mRNA of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes. Also, RIPC increased the content of glutathione and the GSH/GSSG ratio. The inflammasome proteins NLRP3, procaspase-1, and caspase-1 were all increased in the hearts of RIPC rats. At the end of RIPC protocol, IL-1β increased in plasma but decreased in cardiac tissue. At the same time, IL-10 did not change in cardiac tissue but increased by 70% during the next 50 min of perfusion. Conclusion: RIPC activates NOX2 which upregulates the heart's antioxidant defenses and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome which stimulates a cardiac anti-inflammatory response. These changes may underlie the decrease in the infarct size induced by RIPC., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Benavides, Palavecino, Riquelme, Montecinos, Finkelstein, Donoso and Sánchez.)

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) is of significant interest for research into neurodegenerative diseases, aging, and drug screening. However, conducting these assays manually is a tedious and time-consuming process. This paper proposes a methodology to achieve a generalist C. elegans detection algorithm, as previous work only focused on dataset-specific detection, tailored exclusively to the characteristics and appearance of the images in a given dataset. The main aim of our study is to achieve a solution that allows for robust detection, regardless of the image-capture system used, with the potential to serve as a basis for the automation of numerous assays. These potential applications include worm counting, worm tracking, motion detection and motion characterization. To train this model, a dataset consisting of a wide variety of appearances adopted by C. elegans has been curated and dataset augmentation methods have been proposed and evaluated, including synthetic image generation. The results show that the model achieves an average precision of 89.5% for a wide variety of C. elegans appearances that were not used during training, thereby validating its generalization capabilities., Competing Interests: None Declared., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Background: Ontologies play a key role in the management of medical knowledge because they have the properties to support a wide range of knowledge-intensive tasks. The dynamic nature of knowledge requires frequent changes to the ontologies to keep them up-to-date. The challenge is to understand and manage these changes and their impact on depending systems well in order to handle the growing volume of data annotated with ontologies and the limited documentation describing the changes., Methods: We present a method to detect and characterize the changes occurring between different versions of an ontology together with an ontology of changes entitled DynDiffOnto, designed according to Semantic Web best practices and FAIR principles. We further describe the implementation of the method and the evaluation of the tool with different ontologies from the biomedical domain (i.e. ICD9-CM, MeSH, NCIt, SNOMEDCT, GO, IOBC and CIDO), showing its performance in terms of time execution and capacity to classify ontological changes, compared with other state-of-the-art approaches., Results: The experiments show a top-level performance of DynDiff for large ontologies and a good performance for smaller ones, with respect to execution time and capability to identify complex changes. In this paper, we further highlight the impact of ontology matchers on the diff computation and the possibility to parameterize the matcher in DynDiff, enabling the possibility of benefits from state-of-the-art matchers., Conclusion: DynDiff is an efficient tool to compute differences between ontology versions and classify these differences according to DynDiffOnto concepts. This work also contributes to a better understanding of ontological changes through DynDiffOnto, which was designed to express the semantics of the changes between versions of an ontology and can be used to document the evolution of an ontology., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Strawberries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, among other nutrients, but they are highly susceptible to mechanical injuries, dehydration, and microbial spoilage, and thus have a limited post-harvest shelf-life. Bioactive edible coatings have been studied to decrease or prevent these damages. In this study, ethanolic extracts of Arrayan ( Luma apiculata ), a traditional berry from the south of Chile, were used to enrich a chitosan-based edible film and coat fresh strawberries. A long-term storage (10 °C) study was conducted to determine the strawberries' weight loss, microbial stability, fruit firmness impact, and antioxidant activity. Later, a sensory panel was conducted to determine overall consumer acceptance. Our results show that the bioactive coating inhibited the growth of different pathogenic bacteria and spoilage yeast. In the stored strawberries, the weight loss was significantly lower when the bioactive coating was applied, and the samples' firmness did not change significantly over time. Microbial growth in the treated strawberries was also lower than in the control ones. As expected, the antioxidant activity in the coated strawberries was higher because of the Arrayan extract, which has high antioxidant activity. Regarding sensory qualities, the covered strawberries did not show significant differences from the uncoated samples, with an overall acceptance of 7.64 on a 9-point scale. To our knowledge, this is the first time an edible coating enriched with Arrayan extracts has been reported as able to prevent strawberries' decay and spoilage.

