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Over the last four decades, the expanded patient care roles of pharmacists in the United States (U.S.) have increased focus on ensuring the implementation of processes to enhance continuing professional development within the profession. The transition from a model of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) to a model of continuing professional development (CPD) is still evolving. As pharmacists assume more complex roles in patient care delivery, particularly in community-based settings, the need to demonstrate and maintain professional competence becomes more critical. In addition, long-held processes for post-graduate education and licensure must also continue to adapt to meet these changing needs. Members of the pharmacy profession in the U.S. must adopt the concept of CPD and implement processes to support the thoughtful completion of professional development plans. Comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology solutions are available to assist pharmacists with understanding, implementing and applying CPD to their professional lives.

With the advancement of technology, digitalization, and the internet of things, large amounts of complex data are being produced daily. This vast quantity of various data produced at high speed is referred to as Big Data. The utilization of Big Data is being implemented with success in the private sector, yet the public sector seems to be falling behind despite the many potentials Big Data has already presented. In this regard, this paper explores ways in which the government can recognize the use of Big Data for official statistics. It begins by gathering and presenting Big Data-related initiatives and projects across the globe for various types and sources of Big Data implemented. Further, this paper discusses the opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with using Big Data, particularly in official statistics. This paper also aims to assess the current utilization of Big Data in the country through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Based on desk review, discussions, and interviews, the paper then concludes with a proposed framework that provides ways in which Big Data may be utilized by the government to augment official statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 entails generating relevant and timely statistics for monitoring and policymaking. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) generates poverty statistics using the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES). However, due to certain limitations, the FIES collection and calculation of official poverty statistics is done only every three years. In this regard, this paper presents a method of filling in the gaps by interpolating annual poverty statistics, particularly the poverty incidence, using macroeconomic indicators and demographic and employment information from the Labor Force Survey (LFS). These explanatory variables were related to the poverty incidence using the Dynamic Factor Model (DFM) in the state-space form to produce estimates for years when poverty statistics are not available. Relatively high forecast accuracy was observed for the predicted values of poverty incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural studies of the emulsion-stabilizing exopolysaccharide PS-33 produced by the adhesive, hydrophobic Rhodococcus strain No. 33 was presented. Polysaccharide PS-33 consisted of rhamnose, galactose, glucose and glucuronic acid in the molar ratio of 2:1:1:1. In addition, the polysaccharide was O-acetylated, corresponding to one acetyl group per repeating unit. From the results, two structural possibilities were suggested. It is possible that the polysaccharide contributes to cell surface hydrophobicity of the capsulated Rhodococcus strain No. 33.

As pharmacy practice in the United States is regulated at the state level, it would be up to each state board of pharmacy to define minor conditions and pharmacist scope of practice regarding minor condition treatment initiation. Pharmacist-initiated models of care for treatment of minor conditions in Canada and the Unite... Literature related to treatment initiation for minor conditions by pharmacists is limited in the United States. Symptoms and conditions for which patients are referred to community-based pharmacists by NHS 111 are listed in Table 4.[32] Minor conditions eligible for pharmacist treatment in Northern Ireland and Wales can be found at http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/2055.htm and https://cwmtafmorgannwg.wales/services/pharmacy-medicines-management/common-ailments-service/, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To describe the views of pharmacists and student pharmacists regarding (1) aspects of life and experiences that provide professional and personal satisfaction and fulfillment, (2) causes of stress, and (3) needs related to maintaining satisfaction and fulfillment.Design: A generic qualitative research design was used for collecting data from 380 pharmacists and 332 student pharmacists who wrote responses to an online survey hosted by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) from November 17 to December 2, 2018, using standard data collection procedures applied by that organization. APhA uses its member and affiliate data files as its sampling frame and limits the number of contacts per year for each person in those files. De-identified responses from those who volunteered to write comments were sent to the research team for analysis. A conventional content analysis approach was applied for analysis of the text. Analysts convened to discuss emergent themes and develop operational descriptions. Key segments of text that best represented each theme were identified. Personal presuppositions were disclosed and were useful for developing group consensus for theme identification and description. Rigor was supported through assessment of credibility, confirmability, intercoder