Work Preferences and General Abilities Among US Pharmacy Technicians and Danish Pharmaconomists

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane P. Desselle ◽  
Ryan Hoh ◽  
Charlotte Rossing ◽  
Erin R. Holmes ◽  
Amanpreet Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Workplace Issues ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Work Redesign ◽  
General Ability ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Strong Correlate ◽  
Pharmacy Technicians

Introduction: The importance of pharmacy support personnel is increasingly recognized. Studies have evaluated workplace issues and evolving roles; however, needed information from technicians themselves is scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine preferences for work activities and the general abilities of US pharmacy technicians and Danish pharmaconomists. Methods: Surveys were administered to random samples of US technicians in 8 states and the general population of Danish pharmaconomists. Respondents indicated their preference for involvement in a set of work activities in community or hospital pharmacy on numeric scales. They also self-assessed their level of ability on facets associated with professional practice, in general. Descriptive results were tabulated, and bivariate tests were conducted on total general abilities ratings. Results: The 494 technicians and 313 pharmaconomists provided similar ratings on many activities. In community pharmacy, US technician ratings for performance of activities were generally higher than those of pharmaconomists; however, pharmaconomists rated certain “higher order” communication activities quite highly, such as discussing lifestyle changes with the patient. In hospital practice, Danish pharmaconomists provided low preferences for medication handling but high preferences for communication activities. General ability ratings were given high self-evaluations, but lower on some components, such as keeping up with the profession. Employer commitment was a strong correlate for both. Conclusions: Evaluation of preferred work activities and general abilities were likely reflected in different scopes of practice between the two and could be insightful for education and work redesign in both countries, particularly the United States, as leaders evaluate shifts in technician professionalization.

The Recovery of Factor VIII from Fresh-Frozen, Indated and Outdated Human Plasma

1976 ◽  
Vol 36 (01) ◽  
pp. 071-077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel E. Whitman ◽  
Mary Ellen Switzer ◽  
Patrick A. McKee
Keyword(s):  
Factor Viii ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fresh Frozen Plasma ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
Factor Viii Concentrates ◽  
Frozen Plasma

SummaryThe availability of factor VIII concentrates is frequently a limitation in the management of classical hemophilia. Such concentrates are prepared from fresh or fresh-frozen plasma. A significant volume of plasma in the United States becomes “indated”, i. e., in contact with red blood cells for 24 hours at 4°, and is therefore not used to prepare factor VIII concentrates. To evaluate this possible resource, partially purified factor VIII was prepared from random samples of fresh-frozen, indated and outdated plasma. The yield of factor VIII protein and procoagulant activity from indated plasma was about the same as that from fresh-frozen plasma. The yield from outdated plasma was substantially less. After further purification, factor VIII from the three sources gave a single subunit band when reduced and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These results indicate that the approximately 287,000 liters of indated plasma processed annually by the American National Red Cross (ANRC) could be used to prepare factor VIII concentrates of good quality. This resource alone could quadruple the supply of factor VIII available for therapy.

scholarly journals Individual-Level Determinants of Lifestyle Behavioral Changes during COVID-19 Lockdown in the United States: Results of an Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4364
Author(s):  
Xiaotao Zhang ◽  
Abiodun Oluyomi ◽  
LeChauncy Woodard ◽  
Syed Ahsan Raza ◽  
Maral Adel Fahmideh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors

This study examined individual-level determinants of self-reported changes in healthy (diet and physical activity) and addictive (alcohol use, smoking, and vaping) lifestyle behaviors during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in the USA. A national online survey was administered between May and June 2020 that targeted a representative U.S. sample and yielded data from 1276 respondents, including 58% male and 50% racial/ethnic minorities. We used univariate and multivariable linear regression models to examine the associations of sociodemographic, mental health, and behavioral determinants with self-reported changes in lifestyle behaviors. Some study participants reported increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors since the pandemic (i.e., 36% increased healthy eating behaviors, and 33% increased physical activity). However, they also reported increases in addictive lifestyle behaviors including alcohol use (40%), tobacco use (41%), and vaping (46%). With regard to individual-level determinants, individuals who reported adhering to social distancing guidelines were also more likely to report increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors (β = 0.12, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.21). Conversely, women (β = −0.37, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.12), and unemployed individuals (β = −0.33, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.02) were less likely to report increases in healthy lifestyle behaviors. In addition, individuals reporting anxiety were more likely to report increases in addictive behaviors (β = 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.43). Taken together, these findings suggest that women and unemployed individuals may benefit from interventions targeting diet and physical activity, and that individuals reporting anxiety may benefit from interventions targeting smoking and alcohol cessation to address lifestyle changes during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Ranolazine for the Treatment of Chronic Angina Pectoris

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. CMT.S7824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Aldakkak ◽  
David F. Stowe ◽  
Amadou K.S. Camara
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Chronic Stable Angina ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Angina

Coronary heart disease is a global malady and it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Chronic stable angina is the most common manifestation of coronary heart disease and it results from the imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand due to reduction in coronary blood flow. Therefore, in addition to lifestyle changes, commonly used pharmaceutical treatments for angina (nitrates, β-blockers, Ca2+ channel blockers) are aimed at increasing blood flow or decreasing O2 demand. However, patients may continue to experience symptoms of angina. Ranolazine is a relatively new drug with anti-anginal and anti-arrhythmic effects. Its anti-anginal mechanism is not clearly understood but the general consensus is that ranolazine brings about its anti-anginal effects by inhibiting the late Na+ current and the subsequent intracellular Ca2+ accumulation. Recent studies suggest other effects of ranolazine that may explain its anti-anginal and anti-arrhythmic effects. Nonetheless, clinical trials have proven the efficacy of ranolazine in treating chronic angina. It has been shown to be ineffective, however, in treating acute coronary syndrome patients. Ranolazine is a safe drug with minimal side effects. It is metabolized mainly in the liver and cleared by the kidney. Therefore, caution must be taken in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function. Due to its efficacy and safety, ranolazine was approved for the treatment of chronic angina by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006.

scholarly journals Latin American Journalism: A Review of Five Decades and a Proposal for a Model of Analysis

Comunicar ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (33) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Mellado-Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cultural Value ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
American Journalism ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Individual

Based on an historical analysis of the last five decades of research, this article analyzes the elements that define the journalism in Latin America. The work is based on the common social structures and the fact that journalism mediates in the construction of reality throughout the region, proposing a model that describes the individual, organizational and social aspects that have influenced the development of the profession. The results indicate that the educational problems linked to both the identity and the autonomy of the profession, the cultural value associated to professional practice, the existence and reach of the Teachers Associations, political and economic peculiarities, and the considerable influence exercised by Europe and the United States, are all aspects that make Latin American journalism different journalism in the rest of the world. Still, despite these similarities, neither a shared conceptualization nor a homologated operationalization of the profession exists in Latin America.En base a un recorrido histórico de las últimas cinco décadas, este artículo analiza los elementos que hoy definen a la profesión periodística en Latinoamérica. El trabajo se sostiene en las estructuras sociales compartidas por la región, así como en la función de mediación que el periodismo cumple en la construcción de la realidad, proponiendo un modelo que describe los aspectos individuales, organizacionales y sociales que han influido en su desarrollo. Se concluye que los problemas de formación vinculados a la identidad y a la autonomía de la profesión, el valor cultural dado a la carrera profesional, la existencia y alcance de los colegios profesionales, las peculiaridades políticas y económicas, y la gran influencia extranjera ejercida por Europa y EEUU, son los aspectos que diferencian al periodismo latinoamericano del resto del mundo. Sin embargo, se plantea la inexistencia de una conceptualización y operacionalización homologada de la profesión en el sub-continente.

scholarly journals Characterizing Pet Acquisition and Retention During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christy L. Hoffman ◽  
Melissa Thibault ◽  
Julie Hong
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Pet Owners ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Market Research Company ◽  
Research Company ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Pet Owner

In March 2020, Americans began experiencing numerous lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some reports have suggested that pet acquisition and ownership increased during this period, and some have suggested shelters and rescues will be overwhelmed once pandemic-related restrictions are lifted and lifestyles shift yet again. In May 2021, the ASPCA hired the global market research company Ipsos to conduct a general population survey that would provide a more comprehensive picture of pet ownership and acquisition during the pandemic. Although pet owners care for a number of species, the term pet owner in this study specifically refers to those who had dogs and/or cats. One goal of the survey was to determine whether data from a sample of adults residing in the United States would corroborate findings from national shelter databases indicating that animals were not being surrendered to shelters in large numbers. Furthermore, this survey gauged individuals' concerns related to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, and analyses examined factors associated with pet owners indicating they were considering rehoming an animal within the next 3 months. The data showed that pet ownership did not increase during the pandemic and that pets may have been rehomed in greater numbers than occurs during more stable times. Importantly, rehomed animals were placed with friends, family members, and neighbors more frequently than they were relinquished to animal shelters and rescues. Findings associated with those who rehomed an animal during the pandemic, or were considering rehoming, suggest that animal welfare organizations have opportunities to increase pet retention by providing resources regarding pet-friendly housing and affordable veterinary options and by helping pet owners strategize how to incorporate their animals into their post-pandemic lifestyles.