The perspectives of the Compounded Drug Preparation Information Exchange Expert Panel of the United States Pharmacopeia (CDPIE-EP) on the urgent need to create and maintain data standards to support the electronic transmission of an interoperable dataset for compounded nonsterile preparations (CNSPs) for children and the elderly is presented. The CDPIE-EP encourages all stakeholders associated with the generation, transmission, and preparation of CNSPs, including standards-setting and informatics organizations, to discern the critical importance of accurate transmission of prescription to dispensing the final product and an urgent need to create and adopt a seamless, transparent, interoperable, digitally integrated prescribing and dispensing system benefiting of all patients that need CNSPs, especially for children with special healthcare needs and medical complexity (CSHCN-CMC) and for adults with swallowing difficulties. Lay summary: Current electronic prescription processing standards do not permit the complete transmission of compounded nonsterile preparations (CNSPs) from a prescriber to dispenser. This lack creates multiple opportunities for medication errors, especially at transitions of care for children with medical complexity and adults that cannot swallow tablets and capsules. The United States Pharmacopeia Expert Panel on Compounded Drug Preparation Information Exchange aims to reduce this source of error by creating ways and means for CNSPs to be transmitted within computer systems across the continuum of care. Twitter: Digitizing compounded preparation monographs and NDC-like formulation identifiers in computerized prescription systems will minimize error.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to multiple neurological deficits as a result from the initial trauma and also the secondary damage that follows. Despite abundant preclinical data proposing anti-inflammatory therapies to minimize secondary injury and improve functional recovery, the field still lacks an effective neuroprotective treatment. Epigenetic proteins, such as bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, are emerging as new targets to regulate inflammation. More importantly, pharmacological inhibition of BET proteins suppresses pro-inflammatory gene transcription after SCI. In this study, we tested the therapeutic potential of inhibiting BET proteins after SCI with clinically relevant compounds, and investigated the role of the BET protein BRD4 in macrophages during progression of SCI pathology. Systemic inhibition of BET proteins with I-BET762 significantly reduced lesion size 8 weeks after a contusion injury in rats. However, we observed no histological or locomotor improvements after SCI when we deleted Brd4 in macrophages through the use of myeloid-specific Brd4 knockout mice or after macrophage-targeted pharmacological BET inhibition. Taken together, our data indicate that systemic I-BET762 treatment is neuroprotective, and the histopathological improvement observed is likely to be a result of effects on non-macrophage targets. Expanding our understanding on the role of BET proteins after SCI is necessary to identify novel therapeutic targets that can effectively promote repair after SCI., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In this work, two microencapsulation techniques were used to protect and improve the absorption of emamectin benzoate (EB), which is an antiparasitic drug used to control Caligus rogercresseyi. EB has a low aqueous solubility, which affects its absorption in the intestine of Salmo salar. Microparticles were produced by spray drying and ionic gelation, using Soluplus® (EB−SOL) and sodium alginate (EB−ALG) as polymers, respectively. Studies were conducted on dissolution/permeation, apparent permeability (Papp), apparent solubility (Sapp), and absorption using synthetic and biological membranes. Based on these results, the amount of EB in the microparticles needed to achieve a therapeutic dose was estimated. The EB−ALG microparticles outperformed both EB−SOL and free EB, for all parameters analyzed. The results show values of 0.45 mg/mL (80.2%) for dissolution/permeation, a Papp of 6.2 mg/mL in RS−L, an absorption of 7.3% in RS, and a Sapp of 53.1% in EM medium. The EB−ALG microparticles decrease the therapeutic dose necessary to control the parasite, with values of 3.0−2 mg/mL and 1.1−2 mg/mL for EB in EM and RS, respectively. The Korsmeyer−Peppas kinetic model was the best model to fit the EB−ALG and EB−SOL dissolution/permeation experiments. In addition, some of our experimental results using synthetic membranes are similar to those obtained with biological membranes, which suggests that, for some parameters, it is possible to replace biological membranes with synthetic membranes. The encapsulation of EB by ionic gelation shows it is a promising formulation to increase the absorption of the poorly soluble drug. In contrast, the spray-dried microparticles produced using Soluplus® result in even less dissolution/permeation than free EB, so the technique cannot be used to improve the solubility of EB.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the suitability of recent US Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA)-approved and marketed oral liquid, powder, or granule products for children in North America, to identify the next group of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) that have high potential for development as commercially available FDA-approved finished liquid dosage forms, and to propose lists of compounded nonsterile preparations (CNSPs) that should be developed as commercially available FDA-approved finished liquid dosage forms, as well as those that pharmacists should continue to compound extemporaneously. Through this identification and categorization process, the pharmaceutical industry, government, and professionals are encouraged to continue to work together to improve the likelihood that patients will receive high-quality standardized extemporaneously compounded CNSPs and US-FDA-approved products.

The study of non- Saccharomyces yeasts in wine fermentations allows the exploration of new alternatives for the reduction of ethanol in wines. The objective of this work was to evaluate the fermentation capacity of two indigenous Candida yeasts ( C. oleophila and C. boidinii ) in monoculture and sequential fermentations (laboratory and microvinification scale) to produce Chilean Sauvignon Blanc wine. Fermentations were monitored by the determination of ethanol, glycerol, organic acids, and residual sugars. The results indicated that at the laboratory scale for both the monoculture and sequential fermentations it was possible to reduce the ethanol concentration on 0.77% v / v (monoculture) and 1.5% v / v (sequential) for C. oleophila and 0.50% v / v (monoculture) and 0.04% v / v (sequential) for C. boidinii compared to S. cerevisiae (12.87% v / v ). Higher glycerol concentrations were produced in monoculture than sequential fermentations ( C. oleophila : 9.47 g/L and C. boidinii 10.97 g/L). For microvinifications, the monoculture and sequential fermentations with C. boidinii managed to reduce ethanol content by 0.17% v / v and 0.54% v / v , respectively, over the S. cerevisiae control (13.74% v / v ). In the case of C. oleophila , the reduction was only observed in sequential fermentations with 0.62% v / v . Interestingly, grapes with higher sugar concentration resulted in wines with lees ethanol concentrations. This might be associated to the use of C. oleophila (13.12% v / v ) and C. boidinii (13.20% v / v ) in sequential fermentations microvinification scale.