checking, transferability, inductive thematic saturation, and authenticity.Setting and Participants: Participants are in the design since data already collected.Outcome Measures: Not applicable.Results: Findings showed that pharmacists and student pharmacists are able to recognize and pursue achievement, recognition, responsibility, advancement, relationship, esteem, self-actualization, meaning, and accomplishment in both their professional and personal lives. However, external factors such as "workism" and individual factors such as "moral distress" were identified as areas of improvement that are needed for well-being and resilience.Conclusion: Pharmacists' basic human needs are being met, but to improve well-being and resilience for pharmacists in both their professional and personal lives, there is a need for addressing both the external factors and individual factors that they encounter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses and describes the development of academic grievance procedures at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, to provide a formal mechanism within the educational institution to ensure that students' rights are not abridged. Presents procedural stages, the hearing, deliberation phase, rehearing and appeals, and the ombudsman role. (MF)

Objectives: The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) convened the Biologics and Biosimilars Stakeholder Conference on November 30, 2016, in Washington DC. The objectives of the Conference were to determine the key issues and challenges within the marketplace for biologics, follow-on biologics (FOBs), and biosimilars, identify potential roles and responsibilities of pharmacists regarding biologic and biosimilar medications, and identify actions or activities that pharmacists may take to optimize the safe and cost-effective use of biologics and biosimilars.Data Sources: National thought leaders and stakeholder representatives, including individuals from the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a private third-party payer, manufacturers, and several national organizations of health care professionals, participated in the conference. Information shared by this group was supplemented with relevant legal and regulatory information and published literature.Summary: Biologics play a valuable role in the treatment of numerous health conditions, but their associated costs, which tend to be greater than those of small-molecule drugs, place a burden on the health care system. Biosimilars (both noninterchangeable and interchangeable) are highly similar copies of the originator biologic and offer the potential to reduce costs and improve patient access to biological products by increasing treatment options and creating a more competitive market. Despite the potential benefits of biosimilars, certain factors may limit their uptake. The conference participants explored issues that different stakeholders think influence the use of biologics, including biosimilars, in the United States. Barriers included technology, prescriber-pharmacist communication, legislation and regulations, limited patient and health care practitioner knowledge of biological products, patient and health care practitioner perceptions of biosimilars, and evolving science or lack of long-term data. After participants identified issues, they discussed strategies to address these concerns, including the need to enhance the education of pharmacists, prescribers, and patients regarding biologic products, including biosimilars and FOBs; the passage of state laws and regulations that do not impede the use of biosimilars, including interchangeable biosimilars; the use of product-specific tracking information in electronic health records and surveillance systems; bidirectional communication among pharmacists, prescribers, and other members of the care team to support pharmacovigilance and the maintenance of accurate patient records; and the development of evidence-based third-party payer policies.Conclusion: Patient access to safe and cost-effective treatments is an important goal for the health care system. As the availability and use of biosimilars, including those determined to be interchangeable, increases, their potential to lower costs and improve patient access to treatment grows. However, the extent of such growth is, in part, dependent on various stakeholders' decisions to provide, pay for, or use these products in a safe and thoughtful manner. Ongoing stakeholder collaboration, educational activities, and review of current government or payer policies are required to optimize the uptake of biological products, including biosimilars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The APhA Stakeholder Conference on Improving Patient Access to Injectable Medications was convened to foster national dialogue to advance the pharmacist's role in the provision of injectable medication administration services (MAS) and related patient care services, and to establish pharmacy as a site of care for these injections. Participants discussed the distinct opportunities to maximize pharmacist scope of services, expand patient access to care, improve medication adherence, and enhance outcomes for patients on injectable medication therapies for a range of conditions. These elements were framed in terms of the practice model, the business model, and the necessary training and resources to support these activities. Data sources: National thought leaders within pharmacy practice, pharmacist employers, national pharmacy associations, and pharmaceutical companies were invited to participate in the conference on December 15, 2016. Participants provided perspectives on a series of structured questions around administrative and patient care issues associated with the expansion of pharmacy-based MAS. Outcomes from the discussions were supplemented with related information from the literature. Summary: The APhA Stakeholder Conference on Improving Patient Access to Injectable Medications explored