Do entry year pharmacy students have similar personal characteristics? Comparing personalities, professional goals, and role perceptions.

BACKGROUND: Schools and faculties of pharmacy are responsible for selecting students to admit into the profession. Despite many similarities, admission processes, pharmacists' training, and scope of practice are different across jurisdictions. Students that are selected for admission may then differ in a number of ways, including by personality traits and other individual difference measures. OBJECTIVE: To compare the trait characteristics between students entering a New Zealand (NZ-University of Otago) and Canadian ((University of Waterloo) pharmacy programme and to compare their professional goals and role perceptions. METHODS: Incoming first year students at each university were invited to take an online questionnaire that included personality characteristics and potential predictors of involvement in pharmacists' roles: (1) the Big Five Inventory (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism); (2) the Achievement Goals Questionnaire-Revised; (3) the Rational Experiential Inventory; and (4) Counsellor Role Orientation. Statistical tests were conducted to determine if there were differences between entry level pharmacy students from NZ and Canada. RESULTS: 184 students (97/150 Otago, 87/118 Waterloo) completed the survey. On average, Waterloo students scored higher on agreeableness (M = 80 vs. 76, p = 0.06), conscientiousness (M = 70 vs. 68, p = 0.30), mastery-approach (M = 93 vs.90, p = 0.06), and faith-in-intuition (M = 67 vs. 61, p = 0.03) compared to Otago pharmacy students who were higher for openness M = 70 vs. 66, p = 0.09). An item measuring reliance on physicians for medicine advice was endorsed more by Otago pharmacy students (M = 35 vs. M = 15, p < 0.001). Items on time pressure (e.g., "It takes too much time to for a pharmacist to talk with a patient about the medication they receive") were higher for Otago students (M = 41 vs. M = 38, p = 0.26). Higher scores for pharmacist restriction ("There should be legal restrictions on what pharmacists can tell patients") were also seen among Otago students (M = 26 vs. M = 12, p < 0.001). There were important differences between entry level pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists in both jurisdictions. DISCUSSION: While entry-level pharmacy students had similar personality profiles, differences were observed in role expectations and in experiential learning orientation. This highlights differing societal views on the role of pharmacists in each respective country. Pharmacy schools should study their student bodies when designing their curricula and electives, helping ensure graduates feel like they have the training to do what they need to do. Future work will determine if these personality and learning goals influence students' preparation for practice.

Pharmacists of the future: What determines graduates' desire to engage in patient-centred services?

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists increasingly need to provide patient centred activities like medicine management (e.g., medicine use review/home medicine review), screening for chronic illness (e.g., point of care testing for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and hypercholesterolemia), treatment for chronic conditions (e.g., warfarin for thrombotic prophylaxis), and primary care treatment (trimethoprim, emergency contraceptive pill, and sildenafil). However, the adoption of patient-centred services into practice is still low, and it not known which pharmacist characteristics are associated with the adoption of these services. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether personality and other characteristics of pharmacy graduates are associated with their intention to provide patient-centred services in the future. METHODS: The study design was a cross-sectional survey of pharmacy graduates from the University of Otago at the end of 2017. The web-based survey involved several potential determinants: (1) the Achievement Goals Questionnaire (Revised), (2) five-factor ('Big Five') model of personality, (3) decision-making style using the Rational Experiential inventory, (4) general self-efficacy, (5) sense of belonging to the pharmacy profession. Additionally, interest in provision of services was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 83 graduates completed the survey (response rate 63%, female 64%, age 22.5 years, SD: 1.7). Intention to provide patient-centred services was associated with higher: conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion; mastery-approach; self-efficacy; and sense of belonging to the profession. Relative to the New Zealand population norms, these students were higher in conscientiousness and lower in neuroticism. Graduates were more interested in providing new patient-centred roles than more traditional services. CONCLUSION: Overall, pharmacy graduates were very positive regarding their future involvement in patient-centred services. Pharmacy graduates' sense of self-efficacy and a sense of belonging in the profession were associated with interest in patient-centred roles. Increasing their self-efficacy and sense of belonging to the profession and building on their enthusiasm as new graduates are key to greater provision of patient-centred activities.

Multicolor imaging in macular telangiectasia-a comparison with fundus autofluorescence.