Purpose: Abnormally invasive placenta is an important cause of maternal morbidity, and its primary complication is massive bleeding. Strategies for preventing bleeding include arterial endovascular occlusion. One concern with the use of intra-arterial occlusion balloons is radiation exposure to the fetus, which occurs while determining balloon position. In this study, we sought to determine the radiation absorbed dose by the fetus during intra-aortic occlusion balloon placement in patients with abnormally invasive placenta., Materials and Methods: We estimated the fetal absorbed dose and the entrance skin dose in the vaginal fundus and lumbar skin, respectively, using thermoluminescent dosimeter crystals, during intra-aortic balloon positioning using the mobile X-ray image intensifier system (C-arm) in digital radiography mode, directly in surgery room, without transfer to angiographic suite. We also performed a mannequin-based simulation to validate the entrance skin dose measurement technique., Results: Ten women undergoing surgical management of an abnormally invasive placenta, in whom the location of the intra-aortic occlusion balloon was verified using plain radiography with C-arm in the surgery room, were included in the study. Following maternal and fetal radiation exposure, the entrance skin dose and radiation absorbed dose by the fetus were 1.31 ± 0.96 mGy and 0.27 ± 0.28 mGy, respectively, with radiation exposure durations of <1 s., Conclusions: There were no complications with the use of REBOA, the radiation absorbed dose by the fetus, entrance skin dose, and duration of radiation exposure during intra-aortic occlusion balloon placement were lower than those reported for other vascular occlusion techniques, being this a safe procedure.

The wound healing process that occurs after spinal cord injury is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis and limiting tissue damage, but eventually results in a scar-like environment that is not conducive to regeneration and repair. A better understanding of this dichotomy is critical to developing effective therapeutics that target the appropriate pathobiology, but a major challenge has been the large cellular heterogeneity that results in immensely complex cellular interactions. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to assess virtually all cell types that comprise the mouse spinal cord injury site. In addition to discovering novel subpopulations, we used expression values of receptor-ligand pairs to identify signaling pathways that are predicted to regulate specific cellular interactions during angiogenesis, gliosis, and fibrosis. Our dataset is a valuable resource that provides novel mechanistic insight into the pathobiology of not only spinal cord injury but also other traumatic disorders of the CNS., Competing Interests: Disclosures: The authors declare no competing interests exist., (© 2021 Milich et al.)

Grapes are a source of native yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB); however, the microbial make up is dependent on the grape cultivar and the regional growth conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the yeast and LAB in seven grape cultivars cultivated in Chile. Grape juices were fermented at 25 °C for 7 days. Samples were collected to analyze sugar, organic acids, and ethanol. Microbial evolution was measured with culture-dependent and molecular approaches. Then, a native isolated Candida oleophila was selected for further sequential fermentations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The grape cultivars in the Maule showed a diversity of non- Saccharomyces yeasts, with a greater diversity observed at the beginning of the fermentation. However, species from the Hansenasporia , Metschnikowia , Torulaspora , Lachancea , and Candida genera were detected after 7 days, suggesting tolerance to environments rich in ethanol, capability may be associated to the terroir studied, which is characterized by torrid weather and antique and traditional vineyards. The alcoholic fermentation negatively impacted the LAB population, and after 7 days only Leuconostoc mesenteroides was isolated. In the sequential fermentations, C. oleophila was able to produce fermented grape juices with <1.5 g/L glucose, 12.5% ( v / v ) alcohol, and low concentrations of malic (<1.00 g/L) and succinic (2.05 g/L) acids, while acetic acid reached values >0.3 (g/L). To our knowledge this is the first time C. oleophila has been reported as a potential starter culture for wine production. However, more studies are necessary to fully characterize the potential of C. oleophila on wine attributes.

The interest of the construction industry in alkali-activated materials has increased to the extent that these materials are recognized as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement-based materials in the quest for sustainable construction. This article presents the design and construction of a prototype of an eco-friendly house built from concrete blocks produced using alkali activation technology or geopolymerization. The prototype meets the requirements of the current Colombian Regulations for Earthquake Resistant Buildings (NSR-10) and includes standards related to the performance of the materials, design, and construction method for earthquake-resistant confined masonry of one- or two-story buildings. The alkali-activated blocks were obtained from different precursors (aluminosilicates), including a natural volcanic pozzolan, ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, construction and demolition waste (concrete, ceramic, brick, and mortar), and red clay brick waste. The physical-mechanical characterization of the alkali-activated blocks allowed their classification according to the structural specifications of the Colombian Technical Standard NTC 4026 (equivalent to ASTM C90). The global warming potential (GWP) or "carbon footprint" attributed to the raw materials of alkali-activated blocks was lower (25.4-54.7%) than that of the reference blocks (ordinary Portland cement concrete blocks). These results demonstrate the potential of alkali-activated materials for application in the construction of eco-friendly houses.