how the pharmacy profession could advance a broad-based, profession-wide practice model for MAS across a wide spectrum of therapeutic classes. There is a significant public health need to expand access to patients and make MAS a widely available, predictable, measurable, and scalable service provided by pharmacists. Conference participants discussed scope of practice, service delivery, and business model barriers. They also identified tools and resources that are necessary to overcome those barriers to advance opportunities and develop long-term, sustainable strategies to increase access to MAS from community-based pharmacist practitioners. Conclusion: Conference outcomes provided specific guidance around the need to develop practice support to address public health needs and effectively advance pharmacist provision of MAS and related patient care services. Key recommendations included the development of national practice guidance, standardized education and training, practice-level tools and resources, and enhanced technology solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Community Pharmacy Residency Program (CPRP) Planning Committee convened to develop a vision and a strategic action plan for the advancement of community pharmacy residency training. Aligned with the profession's efforts to achieve provider status and expand access to care, the Future Vision and Action Plan for Community-based Residency Training will provide guidance, direction, and a strategic action plan for community-based residency training to ensure that the future needs of community-based pharmacist practitioners are met.Data Sources: National thought leaders, selected because of their leadership in pharmacy practice, academia, and residency training, served on the planning committee. The committee conducted a series of conference calls and an in-person strategic planning meeting held on January 13-14, 2015. Outcomes from the discussions were supplemented with related information from the literature. Results of a survey of CPRP directors and preceptors also informed the planning process.Summary: The vision and strategic action plan for community-based residency training is intended to advance training to meet the emerging needs of patients in communities that are served by the pharmacy profession. The group anticipated the advanced skills required of pharmacists serving as community-based pharmacist practitioners and the likely education, training and competencies required by future residency graduates in order to deliver these services. The vision reflects a transformation of community residency training, from CPRPs to community-based residency training, and embodies the concept that residency training should be primarily focused on training the individual pharmacist practitioner based on the needs of patients served within the community, and not on the physical location where pharmacy services are provided.Conclusion: The development of a vision statement, core values statements, and strategic action plan will provide support, guidance, and direction to the profession of pharmacy to continue the advancement and expansion of community-based residency training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To improve key indicators of diabetes care by expanding a proven community-based model of care throughout high-risk areas in the United States. Design: Observational, multisite, pre-post comparison study. Setting: Federally qualified health centers, free clinics, employer worksites, community pharmacies, departments of health, physician offices, and other care facilities in 25 communities in 17 states, from June 2011 through January 2013. Participants: 1,836 patients disproportionately affected by diabetes representing diverse ethnicities, insurance statuses, and social and economic backgrounds. Intervention: Pharmacists were integrated into local, interdisciplinary diabetes care teams and provided customized diabetes education and medication consultations to patients. Main outcome measures: Clinical measures included glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Process measures included smoking status, eye examination status, foot examination status, and influenza vaccine status. Results: Pharmacist patient care services for those underserved or disproportionately affected by diabetes resulted in a statistically significant and clinically relevant decrease in mean A1C levels (-0.8%). Other outcome indicators were below target levels at baseline and decreased significantly but not by clinically relevant amounts (LDL-C, -7.1 mg/dL; triglycerides, -23.7 mg/dL, and total cholesterol, -8.8 mg/dL). The mean increase in HDL-C (+0.6 mg/dL) was not statistically significant or clinically relevant. Among evaluable patients who were not at target for process measures at baseline, 51.7% of 453 patients received eye examinations, 72.0% of 271 patients received foot examinations, 41.7% of 307 patients received influenza vaccinations, and 9.3% patients of 270 quit smoking during the project. Of the communities involved in the study, 92% intend to sustain pharmacists' services. Conclusion: Project IMPACT: Diabetes results show significant improvement in patients' clinical outcomes and demonstrate that all patients, even those with tremendous barriers to appropriate diabetes care, benefit from patient-centered, interdisciplinary health care teams that include pharmacists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the changing relationship between education and assortative mating over the course of educational expansion in Switzerland between 1970 and 2000. The overall rate of educationally homogamous partnerships has remained rather stable, while partnerlessness increased and became less educationally selective. An analysis taking the opportunity structure into account reveals that the inclination toward educationally homogamous partnerships is most pronounced in lower educational groups, but that the differences between educational groups decreased over time.