Abstract WP365: STARS PLUS Patient Transition Pilot Program

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Graves ◽  
Angie West ◽  
Miranda N Bretz ◽  
Marie Welch ◽  
Lynn Toth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Stroke Prevention ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Pilot Program

Background: As the leading cause of adult disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, stroke prevention strategies are imperative. Arguably equal attention should be given towards both primary and secondary prevention of stroke. While much is known about medications and lifestyle changes to prevent recurrent stroke, additional research is needed to effectively ensure stroke survivors are following the recommended guidelines. Research shows that support after discharge from the hospital post-stroke is frequently inadequate. Purpose: The purpose of the Steps Against Recurrent Stroke (STARS) Plus Patient Transition Pilot Program was to design and deliver a program to facilitate optimal recovery for stroke survivors and prevent recurrent stroke. The program began at discharge from the hospital and continued through the first year of rehabilitation and recovery. Patients could opt in based on perceived benefits of support with medication management, timed educational mailings and calls about stroke recovery and recurrent stroke prevention. Results: Twelve hospitals participated; 261 patients enrolled and contact was established with 193. Outcomes were gathered based on patient self-report of health status using the Standard Form 12 (SF-12) Health Survey at 30, 90, 180 and 360 days. A total of 72 patients completed each follow-up in the full 12 months of the program. A dependent sample t-test was completed comparing participants’ 30 and 360 day follow-up scores. Results demonstrated an overall increase in subjective pain. A repeated MANOVA was conducted to compare 30 and 360 day SF-12 scores across age and subscales. Results revealed that those in the younger and older age groups reported poorer health outcomes. Conclusion: STARS Plus Program found no statistically significant change in perceived health benefits, although the majority found the program to be beneficial. Future programs should consider targeting pain management in all ages and education targeted at younger and older age groups, as they reported poorer health outcomes. The findings from this program should contribute to the guidance and insight for others developing transitional interventions for stroke survivors.

scholarly journals Librarians Are Attracted to Blogs That Support Professional Continuing Education

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Laura Newton Miller
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
State University ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
The Social ◽  
Whole Number ◽  
Reader Comments ◽  
The Individual

Objective – The purpose of the study was to examine how librarian blogs are being used for communication within the profession. Design – The method used was content analysis and unstructured interviews. Setting - The researcher is based out of a state university in the United States of America. Subjects - Content of and communication within 12 librarian blogs were analyzed. Seven of the 12 bloggers were interviewed. Methodology – There were 15 blogs identified in a list by Quinn (2009) and reduced to the 12 best suited for the study. Over a 24-month period (January 2009-December 2010), random samples of posts with 2 or more comments were selected for each month from the 12 blogs and analyzed. All comments related to these selected posts were also analyzed. The researcher categorized the blogs overall, plus individual posts, into one of four predominant genres (social, professional development, political, and research). Content was coded based on previous coding methodology for blog content found in the research literature. Requests for interviews were sent to all 12 bloggers with 7 agreeing to be interviewed. Preliminary results of the content analysis for his/her own blog were shared with each blogger before the interview took place. Inter-coder reliability was pretested and found to be 83.33%. Main Results - Two hundred eighty-eight posts randomly chosen received 1936 reader comments. Bloggers responded to these comments 254 times. Blogs were categorized under the “social” genre most frequently (53%), followed by “professional development” (31%), “political” (14%), and “research” (2%; percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number by the reviewer). Professional development was the lead genre in two of the individual blogs. All seven bloggers interviewed stated that professional development is a large focus of their blogs. Reasons for blogging ranged from the importance of sharing information, contextualizing information, and (for some) satisfying personal ambition. There was a common personal enjoyment of writing and all planned to continue blogging despite increasing time constraints. Conclusion - Professional development is a major focus of content in librarian blogs. Blog posts and comments stay on topic throughout exchanges between bloggers and readers.

scholarly journals Prevention of Colorectal Neoplasia

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (04) ◽  
pp. 353-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Dolejs ◽  
Benjamin Gayed ◽  
Alyssa Fajardo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Colorectal Neoplasia ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Chemopreventive Agents ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are well-established screening protocols involving fecal testing, radiographic, and endoscopic evaluations that have led to decreased incidence and mortality of CRC in the United States. In addition to screening for CRC, there is interest in preventing colorectal neoplasia by targeting the signaling pathways that have been identified in the pathway of dysplasia progressing to carcinoma. This review will detail the efficacy of multiple potential preventative strategies including lifestyle changes (physical activity, alcohol use, smoking cessation, and obesity); dietary factors (dietary patterns, calcium, vitamin D, fiber, folate, and antioxidants and micronutrients); and chemopreventive agents (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, metformin, bisphosphonates, and postmenopausal hormonal therapy).

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