Aims: Evaluate the effect of varying the droplet size of microspheres charged with thyme essential oil (TEO-MS) on their swelling (Sw), release rate (%RR) and in vitro antifungal activity against Saprolegnia sp., Methods: TEO-MS obtained by ionic gelation were characterised through SEM microscopy and X-ray microtomography. Their Sw and RR% were evaluated at simulated fish-gastrointestinal conditions using gravimetric and spectrophotometric techniques., Results: For all evaluated droplet sizes ( p  ≥ 0.05), TEO was heterogeneously distributed inside of the MS and TEO-MS experimented agglomeration and sphericity loss after the drying process. Under gastric conditions, the acid pH (2.9) limited the Sw (50-100%) of TEO-MS, generating a low RR% (14-18%). Contrary, the slightly alkaline intestinal pH (8.1) favoured the Sw (∼3.2 to 3.8 times) and therefore the RR% (42-63%)., Conclusions: TEO-MS (5-100 mg/mL) presented antifungal capacity onto Saprolegnia sp. after the simulated fish digestion, being the small droplet size once the most effective.

Introduction: Students consider numerous variables before applying to a doctor of pharmacy program. Some key non-modifiable variables may include program length, institution type, graduating class size, and pharmacy school grading system. The purpose of this study was to determine if there exists a difference in North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) performance based upon these variables., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using observational data. NAPLEX pass rates from 2015 to 2017 were obtained from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) website. Data for pharmacy programs were extracted from the program, Pharmacy College Application Service, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and NABP websites., Results: Based on each pharmacy program's performance on NAPLEX, variables with significantly higher pass rates were public institutions and those with graduating class sizes of 100 or more students., Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that graduating class size of 100 or more students and public institutions were significant predictors of success on the NAPLEX. Lower pass rates in 2016 may be due to the examination changes implemented by NABP that year. It is possible that programs and students were not being adequately prepared for the changes made to the NAPLEX format. Although not statistically significant, there was a rise in pass rates between the years 2016 and 2017. Therefore, future studies such as this one should be performed to compare NAPLEX pass rates from 2017 forward., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) use relatively high quantities of healthcare resources and have overall higher morbidity than the general pediatric population. Embedding clinical pharmacists into the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) to provide comprehensive medication management (CMM) through collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) for children, especially for CSHCN, can improve outcomes, enhance the experience of care for families, and reduce the cost of care. Potential network infrastructures for collaborative practice focused on CSHCN populations, common language and terminology for CMM, and clinical pharmacist workforce estimates are provided. Applying the results from the CMM in Primary Care grant, this paper outlines the following: (1) setting up collaborative practices for CMM between clinical pharmacists and pediatricians (primary care pediatricians and sub-specialties, such as pediatric clinical pharmacology); (2) proposing various models, organizational structures, design requirements, and shared electronic health record (EHR) needs; and (3) outlining consistent documentation of CMM by clinical pharmacists in CSHCN populations.

The development of membranes that separate molecules on the basis of chemical factors, rather than physical factors, is one promising approach to meeting the demand for membranes that are more selective. In this study, the design of multifunctional, pH-responsive membranes that selectively pump a target solute is detailed. The membranes consist of two functional components: a gate layer made from an amine-functionalized copolymer and a reactive matrix lined by iminodiacetic acid groups that bind divalent cations reversibly. These two chemistries exhibit concurrent changes in the cation binding affinity and gate permeability in response to the pH value of the surrounding solution such that when the membranes are exposed to an oscillating pH, the combination drives a facilitated transport mechanism that pumps ions. In mixed solute systems, calcium permeated through the membrane four times faster than sucrose in the presence of an oscillating pH even though the solutes possess similar hydrodynamic sizes and permeated through the membrane at the same rate when the pH value was constant. The development of polymeric ion pumps was guided by a model that provided several critical insights. First, the solute binding capacity and thickness of the membrane define the asymptotic limit for enhanced selectivity. Second, the maximum enhancement in selectivity is realized in the limit of infinitely rapid oscillations. The multifunctional membranes discussed here provide a platform for the development of processes that can fractionate molecules of similar size but varying chemistry.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine non-modifiable pharmacy program characteristics on residency match rates., Methods: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists match and non-match lists were de-identified and evaluated for students graduating in 2015. Variables analysed included length of program, type of institution and didactic grading scheme., Key Findings: Students from 4-year programs, attending a public institution, or using a grade point average had greater odds of matching. Logistic regression model indicated a good model fit (χ 2 (2) of 4.44, P = 0.108)., Conclusions: Students considering residency training may benefit from awareness of such factors when choosing a pharmacy program., (© 2017 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