Objective: The purpose of this Initiative was to establish a Coordinating Council to Improve Collaboration in Supporting Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The Council convened on March 5-6, 2008, in Washington, DC. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation, in conjunction with leading national experts in Alzheimer's disease (AD), assessed the level of care and services currently provided by pharmacists to AD patients and developed this "blueprint document" for how they might be more effective in helping patients and family caregivers manage the burden of this devastating disease. Data source: A premeeting survey of Council members was conducted to elicit their perceptions regarding the needs and challenges facing AD patients and their family caregivers and to gain insights as to what roles pharmacists could and should be playing to help manage drug therapy and enhance the quality of life in patients with AD. Summary: AD is one of the most significant health crises that will be faced in the United States over the next 30 years. Currently, it Is the sixth leading cause of death In the country. The findings of the Council confirmed that pharmacists are, playing Important roles In the management of AD but can expand these roles. Conclusion: Pharmacists are accessible, trusted, and respected resources. Increased pharmacist involvement in the care of Individuals with AD could improve clinical outcomes and family caregiver quality of life. With the expected increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with AD, the resources and services to care for and support this population will be even further taxed. Innovative approaches for expanding pharmacist involvement in AD should be developed to maximize the difference pharmacists can make in the lives of those who suffer from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the neurobehavioural effects of closed head injury (CHI) in adults aged 50 years and older. Twenty two mild to moderate CHI patients who were within seven months of the injury were administered measures of language, memory, attention, and executive functioning. Compared with demographically similar normal controls, the patients exhibited significantly poorer functioning on the cognitive domains. Naming and word fluency under timed conditions, verbal and visual memory, and the ability to infer similarities were especially vulnerable. These initial findings indicate that CHI in older adults produces considerable cognitive deficits in the early stages of recovery. Future research should characterise long term outcome and the potential links between head injury and the development of progressive dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis has shown that the Escherichia coli polysaccharide K2 antigen exists in two forms, K2ab and K2a. In confirmation of this finding, chemical structural analysis showed that K2ab, in addition to the galactose, glycerol and phosphate groups common to K2ab and K2a, contained 0 acetyl groups. The contrast between the earlier and the present K2 designation is discussed and the superiority of the CIE technique for this type of analysis is underlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance and resilience of host-associated microbiota during development is a fundamental process influencing the fitness of many organisms. Several host properties were identified as influencing factors on bacterial colonization, including the innate immune system, mucus composition, and diet. In contrast, the importance of bacteria–bacteria interactions on host colonization is less understood. Here, we use bacterial abundance data of the marine model organism Nematostella vectensis to reconstruct potential bacteria–bacteria interactions through co-occurrence networks. The analysis indicates that bacteria–bacteria interactions are dynamic during host colonization and change according to the host’s developmental stage. To assess the predictive power of inferred interactions, we tested bacterial isolates with predicted cooperative or competitive behavior for their ability to influence bacterial recolonization dynamics. Within 3 days of recolonization, all tested bacterial isolates affected bacterial community structure, while only competitive bacteria increased bacterial diversity. Only 1 week after recolonization, almost no differences in bacterial community structure could be observed between control and treatments. These results show that predicted competitive bacteria can influence community structure for a short period of time, verifying the in silico predictions. However, within 1 week, the effects of the bacterial isolates are neutralized, indicating a high degree of resilience of the bacterial community.