PURPOSE: To describe various clinical features of idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis group 2A or idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) on multicolor imaging (MCI) and compare imaging findings of MacTel on MCI with fundus autofluorescence (FAF). METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MacTel based on Gass and Blodi's classification were included. FAF and MCI images were graded qualitatively for stage of disease, margins of involvement, hyperautofluorescence on FAF (corresponding retinal atrophy on MCI), and detection of crystals. FAF and MCI were graded quantitatively for the area and number of quadrants involved, hypoautofluorescene on FAF (corresponding intraretinal pigment hyperplasia or retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] atrophy on MCI), and foci of right-angled venules. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes of forty five patients were included with both imaging modalities showing no difference with respect to staging of non-proliferative MacTel. Retinal crystals were recognized on MCI but not on FAF. Neurosensory retinal atrophy and  subretinal neovascular membranes were detected using MCI with 92.3 and 83.3% sensitivity, respectively. Intraretinal pigmented hyperplasia was more accurately detected (70.1 vs 58.4%) compared with RPE atrophy on MCI. MCI showed larger area of involvement, higher number of quadrants involved (p < 0.001), and better delineation of margins (p = 0.002) compared with FAF. A higher mean number of vessel dipping foci was noted on MCI in comparison with FAF (3.34 vs 3.1). CONCLUSION: Various parameters were more easily defined using MCI compared with FAF which qualifies MCI as an enface depth-resolved imaging adjunct to conventional multimodal imaging in MacTel. The ability to detect enface as well as cross-sectional imaging features makes MCI a valuable tool in MacTel.

Protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cyclophosphamide therapy is known to be associated with the risk of female infertility as a result of ovarian toxicity. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and omega-3 fatty acids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the potential protective effect of alpha-LA, omega-3 fatty acids, and its combination against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were equally divided into Groups I, II, III, IV, and V. Group I was normal control, wherein the rats were fed with normal feed and water ad libitum. Group II served as cyclophosphamide-induced group, wherein the rats were injected with cyclophosphamide at 75 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route once a week to induce ovarian toxicity. Groups III and IV were treated with alpha-LA at the rate of 25 mg/kg and omega-3 fatty acids at the rate of 400 mg/kg, respectively, in parallel to cyclophosphamide induction as in Group II. Group V animals were coadministered with alpha-LA (25 mg/kg) and omega-3 fatty acids (400 mg/kg) along with cyclophosphamide induction as in Group II. The respective treatments were administered daily through oral route for a period of 30 days. Regularity of estrous cycle was evaluated by vaginal cytology. Post-treatment period, the animals were humanely sacrificed, and the blood samples were subjected to the estimation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. The ovarian tissue was weighed and subjected to histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, estimation of decreased glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. RESULTS: Rats treated with cyclophosphamide alone manifested irregularity in estrous cycle, increased FSH, and reduced estrogen levels. The ovaries showed decreased GSH and increased TNF-alpha concentrations. Histopathological and transmission electron microscopic analysis of the ovarian follicles revealed degenerative changes. Administration of alpha-LA and omega-3 fatty acids as well as the combination of both the treatments demonstrated significant normalization of the estrous cycle and antioxidant defense mechanism as well as ameliorated the hormonal profile and histological architecture of the ovarian follicles. However, appreciable synergistic efficacy of the combination therapy (alpha-LA+omega-3 fatty acids) with respect to the monotherapies was not observed in the present study. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of alpha-LA and omega-3 fatty acids against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity could be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that prevented the oxidative damage to the ovaries caused by cyclophosphamide. Hence, our findings suggest that dietary supplementation of alpha-LA and omega-3 fatty acids in women receiving cyclophosphamide therapy could carry potential benefits in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced infertility in childbearing women.

Multicolor imaging in central serous chorioretinopathy - a quantitative and qualitative comparison with fundus autofluorescence.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterised by choroidal hyperpermeability which results in neurosensory detachments (NSD) along with numerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alterations such as RPE atrophy. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrates the functionality of the RPE while multicolor imaging(MCI), by means of its three incident wavelengths, provides insight into clinical changes at various levels of the retina and choroid in CSCR. This study compares various clinical findings in CSCR (NSD, subretinal deposits, RPE atrophy, pigment epithelial detachments (PED) and pachyvessels) on the above mentioned imaging modalities both qualitatively and quantitatively. MCI showed higher mean cumulative area of RPE atrophic patches (6.3 ± 6.02 vs 5.7 ± 5.7 mm2, p = 0.046), PED (1.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.1 ± 1.2 mm2, p = 0.068) and NSD (17.2 ± 11.4 vs 15.7 ± 10.7 mm2, p = 0.033). MCI demonstrated better defined lesions (NSD, PED, RPE atrophy) and more number of eyes with PED and pachyvessels in comparison to FAF.Both investigations had a 100% sensitivity in detecting NSD and 100% specificity for sub retinal deposits. This study demonstrates the ability of MCI to quantitatively and qualitatively define various clinical features in CSCR and the advantages it holds over FAF. MCI can hence be considered as a useful imaging modality in documenting and monitoring various structural changes in eyes with CSCR.

Laboratory animal models for esophageal cancer.

The incidence of esophageal cancer is rapidly increasing especially in developing countries. The major risk factors include unhealthy lifestyle practices such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and chewing tobacco to name a few. Diagnosis at an advanced stage and poor prognosis make esophageal cancer one of the most lethal diseases. These factors have urged further research in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Animal models not only aid in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of esophageal cancer but also help in developing therapeutic interventions for the disease. This review throws light on the various recent laboratory animal models for esophageal cancer.