Pediatric clinical pharmacists are an integral part of the health care team. By practicing in an ambulatory care clinic, they can reduce the risk of medication errors, improve health outcomes, and enhance patient care. Unfortunately, because of limited data, misconceptions surrounding the role of pharmacists, and reimbursement challenges, there may be difficulty in establishing or expanding pediatric clinical pharmacy services to an ambulatory care setting. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of considerations for establishing or expanding pharmacy services in a pediatric ambulatory care clinic. The primer will discuss general and pediatric-specific pharmacy practice information, as well as potential barriers, and recommendations for identifying a practice site, creating a business plan, and integrating these services into a clinic setting., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors declare no conflicts or financial interest in any product or service mentioned in the manuscript, including grants, equipment, medications, employment, gifts, and honoraria.

Purpose: Different strategies have been implemented to assist students in securing residency positions. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of student participation in residency preparation activities on match rates., Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted to explore the effect of participation in residency preparation activities and grade point average (GPA) on residency match rate. Match rates for students participating in the Residency Interview Preparation Seminar (RIPS) or mock interviews (ie, intervention group) were compared with students who participated in neither activity (ie, control group)., Results: A total of 118 individuals were included in the comparison. Forty-eight students participated in RIPS (n = 29) or mock interviews (n = 19), while 70 students were in the control group. The intervention group had a statistically larger proportion of students securing residency than the control group (81% vs 57%; P = .009). Match rates between students enrolled in RIPS versus those in the mock interview group were not significant. No statistically significant differences were observed based on GPA., Conclusion: Students receiving additional preparation prior to interviews when seeking postdoctoral training were significantly more likely to obtain a residency position. In academic settings with limited resources, mock interviews may be preferred over comprehensive preparatory courses.

BACKGROUND The retropharyngeal abscess is a rare presentation of head and neck tuberculosis. The pathogenesis of the abscess formation in the retropharyngeal space in the adult is controversial. CASE REPORT We report a case of large retropharyngeal abscesses in a 46-year-old man with disseminated tuberculosis. The patient had severe progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and a slowly enlarging bilateral cervical mass during a period of three months. His posterior pharynx wall was bulging and red, and both tonsils were enlarged and congested. The neck had an abscess of 5 cm in diameter that was firm, tender, and warm along the left sternocleidomastoid muscle. Palpable bilateral lymphadenitis was detected in the submandibular, cervical, axillary, and inguinal regions. A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the neck revealed large bilobulated retropharyngeal abscesses. A liver ultrasound showed multiple hypoechoic lesions. A Ziehl-Neelsen smear for acid-fast bacilli was positive from different abscess samples, and mycobacterial cultures subsequently yielded Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antituberculous therapy was begun and the retropharyngeal abscesses were aspirated by external incision with complete drainage and relief of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Large retropharyngeal abscess is a rare entity in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis etiology should be considered, especially in endemic countries, and the diagnosis may be difficult because symptoms and signs are influenced by abscess size and time of onset, or if the etiology is not suspected.

Essential oils are a good antimicrobial and antioxidant agent alternative in human or animal feed. However, their direct use has several disadvantages such as volatilization or oxidation. The development of essential oil microspheres may help to avoid these problems. The objective of the present research was to microencapsulate thyme essential oil by generating emulsions with different dispersion degrees. The emulsions were encapsulated in calcium-alginate microspheres by ionic gelation. The microspheres were evaluated regarding size, shape, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and antimicrobial properties. The results indicate that encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity are dependent on concentration and degree of dispersion. The best encapsulation conditions were obtained at 2% v/v of thyme essential oil with a high dispersion degree (18,000rpm/5min), which was achieved with an efficiency of 85%. Finally, the microspheres obtained showed significant antimicrobial effect, especially in gram-positive bacteria., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Clinical importance of sexual abuse in children has rapidly expanded in recent years, but despite of it, the lack of medical signs in the vast majority of sexual abuse cases, makes it difficult to assess. Given that, owing to our prior experience in endosonography (EUS) of the anal canal in child with anorectal malformations, we wanted to test EUS as a diagnostic method of sexual abuse in a child., Purpose: The purpose of our study is to present our experience in the use of anorectal EUS among children with suspected sexual abuse., Materials/methods: We present 40 consecutive patients (34 boys and 6 girls, age: 10months-13years) recruited from April 2010 to December 2012, with suspected sexual abuse those made a transrectal EUS., Results: The procedure was well-tolerated in all patients without complications. Rectoanal EUS findings were normal in 27 patients and showed a partial interruption in the external anal sphincter in 8, scars in 2, double rail image in 2, and rectal wall hematoma in 1., Conclusions: The interpretation of findings in children depends of historical, physical, and laboratory findings. We believe that anal EUS is another aid in the constellation of clinical factors that could help in diagnostic of sexual abuse., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The fabrication of functional nanomaterials with complex structures has been serving great scientific and practical interests, but current fabrication and patterning methods are generally costly and laborious. Here, we introduce a versatile, reliable, and rapid method for fabricating nanostructured polymeric materials. The novel method is based on a combination of inkjet printing and template synthesis, and its utility and advantages in the fabrication of polymeric nanomaterials is demonstrated through three examples: the generation of polymeric nanotubes, nanowires, and thin films. Layer-by-layer-assembled nanotubes can be synthesized in a polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE) membrane by printing poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(styrenesulfonate) sequentially. This sequential deposition of polyelectrolyte ink enables control over the surface charge within the nanotubes. By a simple change of the printing conditions, polymeric nanotubes or nanowires were prepared by printing poly(vinyl alcohol) in a PCTE template. In this case, the high-throughput nature of the method enables functional nanomaterials to be generated in under 3 min. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inkjet printing paired with template synthesis can be used to generate patterns comprised of chemically distinct nanomaterials. Thin polymeric films of layer-by-layer-assembled poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(styrenesulfonate) are printed on a PCTE membrane. Track-etched membranes covered with the deposited thin films reject ions and can potentially be utilized as nanofiltration membranes. When the fabrication of these different classes of nanostructured materials is demonstrated, the advantages of pairing template synthesis with inkjet printing, which include fast and reliable deposition, judicious use of the deposited materials, and the ability to design chemically patterned surfaces, are highlighted.