An acidic polysaccharide which consists of D­glucuronic acid. D­glucose, D­galactose and L­fucose in a molar ratio of 1:1:1:1 and which contains 5.2% of O-acetyl groups was isolated from Escherichia coli 08:K 27 (A):H- cells. About 80% of the total polysaccharide present on the bacterial cell could not be extracted with saline at 60°. This polysaccharide fraction was solubilized with 45% aqueous phenol at 65°. Purification of the acidic polysaccharide was achieved with cetavlon precipitation. It was shown to be homogeneous by ultracentrifugation analysis. The acidic polysaccharide has a high molecular weight (mean value 3 × 106), gives an aqueous solution with high viscosity ([η] = 5.0 dl/g) and possesses a very large form factor (ƒ/ƒo = 6.5). Treatment of the acidic polysaccharide with dilute alkali produced smaller molecules of a molecular weight of about 100,000. Alkali treatment did not alter the sugar composition of the acidic polysaccharide nor did it impair its serological properties. The acidic polysaccharide was oxidized by sodium periodate with concomitant destruction of the galactose moiety. Glucuronic acid, glucose and fucose in the polysaccharide resisted periodate oxidation. When the periodate oxidized and sodium borohydride reduced polysaccharide was hydrolyzed, 0.8 moles of glycerol per mole of the oxidized galact, ose was detected in the hydrolyzate. The methylated acidic polysaccharide was subjected to methanolysis and the methyl glycosides of the methylated sugar constituents were investigated with the aid of gas liquid chromatography. Methyl-tetra-O-methyl-D-galactoside was found to be present in the methanolyzate. Acid hydrolysis of the acidic polysaccharide gave rise to the following charged oligosaccharides: (i) glucuronosyl-(l:3)-fucose, (ii) glucosyl-(l:3)-glucuronosyl-(l:3)-fucose and (iii) galactosyl-(1:3)-glucosyl-(1:3)-glucuronosyl-(l:3)-fucose. No neutral oligosaccharides were detected in hydrolyzates of the acidic polysaccharide. It is concluded that the acidic polysaccharide of E. coli 08:K27 (A):H- consists of subunits of a molecular weight of about 100,000. These subunits are probably linked through ester bonds between carboxyl groups of glucuronic acid and hydroxyl groups of sugar constituents. It is suggested that the polysaccharide chains of the subunits consist, of glucose, glucuronic acid and fucose in repeating order to which galactose is bound in 1:3-linkage, with glucose as the branch point. The acidic polysaccharide absorbes directly onto erythrocytes. In passive haemagglutination tests the polysaccharide-sensitized red cells reacted strongly with E. coli 08:K27 anti OK and anti K sera but very weakly with anti O serum. After absorption of anti OK serum with the purified acidic polysaccharide the antiserum no longer agglutinated the encapsulated strain. The acidic polysaccharide was precipitated by 08:K27 antiserum and by K27 antiserum. This precipitation was inhibited by the tetrasaccharide (iii) and to a lesser extent by the trisaccharide (ii), but not by disaccharide (i) and glucuronic acid. After periodate oxidation—which destroyed the galactose moiety—the acidic polysaccharide was no longer reactive in serological tests. From these results it is concluded that the acidic polysaccharide isolated from E. coli 08:K27 (A):H- is the K antigen of this strain. Galactose appears to be the immunodominant sugar constituent of the K27 antigen, but the whole determinant group consists (at least) of the galactose-1:3-glucose disaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli U41/14 (serotype 03 :K2ab(L) : H2) an unusual amino sugar was isolated. By sequential oxidation with periodate and hypoiodite and by oxidation with periodate, followed by detection of acetaldehyde formed, the ammo sugar was characterized as a 2-amino- dideoxyaldose. The hydrochloride of the amino sugar, in comparison to those of 2-amino-2, 6-dideoxy-D-glucose, 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-L-galactose, 2-amino-2, 6-dideoxy-D-mannose, 2-amino-2, 6-di- deoxy-D-allose, and 2-amino-2, 6-dideoxy-D-gulose, was studied with aid of ion exchange column chromatography. The N-acetylated amino sugar was compared with the N-acetylated reference amino sugars with regard to their relative mobihties in paper chromatography. The ammo sugar alcohols and reference amino sugar alcohols were studied using paper electrophoresis in molybdate buffer. On the basis of the results obtained the unknown amino sugar was identified as 2-amino- 2,6-dideoxymannose (rhamnosamine). Its optical rotation showed it to be of the L-configuration. This is the first report on the natural occurrence of L-rhamnosamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the lipopolysaccharides of two Escherichia coli strains (serotypes O7:K1:(L):H- and, O10:K5 (L):H4) two unusual amino sugars were isolated. By sequential oxidation with periodate and hypoiodite, followed by identification of the