Physiology and comparative genomics of the haloalkalitolerant and hydrocarbonoclastic marine strain Rhodococcus ruber MSA14.

Marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria can use polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as carbon and energy sources, that makes these bacteria highly attractive for bioremediation in oil-polluted waters. However, genomic and metabolic differences between species are still the subject of study to understand the evolution and strategies to degrade PAHs. This study presents Rhodococcus ruber MSA14, an isolated bacterium from marine sediments in Baja California, Mexico, which exhibits adaptability to saline environments, a high level of intrinsic pyrene tolerance (> 5 g L- 1), and efficient degradation of pyrene (0.2 g L- 1) by 30% in 27 days. Additionally, this strain demonstrates versatility by using naphthalene and phenanthrene as individual carbon sources. The genome sequencing of R. ruber MSA14 revealed a genome spanning 5.45 Mbp, a plasmid of 72 kbp, and three putative megaplasmids, lengths between 110 and 470 Kbp. The bioinformatics analysis of the R. ruber MSA14 genome revealed 56 genes that encode enzymes involved in the peripheral and central pathways of aromatic hydrocarbon catabolism, alkane, alkene, and polymer degradation. Within its genome, R. ruber MSA14 possesses genes responsible for salt tolerance and siderophore production. In addition, the genomic analysis of R. ruber MSA14 against 13 reference genomes revealed that all compared strains have at least one gene involved in the alkanes and catechol degradation pathway. Overall, physiological assays and genomic analysis suggest that R. ruber MSA14 is a new haloalkalitolerant and hydrocarbonoclastic strain toward a wide range of hydrocarbons, making it a promising candidate for in-depth characterization studies and bioremediation processes as part of a synthetic microbial consortium, as well as having a better understanding of the catabolic potential and functional diversity among the Rhodococci group.

Kelp forest food webs as hot spots for the accumulation of microplastic and polybrominated diphenyl ether pollutants.

Kelp forests (KFs) are one of the most significant marine ecosystems in the planet. They serve as a refuge for a wide variety of marine species of ecological and economic importance. Additionally, they aid with carbon sequestration, safeguard the coastline, and maintain water quality. Microplastic (MP) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) concentrations were analyzed across trophic levels in KFs around Todos Santos Bay. Spatial variation patterns were compared at three sites in 2021 and temporal change at Todos Santos Island (TSI) in 2021 and 2022. We analyzed these MPs and PBDEs in water, primary producers (Macrocystis pyrifera), grazers (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), predators (Semicossyphus pulcher), and kelp detritus. MPs were identified in all samples (11 synthetic and 1 semisynthetic polymer) and confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (µ-FTIR-ATR). The most abundant type of MP is polyester fibers. Statistically significant variations in MP concentration were found only in kelps, with the greatest average concentrations in medium-depth kelps from TSI in 2022 (0.73 ± 0.58 MP g-1 ww) and in the kelp detritus from TSI in 2021 (0.96 ± 0.64 MP g-1 ww). Similarly, PBDEs were found in all samples, with the largest concentration found in sea urchins from Punta San Miguel (0.93 ± 0.24 ng g-1 ww). The similarity of the polymers can indicate a trophic transfer of MPs. This study shows the extensive presence of MP and PBDE subtropical trophic web of a KF, but correlating these compounds in environmental samples is highly complex, influenced by numerous factors that could affect their presence and behavior. However, this suggests that there is a potential risk to the systems and the services that KFs offer.

Source identification of n-alkanes and isoprenoids using diagnostic ratios and carbon isotopic composition on crude oils and surface waters from the Gulf of Mexico.

Diagnostic ratios and compound-specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) are two tools that can help identify and differentiate the petrogenic and biogenic sources of hydrocarbons found in environmental samples. The present study aims to evaluate the concentration and type of n-alkanes and isoprenoids found in the oligotrophic waters of the Gulf of Mexico (n = 14), and through the typical diagnostic ratios reported for n-alkanes and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) to establish and differentiate the possible source of the hydrocarbons. Additionally, crude oil samples (n = 10) extracted in the Gulf of Mexico were evaluated by CSIA as a possible source of hydrocarbons to the study area. We found that the CSIA of δ13C for n-alkanes (n-C11 to n-C30) and isoprenoids (pristane and phytane) found in the surface water samples varied from - 25.55 to - 37.59‰ and from - 23.78 to - 33.97‰ in the crude oil samples, values which are more related to petrogenic sources. An analysis of the δ13C for pristane vs. phytane suggests that only three surface water samples show an origin in common that those observed in crude oils of the Gulf of Mexico. A low incidence of odd- and even-numbered n-alkanes higher than n-C25 in the water samples indicate low to negligible presence of terrigenous sources into the area, which was supported by the carbon isotopic composition of the individual n-alkanes.

Systemic racism: Pharmacists' role and responsibility.

Systemic racism is a public health emergency and disproportionately impacts communities of color, specifically black Americans. Pharmacists took an oath to protect the welfare of humanity and protect our patients. As such, to practice truly patient-centered care, pharmacists must recognize racism as a root cause of social determinants of health and use their privilege to educate themselves and their colleagues around dismantling structural racism.

Cognitive performance among cohorts of children exposed to a waste disposal site containing heavy metals in Chile.

Between 1984 and 1998, people living in Arica were involuntarily exposed to metal-containing waste stored in the urban area. The study aims to determine whether children who lived near the waste disposal site during early childhood experienced negative effects on their cognitive development. The cognitive performance was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The exposure variable was defined by the year of birth in three categories: (1) Pre-remediation (born before 1999); (2) During-remediation (born between 1999 and 2003); and (3) Post-remediation (born after 2003). In the crude analysis, a difference of 10 points in the IQ average was observed between the group born in the pre- (81.9 points) and post-remediation period (91.1 points). The difference between both groups was five times higher as compared to children of similar age and socioeconomic status in other cities of Chile. This result could be related with a period of high potential for exposure to this contaminated site.

Getting started writing a personal diversity statement.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Understanding faculty perceptions and experiences related to climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion at a college of pharmacy: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: A climate survey was piloted to obtain an understanding of the perceptions and personal experiences of faculty for intentional planning of future meaningful, effective, and sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at a college of pharmacy. METHODS: A 48-item, four section, online survey was developed and administered to 69 faculty between October and November 2021. Likert-like five-point scales and free-text items were included to determine an overall assessment of climate, as well as perceptions and/or personal experiences for each domain of DEI, and demographics. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (57%) faculty completed the survey. For climate, every attribute had at least one respondent that observed someone make an insensitive or disparaging remark "rarely," "occasionally," and "frequently." The response pattern was similar for personal experience with insensitive remarks. For participation in diversity activities, "awareness without participation" was selected by 56% of respondents. For perceptions of diversity, "fairly" or "very" was selected by 38% to 54% of respondents. For equity, "attainable for some" to "not attainable" was identified for 15% to 26% of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot climate survey results inform climate improvement as it relates to DEI and informs survey instrument refinement.

Importance of Understanding Minority-Serving Institutional Designations and Associated Abbreviations in Contemporary US Higher Education.

Prefixes and suffixes in pharmacy might suggest a drug class, generation, or mechanism of action. As pharmacy educators, we also use an alphabet soup of acronyms and abbreviations to describe board certifications or professional organizations and our affiliation to them. Although we may be experts in nomenclature and abbreviations related to health professions education, sometimes, we also have to remind ourselves to be humble and embrace a learning mindset relative to the abbreviations and naming conventions used more broadly in higher education and in other fields. This article discusses the use of abbreviations in minority-serving institutions as well as the financial, historical, and political implications surrounding their names and definitions. The need to appreciate institutional designations and what they represent is not unique to minority-serving institutions or solely the responsibility of personnel who lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. Appreciating what institution designations mean is a logical first step toward discovering and acting upon the possibilities to facilitate and support the success of all learners recruited into the pharmacy profession.

Why We Need to Pay Attention to Stereotype Threat.

Although "implicit bias" has been a major focus in diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism educational efforts, less attention has been directed to "stereotype threat." This commentary aimed to bring increased awareness to the pharmacy academy about stereotype threat phenomena as well as explore its impact in the areas of education, with a specific focus on health professions education. In addition, potential and practical strategies are discussed to mitigate its occurrence in pharmacy education.

Improving a Leadership Scale: Applying Rasch Analysis to Student Pharmacists' Attitudes and Beliefs About Leadership.

OBJECTIVE: Leadership development is necessary for student pharmacists to become pharmacist leaders, but no readily usable standard measurement of student attitudes toward and beliefs about leadership exists. To assess the reliability and validity evidence for using the Leadership Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (LABS-III), originally developed and validated in Malaysia, for use with student pharmacists in the United States. METHODS: The 2-unit leadership course was piloted among second- and third-year students in a public college of pharmacy with a 4-year doctor of pharmacy curriculum. The participating students completed the LABS-III during the first and last classes as part of a quality improvement measure for course enhancement. Rasch analysis was then used to assess the reliability and validity evidence for the LABS-III. RESULTS: A total of 24 students participated in the pilot course. The pre and postcourse surveys had 100% and 92% response rates, respectively. After Rasch analysis model fit was achieved, the item separation for the 14 nonextreme items was 2.19 with an item reliability of 0.83. The person separation index was 2.16 with a person reliability of 0.82. CONCLUSION: The Rasch analysis revealed that the number of LABS-III items should be decreased and that the 3-point response scale should be used to improve functionality and use in classroom settings for PharmD students in the United States. Further research is needed to augment the reliability and validity evidence of the modified instrument for use at other United States colleges of pharmacy.

Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Pharmacy and Why the Academy Needs to Care.

Pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel are experiencing job stress and burnout, and in some instances, suicidal ideation and death by suicide. However, the described lived experiences of pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel are not defined by burnout. Thus, consideration of and research about whether pharmacy personnel are possibly experiencing moral distress or moral injury is necessary and urgent. The pharmacy academy is served by considering workplace conditions and lived experiences of pharmacists because of the potential, negative impact on prospective student recruitment, quality of experiential sites and preceptors, sites for clinical faculty placement, and the well-being of alumni. Understanding phenomena occurring for pharmacy personnel and determining how they impact the pharmacy academy can lend itself to the future development of solutions.

Pharmacy Leaders' Reflections on Leadership and Legacy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences, contributions, and perceived legacy of individuals recognized as leaders in the pharmacy profession and compare these by gender and generational category. METHODS: A total of 54 leaders were interviewed about their journey to leadership and the legacy they leave to the profession. Interviews were transcribed, de-identified, and qualitatively analyzed using an inductive, modified constant comparison approach for open and axial coding. Qualitative responses were quantified to allow for the comparison of themes by gender and generational category. RESULTS: Common leadership themes included: humility, not expecting to be in a leadership role, taking initiative, being passionate about their work, having mentors to guide them, having a network of people around them, being a part of change, serving during a challenging time, seizing opportunities when they presented themselves, and being involved in professional organizations. The individual's clinical work (38.9%), helping to develop pharmacy as a clinical profession (33.3%), publications (29.6%), impact on students (29.6%), building programs (22.2%), involvement in organizations (20.4%), and impactful research (16.7%) were common themes noted in the legacy responses. CONCLUSION: Although there are many advancements still to be made, upcoming leaders would benefit from the journey and perceived legacy of these leaders as they carry the torch to advance the practice of pharmacy.

Pharmacy Leaders' Advice to Students Pursuing Leadership: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Leadership development is important both from a curricular standpoint and for continued advancement of the profession. Advice from current leaders in the profession may serve as a powerful motivator to students desiring to be leaders. The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide advice from experienced pharmacy leaders. METHODS: Fifty-four pharmacy leaders were identified based on pre-determined, specific criteria and by using a snowball sampling method. Interviews with leaders were conducted via Zoom to learn about their leadership journey, their legacy, and advice they would give students. The interviews were transcribed, de-identified and analyzed using the inductive, modified constant comparison approach for open and axial coding. Advice themes were compared by gender and generational category. RESULTS: The majority of the interviewees were male (69%), belonged to the Baby Boomer Generation (1946-1964, 59.3%), and held leadership positions in education (78%) and health systems (48%). Thirty-seven leadership advice themes were present. The topmost advice to students was to keep an open mind (35%) and to get involved in organizations (32%). Pieces of advice shared by both men and women leaders included: being open minded, getting involved in organizations, taking initiative, trying new or difficult things, and finding your passion. Keeping an open mind, and taking initiative were common across the three generations. CONCLUSION: Pharmacy leaders have insightful information for students aspiring to be future leaders. Leadership advice was similar by gender and generational category. Students would benefit in developing their leadership based on advice from the lived experience of pharmacy leaders. Future studies could examine students' perspectives on leadership advice.

Detection of microplastic particles in scats from different colonies of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) in the Gulf of California, Mexico: A preliminary study.

Microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm in size) are highly bioavailable to many taxa within the marine ecosystem, either ingested directly or indirectly through trophic transfer from polluted prey. The ingestion analysis of these MPs from top predators, such as pinnipeds in Mexico, is relatively unexplored. Forty-eight scats from California sea lions were collected on six rookeries along the Gulf of California. From these scat samples, 294 suspected MPs particles were classified and chemically analyzed; 34% were synthetic and semi-synthetic, and 66% were non-synthetic. Blue-colored polyethylene terephthalate fibers were the most common type of MP registered. During laboratory work, multiple contamination control measures were implemented. Although the ingestion pathway is still unknown, our results support the other authors that suggest the potential trophic transfer of MPs to top predators and incidental ingestion while foraging. The particles documented here provide important baseline information for future MP research in the Gulf of California.

Improving the Experience of Providing Care in Community-Based Pharmacies.

This study applied a human factors and ergonomics approach to describe community-based pharmacy personnel perspectives regarding how work environment characteristics affect the ability to perform the duties necessary for optimal patient care and how contributors to stress affect the ability to ensure patient safety. Data were obtained from the 2021 APhA/NASPA National State-Based Pharmacy Workplace Survey, launched in the United States in April 2021. Promotion of the online survey to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians was accomplished through social media, email, and online periodicals. Responses continued to be received through the end of 2021. A data file containing 6973 responses was downloaded on 7 January 2022 for analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied for developing operational definitions and coding guidelines for content analysis of the data. The patterns of responses for the dependent variables were compared among community-based practice setting types (chain, supermarket/mass merchandiser, and independent) and work positions (manager, staff pharmacist, technician/clerk, and owner). Chi-square analysis was used for determining statistically significant differences. The findings showed that personnel working in community-based pharmacies reported undesirable work environments and work stress that affected their ability to perform assigned duties for optimal patient care and ensure patient safety. Four work system elements were identified that were both facilitators and barriers to the ability to perform duties and ensure patient safety: (1) people, (2) tasks, (3) technology/tools, and (4) organizational context. Acknowledging local contexts of workplaces, giving adequate control, applying adaptive thinking, enhancing connectivity, building on existing mechanisms, and dynamic continuous learning are key elements for applying the HFE (human factors ergonomics) approach to improving the experience of providing care in community-based pharmacies.

Assessing the Association of Hispanic Ethnicity and Other Personal Characteristics with Pharmacy School Admissions.

Access to healthcare services for underrepresented minority populations can be improved by having a diverse profession that reflects the diversity of the patient population being served. The criteria used for pharmacy school admissions may inhibit or strengthen the opportunities that URM students have to be accepted into the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy (COP) program. It is currently unclear how personal characteristics are associated with pharmacy school admissions at the COP. This study evaluates whether Hispanic ethnicity was associated with pharmacy school admission status, and secondarily, determines other characteristics associated with admissions. This retrospective database study used admissions data from 2005 to 2018. Completed applications were included in the analysis. The outcome variable was admitted versus not admitted to the pharmacy program. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with admission status using an a priori alpha level of 0.05. A total of 2096 applicants were included in the analysis (mean age 25.1 ± 5.2 years, 59.9% female, 13.0% Hispanic). Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with admission status. Characteristics significantly associated with admission to pharmacy school were age, gender, high school attended, previous application to the college, and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) biology and chemistry scores. Although bias was not seen in the admissions process, this study highlights the need for intervention to ensure future cohorts better reflect the diversity of the region.

Pharmacy Workplace Wellbeing and Resilience: Themes Identified from a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis with Future Recommendations.

This study applied a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to better understand pharmacy workplace wellbeing and resilience using respondents' written comments along with a blend of the researchers' understanding of the phenomenon and the published literature. Our goal was to apply this understanding to recommendations for the pharmacy workforce and corresponding future research. Data were obtained from the 2021 APhA/NASPA National State-Based Pharmacy Workplace Survey, launched in the United States in April 2021. Promotion of the online survey to pharmacy personnel was accomplished through social media, email, and online periodicals. Responses continued to be received through the end of 2021. A data file containing 6973 responses was downloaded on 7 January 2022 for analysis. Usable responses were from those who wrote an in-depth comment detailing stories and experiences related to pharmacy workplace and resilience. There were 614 respondents who wrote such comments. The findings revealed that business models driven by mechanized assembly line processes, business metrics that supersede patient outcomes, and reduction of pharmacy personnel's professional judgement have contributed to the decline in the experience of providing patient care in today's health systems. The portrait of respondents' lived experiences regarding pharmacy workplace wellbeing and resilience was beyond the individual level and revealed the need for systems change. We propose several areas for expanded inquiry in this domain: (1) shared trauma, (2) professional responsibility and autonomy, (3) learned subjection, (4) moral injury and moral distress, (5) sociocultural effects, and (6) health systems change.

Organochlorine pesticides in immature scalloped hammerheads Sphyrna lewini from the western coast of the Gulf of California, Mexico: Bioaccumulation patterns and human exposure.

Despite the intensive use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the proximity of the Gulf of California, there is no information regarding their levels in predatory shark species, which could be exposed to relatively high concentrations. In this area, neonates and juveniles of the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini are caught for consumption, so the examination of the accumulation of OCPs is necessary for future conservation, as well as to assess the exposure to humans. Levels and accumulation patterns of 29 OCPs were analyzed in the liver and muscle of 20 immature scalloped hammerheads. Twenty-three compounds were detected in liver and 17 OCPs were found in muscle. In the latter tissue, only p,p'-DDE presented concentrations above the detection limit in all samples (0.59 ± 0.21 ng/g w.w.), while in the liver, DDTs were also the main group of pesticides (215 ± 317 ng/g w.w.), followed by ∑Chlordanes > ∑Chlorobenzenes > Mirex > HCBD > Others. One of the two analyzed neonates presented high concentrations of OCPs in the liver (1830 ng/g w.w.), attributed to a bioamplification process. No differences in accumulation of OCPs were found between juveniles of both sexes, where an increase in the concentration of various compounds related with size and age was observed. Additionally, juveniles under 2 years of age may undergo a growth dilution process. Our results suggest that the consumption of this species does not imply risks to human health (chronic or carcinogenic effects) associated with OCPs. Likewise, we recommend further monitoring due to the possible recent inputs of some OCPs (e.g. dicofol, median of ratio o, p'-DDT/p, p'-DDT = 0.7) into the environment.