Ongoing healthcare reform calls for increased accessibility, enhanced delivery, and improved quality of healthcare. Children and adolescents are experiencing a rise in the prevalence in chronic diseases leading to an increased utilization of medications. The increased use of chronic medications can lead to more medication errors or adverse drug events, particularly in children and adolescents using multiple chronic medications. These ongoing changes expand opportunities for a pharmacist to become further integrated in the inter-professional healthcare delivery for pediatric patients, particularly in an ambulatory or community setting. To date, a systemic process for the provision of medication therapy management (MTM) services in pediatric patients has not been elucidated. The purpose of this paper is to describe a proposed model for delivering pediatric MTM. Furthermore, based on the available literature related to pediatric patients at risk for medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and subsequently-increased utilization of emergency departments and hospitalizations, a set of criteria is proposed for further research investigation.

Background: during recent years consistent studies have characterized the relationship between moderate and severe protein-calorie malnutrition and the appearance of non-communicable diseases in adulthood like metabolic syndrome (MS)., Aim: to analyze the relationship between moderate and severe protein-calorie malnutrition during the first 1 000 days of life and the MS in a cohort of adults from Curicó, Chile., Material and Methods: we studied 49 young adults who had suffered moderate to severe protein-calorie malnutrition during their first two years of life. Anthropometry, blood pressure measurement and laboratory tests were performed, and the burden of MS attributes was determined., Results: the prevalence of MS was 14.3% with no significant differences by gender, showing a direct and significant association between burden of MS and body mass index, waist / height index, blood pressure, plasma levels of glucose and triglyceride, and an inverse association with HDL., Conclusion: systolic blood pressure and plasma level of triglyceride represented the most important risk factors for SM in this cohort. We found no association between the presence of protein-calorie malnutrition and MS., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) previously published position statements on collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) in 1997 and 2003. Since 2003, significant federal and state legislation addressing CDTM has evolved and expanded throughout the United States. CDTM is well suited to facilitate the delivery of comprehensive medication management (CMM) by clinical pharmacists. CMM, defined by ACCP as a core component of the standards of practice for clinical pharmacists, is designed to optimize medication-related outcomes in collaborative practice environments. New models of care delivery emphasize patient-centered, team-based care and increasingly link payment to the achievement of positive economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes. Hence clinical pharmacists practicing under CDTM agreements or through other privileging processes are well positioned to provide CMM. The economic value of clinical pharmacists in team-based settings is well documented. However, patient access to CMM remains limited due to lack of payer recognition of the value of clinical pharmacists in collaborative care settings and current health care payment policy. Therefore, the clinical pharmacy discipline must continue to establish and expand its use of CDTM agreements and other collaborative privileging mechanisms to provide CMM. Continued growth in the provision of CMM by appropriately qualified clinical pharmacists in collaborative practice settings will enhance recognition of their positive impact on medication-related outcomes., (© 2015 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.)

Background and Purpose: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas for which no effective antidotes exist. It acts, at least in part, by binding to cytochrome c oxidase, causing cellular asphyxiation and anoxia. We investigated the effects of three different ligand forms of cobinamide, a vitamin B12 analog, to reverse sulfide (NaHS) toxicity., Methods: New Zealand white rabbits received a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of NaHS (3 mg/min) until expiration or a maximum 270 mg dose. Animals received six different treatments, administered at the time when they developed signs of severe toxicity: Group 1-saline (placebo group, N = 9); Group 2--IV hydroxocobalamin (N = 7); Group 3--IV aquohydroxocobinamide (N = 6); Group 4--IV sulfitocobinamide (N = 6); Group 5--intramuscular (IM) sulfitocobinamide (N = 6); and Group 6-IM dinitrocobinamide (N = 8). Blood was sampled intermittently, and systemic blood pressure and deoxygenated and oxygenated hemoglobin were measured continuously in peripheral muscle and over the brain region; the latter were measured by diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and continuous wave near infrared spectroscopy (CWNIRS)., Results: Compared with the saline controls, all cobinamide derivatives significantly increased survival time and the amount of NaHS that was tolerated. Aquohydroxocobinamide was most effective (261.5 ± 2.4 mg NaHS tolerated vs. 93.8 ± 6.2 mg in controls, p < 0.0001). Dinitrocobinamide was more effective than sulfitocobinamide. Hydroxocobalamin was not significantly more effective than the saline control., Conclusions: Cobinamide is an effective agent for inhibiting lethal sulfide exposure in this rabbit model. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and form of cobinamide and route of administration.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in difficulty and discrimination among multiple-choice examination items with regard to format and content in pharmacy therapeutics and pathophysiology (TP) courses., Methods: Items from a TP course sequence were categorized by format and content by a faculty committee using the Delphi technique. Difficulty was not normally distributed; therefore, a logit transformation was employed. Difficulty and discrimination were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, with post hoc Bonferroni correction for pairs, to detect differences., Key Findings: A total of 516 items were included, with approximately 233 students answering each item. Case-based items were statistically more difficult than Standard (P=0.0007) or Statement items (P=0.001) and more discriminatory than Standard items (P=0.015). Dosing items were more difficult (P=0.013) and discriminating (P=0.02) than therapeutics items., Conclusions: Case-based items appear to have been more difficult than other items and may provide greater discrimination than Standard items., (© 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the pediatric health care landscape includes expanded health insurance coverage and health care delivery improvements by increasing implementation of patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations. These offer opportunities for pharmacists to assume responsibility for the medication-related needs of pediatric patients through pharmacotherapy selection, medication therapy management performance, and medication reconciliation at each transition of care. Medically complex children with at least 2 chronic disease states may be the target population. Studies demonstrating the positive outcomes and cost-effectiveness of pharmacists in pediatric ambulatory care settings are needed.

Purpose: The development of a residency interviewing preparatory seminar (RIPS) is described., Summary: The RIPS elective at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy was designed to assist pharmacy students during their last professional year in preparing for the residency application process. The learning objectives of the course focused on improving students' interviewing and presentation skills, professionalism, and developing their curriculum vitae (CV) and personal statement. Course and instructor evaluations and demographic data collected via anonymous surveys were used to ascertain students' perspectives about the course. The class was purposely scheduled to begin in October and end in November, right before the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in early December. Due to limited faculty availability on the scheduled evenings and the desire to provide tailored, in-depth feedback, enrollment was limited. The RIPS was an intensive eight-week elective completed by 10 fourth-year pharmacy students. The course began with an overview of the residency application process, and students submitted their CVs and personal statements to faculty mentors for critique. To simulate residency interview components, students completed several timed activities in class and participated in mock interviews. Students stated that the course improved their application materials, interview skills, and confidence in their ability to obtain a residency. Overall, 78% of RIPS participants matched with a residency program., Conclusion: The RIPS elective was successful in improving residency candidate confidence at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. Students reported that the course was helpful and improved their confidence and ability to interview.

Objectives: To describe the process and implementation of an oral exam in a large class with distance synchronous education technology and to evaluate the faculty's perspective of the development, administration, and assessment of the oral exam., Methods: The Department of Pharmacy Practice at Nova Southeastern University, USA, created two patient cases for the oral exam per course over two semesters within the Therapeutics and Pathophysiology course sequence to be distributed across three campus sites. The faculty's perspective was evaluated utilizing a questionnaire distributed via an online survey., Key Findings: The oral exam was administered simultaneously across three campuses to a total of 464 students over two semesters. A total of 42 faculty members assisted in the exam process. Four cases were developed for the two exams, with detailed answer keys to minimize subjectivity in grading. Twenty-eight faculty members (66%) completed the assessment questionnaire. Most faculty were in support of continuing to administer the oral exam in subsequent therapeutic courses., Conclusions: Implementation of an oral exam in a large class with synchronous education via distance campuses is feasible. However, exam coordinators must take into account logistics such as time commitment from faculty, adequate facilities and detailed case and key development., (© 2011 The Authors. IJPP © 2011 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.)

Pediatric patients are more susceptible to medication errors for a variety of reasons including physical and social differences and the necessity for patient-specific dosing. As such, community pharmacists may feel uncomfortable in verifying or dispensing a prescription for a pediatric patient. However, the use of a systematic approach to the pediatric prescription can provide confidence to pharmacists and minimize the possibility of a medication error. The objective of this article is to provide the community pharmacist with an overview of the potential areas of medication errors in a prescription for a pediatric patient. Additionally, the article guides the community pharmacist through a pediatric prescription, highlighting common areas of medication errors.