reaction products, the aminosugars were characterized as 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-hexoses. The chromatographic properties of the amino sugars and their N-acetyl derivatives were compared with those of authentic samples of free and N-acetylated 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-glucose and 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-galactose. On the basis of the results obtained the unknown amino sugars were tentatively identified as 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-glucose (from the lipopolysaccharide of E. coli O7:K1:(L):H-) and 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-galactose (from the lipopolysaccharide of E. coli O10:K5(L):H4). This is the first time that 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-galactose is described as a constituent of a polysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phage-induced fucosidases prepared from cell lysates of a Klebsiella aerogenes strain have been shown to hydrolyse the polysaccharide of Escherichia coli K27. The major hydrolysis product of one enzyme was identified as an acetylated tetrasaccharide containing equimolar amounts of galactose, glucose, glucuronic acid and fucose. The reducing terminus was characterised as fucose. A minor product of enzymic hydrolysis was the corresponding unacetylated tetrasaccharide. This oligosaccharide was also obtained from alkali-treated polysaccharide. Neither tetrasaccharide could be hydrolysed further with glycosidases. The product of hydrolysis with the second enzyme was probably an octasaccharide comprising two repeating units of the E. coli polysaccharide. It also contained equimolar amounts of the constituents and approximately 50% of the fucose was reduced with borohydride, From the results it is concluded that both enzymes require the sequence ....... α-glucuronosyl — 1 → 3 fucosyl-glucose for substrate activity. The presence of the O-acetyl groups was not essential for enzymic hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An acidic polysaccharide which consists of glucuronic acid, galactose and mannose in a molar ratio of 1:1:1, and which contains 2.5%, O-acetyl groups, was isolated front Escherichia coli O 9:K 30:H 12 cells. Half the amount of the acidic polysaccharide present on the cell surface was extractable with saline at 60°. The residual polysaccharide was solubilized with 45% phenol at 65°. Purification of the two fractions was obtained by cetavlon precipitation. Saline-extractable and non-extractable polysaccharide fractions were identical with respect to chemical composition, serotogical specificity, pK value, neutral equivalent and intrinsic viscosity. In the ultracentrifuge, the non-extractable polysaccharide showed one peak, whereas the saline-extractable fraction was inhomogenous. After treatment with diluted alkali a homogenous form of smaller particle size was obtained from both polysaccharide fractions. Alkali treatment did not alter the sugar composition of either fraction. The molecular weight of the alkali-treated polysaccharide is about 150,000. The acidic polysaccharide was oxidized by sodium periodate with concomitant destruction of the glucuronic acid. Galactose and mannose in the polysaccharide chain were resistant to periodate oxidation. Acid hydrolysis gave rise to 3-O-β-D-glucuronosyl-D-galactose, which could be isolated in about, 25% yield. No further oligosaccharides were detected in hydrolysates of lite acidic polysaccharide. Acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide in which the carboxyl groups had been reduced gave rise to glucosyl-galactose and a second disaccharide which consisted of mannose and glucose, the latter being obtained at very low yield. it is concluded that the acidic polysaccharide of E. coli O 9:K 30:H 12 consists of linear subunits of a molecular weight, of about 150,000. These subunits are joined through ester bonds between carboxyl groups of glucuronic acid residues and hydroxyl groups of sugar moieties. It is suggested that the trisaccharide mannosyl-1,2-glucuronosyl(β)1,3-galactose is the repeating unit of the polysaccharide chain. The acidic polysaccharide has a high affinity for the surface of red blood cells. In passive haemagglutination test the polysaccharide-sensitized red cells react strongly with E. coli O 9: K 30:H 12 anti OK and anti K serum but not with anti O serum. After absorption of anti OK serum with the purified acidic polysaccharide the antiserum no longer agglutinates the encapsulated strain. The acidic polysaccharide is precipitated by K 30 antiserum. This precipitation is inhibited by glucuronic acid, β-phenyl glucuronide and 3-O-β-D-glucuronosyl-D-galactose. After removal of the O-acetyl groups the acidic polysaccharide shows reduced reactivity with K 30 antiserum. From these results we conclude that the acidic polysaccharide isolated from E. coli O 9:K 30:H 12 is the K antigen of this