Acne vulgaris and quality of life among young adults in South India.

UNLABELLED: Acne vulgaris is a chronic condition affecting more than 85% of adolescents and young adults. It is one of the most common diseases affecting humanity and its impact on quality of life (QoL) is important. The impact of acne on QoL in Indian patients remains undocumented. The study was undertaken to detect the impact of acne vulgaris and related factors that may influence the QoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a hospital-based, prospective, cross-sectional, prestructured, questionnaire-based study done on 140 consenting individuals, who attended the Dermatology outpatient department. Acne vulgaris was graded using simple grading system. QoL was measured using a combination of skin disease-specific (Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI)) and acne-specific (Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI)) questionnaires. RESULTS: Majority of our study population were students (103, 73.6%). Face (139, 99.3%) was the commonest site of acne and comedones 133, 95% were the commonest type of lesion. Most of the individuals 66, 47.1% were observed to have grade 1 acne. The mean DLQI score was 6.91 and the mean CADI score was 5.2. Association between the scores was statistically significant. Age, occupation, marital status, family, and treatment history played a role in affecting the QoL. Diet, smoking, and alcohol did not influence the QoL. CONCLUSION: Though acne had impact on patient's QoL, it was less severe in our study. It is important for health professionals to incorporate QoL measurements when managing acne patients to provide better and appropriate care.

Impact of endophytic microorganisms on plants, environment and humans.

Endophytes are microorganisms (bacteria or fungi or actinomycetes) that dwell within robust plant tissues by having a symbiotic association. They are ubiquitously associated with almost all plants studied till date. Some commonly found endophytes are those belonging to the genera Enterobacter sp., Colletotrichum sp., Phomopsis sp., Phyllosticta sp., Cladosporium sp., and so forth. Endophytic population is greatly affected by climatic conditions and location where the host plant grows. They produce a wide range of compounds useful for plants for their growth, protection to environmental conditions, and sustainability, in favour of a good dwelling place within the hosts. They protect plants from herbivory by producing certain compounds which will prevent animals from further grazing on the same plant and sometimes act as biocontrol agents. A large amount of bioactive compounds produced by them not only are useful for plants but also are of economical importance to humans. They serve as antibiotics, drugs or medicines, or the compounds of high relevance in research or as compounds useful to food industry. They are also found to have some important role in nutrient cycling, biodegradation, and bioremediation. In this review, we have tried to comprehend different roles of endophytes in plants and their significance and impacts on man and environment.

Chemical hair relaxers have adverse effects a myth or reality.

CONTEXT: Hair plays an important role in one's personality and builds confidence. Now-a-days, chemical hair relaxers are used very commonly in the society. We document the adverse effects reported by the sample that have used any one of the professional chemical hair relaxers. AIM: To study the adverse effects reported by the sample who underwent repeated chemical hair relaxing. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire based study done on a sample taken from a medical college and hospital campus in Mangalore. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was restricted to females and to those who underwent it more than once. A questionnaire was given to a sample of 90, which matched our criteria. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: SPSS software 17. RESULTS: Adverse effects reported by the sample after undergoing the procedure were found to be a high 95.56%, out of which the following are the common adverse effects reported; frizzy hair in 67%, dandruff in 61%, hair loss in 47%, thinning and weakening of hair in 40%, greying of hair 22%, and split ends in only 17%. CONCLUSIONS: Very few studies have been conducted on the adverse effects of hair straightening products in India. From our study, it can be stated that most of the samples had adverse effects, which was as high as 95.56%. Hence from the details elicited from this study, we can conclude that, usage of chemical hair relaxers does cause adverse effects and is "not a myth." Thus, it is necessary to make available a less harmful chemical hair relaxer to the society.

Interaction study of moxifloxacin and lomefloxacin with co-administered drugs.

Moxifloxacin and lomefloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used in treating urinary and respiratory tract infections. Fluoroquinolones are known to have interactions with drugs that are active in gastro intestinal tract. Being moxifloxacin and lomefloxacin fluoroquinolones the interaction study of was carried out with sucralfate, gelusil, erythromycin and multi minerals. The interaction was studied at neutral, acidic and basic conditions both at room temperature and 37°C. The effect of dissolution medium simulating various body environments with response to pH has been examined in order to elucidate the interactions. The response of moxifloxacin and lomefloxacin after interaction with co-administered drugs at different conditions and temperature were noted using a Shimadzu HPLC system with PDA detector. It was seen that interaction of these fluoroquinolones was more at 37°C than at room temperature. Moxifloxacin and Lomefloxacin reacts faster with sucralfate and gelusil in acidic media whereas with erythromycin in basic media and multi-minerals in neutral media. The study ensures the interaction of fluoroquinolones with selected class of drugs. In order to achieve the effective therapeutic effect appropriate time intervals between administrations of drugs is essential.