With the initiatives by the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, pharmacogenomics has now moved from the laboratory to the patient bedside. Over 100 drug-products now contain pharmacogenomic information as part of their labeling. Many of these are commonly used in the pediatric population. Direct-to-consumer genetic test kits also require intervention and guidance from healthcare professionals. This increased trend towards personalized medicine mandates that healthcare professionals develop a working knowledge about pharmacogenomics and its application towards patient care. Because pharmacogenomic testing can provide patient-specific predictors for response to and safety of medications, pharmacists are positioned to play an active role in pharmacogenomic testing, clinical interpretation of results, and recommendations for individualization of drug therapy. Opportunities for pharmacists exist in both inpatient and outpatient settings, such as pharmacist-managed clinical pharmacogenomics consultation services and educating patients and families about pharmacogenomic testing. In addition to clinical roles, pharmacists may also be involved in genetically-influenced drug discovery and development. Given the potential for genetic and age-dependent factors to influence drug selection and dosing, pediatric pharmacists should be involved in the development of dosing recommendations and interprofessional practice guidelines regarding pharmacogenomic testing in pediatric patients. Opportunities to become knowledgeable and competent in pharmacogenomics span from coursework as part of the pharmacy curriculum to postgraduate education (e.g., residencies, fellowships, continuing education). However, there exists a need for additional postgraduate learning opportunities for practicing pharmacists. As a result, the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) acknowledges a need for increased education of both student and practicing pharmacists, with consideration of special patient populations, such as infants and children. PPAG endorses and advocates for the involvement of pediatric pharmacists in pharmacogenomic testing and in using those results to provide safe and effective medication use in pediatric patients of all ages. Additionally, PPAG strongly encourages pediatric pharmacists to take responsibility for educating patients and their families about the importance of pharmacogenomic testing and its role in the safe and effective use of medications.

Purpose: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population is increasing. Barriers, including the lack of consensus of a definition for metabolic syndrome and time constraints for the pediatrician, may limit the identification and diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in children. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the role of a clinical pharmacist (CP) in screening children and adolescents for metabolic syndrome., Methods: A 3-month, prospective, cross-sectional study aimed at utilizing a CP to identify metabolic syndrome in high-risk children, ages 10-18 years, in a pediatric ambulatory clinic located in a rural community health center was conducted. Upon enrollment a personal and family medical history was obtained, physical examination was reviewed, and a fasting laboratory analysis was performed. The CP evaluated each component of metabolic syndrome to determine if the participant met criteria for diagnosis. The CP provided a summary of the risk factors and treatment recommendations to the pediatrician., Findings: Twenty-five Mexican American participants (ages 13.7 ± 2.3 years) enrolled and completed the study. One child (4%) met 3 or more criteria required for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Of the remaining participants, 7 (28%) met 2 criteria, 9 (36%) met 1 criterion, and 8 (32%) met no criteria for metabolic syndrome. The CP provided treatment recommendations for 68% of the participants., Conclusion: CPs can have an active role in early identification of specific components of metabolic syndrome in a rural community health center., (© 2010 National Rural Health Association.)

Background: Medication information is often poorly delineated for paediatric patients, resulting in high off-label and non-licensed use of drugs in this population. Access to accurate medicines information in this population becomes a necessity in order to avoid medication errors. Clinical decision support tools (CDSTs), which are increasingly available on mobile devices (e.g. smartphones), can provide healthcare providers with convenient access to paediatric medicines information at point of care. However, to date no systematic evaluation of the content in these CDSTs has been conducted., Objectives: To evaluate paediatric medicines information in CDSTs for smartphones and other mobile devices., Method: Evaluation of CDSTs according to scope and completeness was accomplished via weighted categories of 108 questions distributed evenly across three age groups: infants, children and adolescents., Results: Three paediatric-specific databases and six general databases were evaluated. The best performer provided 75.9% of the answers for scope and scored 69.7% for completeness. Databases generally performed less effectively in providing answers sourced from clinical guidelines compared with more conservative sources such as package inserts., Conclusions: Overall, general medicines information CDSTs performed better than paediatric-specific CDSTs in both scope and completeness. Results from this study may help guide CDST selection on mobile devices by healthcare professionals whose patient populations include paediatrics.

Objective: To determine the relationship and impact of student-faculty ratio on scholarship of pharmacy faculty members., Methods: The number and rank of faculty members, pharmacy program characteristics, and faculty productivity data were collected to determine the impact of student-faculty ratio on faculty scholarship., Results: Faculty scholarship was not predicted by student-faculty ratio. Factors impacting positively on faculty productivity included National Institutes of Health funding; presence of clinical associate professors, instructors, and lecturers; and programs located in public universities., Conclusions: Faculty productivity is not related to the student-faculty ratio, wherein more faculty members and fewer students equates to increased scholarship. However, public universities may have different infrastructures which are associated with greater academic productivity compared to private institutions. Additionally, utilizing instructors and clinical or nontenure-track faculty members can significantly increase scholarship among faculty members.