strain. The serologically determinant region of the K 30 antigen includes glucuronic acid and O-acetyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last four decades, the expanded patient care roles of pharmacists in the United States (U.S.) have increased focus on ensuring the implementation of processes to enhance continuing professional development within the profession. The transition from a model of continuing pharmacy education (CPE) to a model of continuing professional development (CPD) is still evolving. As pharmacists assume more complex roles in patient care delivery, particularly in community-based settings, the need to demonstrate and maintain professional competence becomes more critical. In addition, long-held processes for post-graduate education and licensure must also continue to adapt to meet these changing needs. Members of the pharmacy profession in the U.S. must adopt the concept of CPD and implement processes to support the thoughtful completion of professional development plans. Comprehensive, state-of-the-art technology solutions are available to assist pharmacists with understanding, implementing and applying CPD to their professional lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identified the dsRNA binding protein RbdB as an essential component in miRNA processing in Dictyostelium discoideum. RbdB is a nuclear protein that accumulates, together with Dicer B, in nucleolar foci reminiscent of plant dicing bodies. Disruption of rbdB results in loss of miRNAs and accumulation of primary miRNAs. The phenotype can be rescued by ectopic expression of RbdB thus allowing for a detailed analysis of domain function. The lack of cytoplasmic dsRBD proteins involved in miRNA processing, suggests that both processing steps take place in the nucleus thus resembling the plant pathway. However, we also find features e.g. in the domain structure of Dicer which suggest similarities to animals. Reduction of miRNAs in the rbdB- strain and their increase in the Argonaute A knock out allowed the definition of new miRNAs one of which appears to belong to a new non-canonical class.

Abstract Introduction Women represent a growing proportion of older people and experience increasing disability in their longer lives. Using a universally agreed definition of disability based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, this paper examines how, apart from age, social and economic factors contribute to disability differences between older men and women. Methods World Health Survey data were analyzed from 57 countries drawn from all income groups defined by the World Bank. The final sample comprises 63638 respondents aged 50 and older (28568 males and 35070 females). Item Response Theory was applied to derive a measure of disability which ensured cross country comparability. Individuals with scores at or above a threshold score were those who experienced significant difficulty in their everyday lives, irrespective of the underlying etiology. The population was then divided into “disabled” vs. “not disabled”. We firstly computed disability prevalence for males and females by socio-demographic factors, secondly used multiple logistic regression to estimate the adjusted effects of each social determinant on disability for males and females, and thirdly used a variant of the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition technique to partition the measured inequality in disability between males and females into the “explained” part that arises because of differences between males and females in terms of age and social and economic characteristics, and an “unexplained” part attributed to the differential effects of these characteristics. Results Prevalence of disability among women compared with men aged 50+ years was 40.1% vs. 23.8%. Lower levels of education and economic status are associated with disability in women and men. Approximately 45% of the sex inequality in disability can be attributed to differences in the distribution of socio-demographic factors. Approximately 55% of the inequality results from differences in the effects of the determinants. Conclusions There is an urgent need for data and methodologies that can identify how social, biological and other factors separately contribute to the health decrements facing men and women as they age. This study highlights the need for action to address social structures and institutional practices that impact unfairly on the health of older men and women.

Provides a nursing guideline on assessing a patient's mental status. Effects of stress; Data for identification; Physical appearance of the patient; Motor and sensory ability of the patient; Level of consciousness; Assessment of the patient's orientation, memory and intelligence; Fund of information; Ability of the patient to compare and evaluate facts; Extent of the patient's knowledge. INSET: MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT.