Training on the use of a bespoke continuing professional development framework improves the quality of CPD records

BACKGROUND: Using continuing professional development (CPD) as part of the revalidation of pharmacy professionals has been proposed in the UK but not implemented. We developed a CPD Outcomes Framework (‘the framework’) for scoring CPD records, where the score range was -100 to +150 based on demonstrable relevance and impact of the CPD on practice. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study aimed to test the outcome of training people to use the framework, through distance-learning material (active intervention), by comparing CPD scores before and after training. SETTING: Pharmacy professionals were recruited in the UK in Reading, Banbury, Southampton, Kingston-upon-Thames and Guildford in 2009. METHOD: We conducted a randomised, double-blinded, parallel-group, before and after study. The control group simply received information on new CPD requirements through the post; the active intervention group also received the framework and associated training. Altogether 48 participants (25 control, 23 active) completed the study. All participants submitted CPD records to the research team before and after receiving the posted resources. The records (n=226) were scored blindly by the researchers using the framework. A subgroup of CPD records (n=96) submitted first (before-stage) and rewritten (after-stage) were analysed separately. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Scores for CPD records received before and after distributing group-dependent material through the post. RESULTS: Using a linear-regression model both analyses found an increase in CPD scores in favour of the active intervention group. For the complete set of records, the effect was a mean difference of 9.9 (95% CI = 0.4 to 19.3), p-value = 0.04. For the subgroup of rewritten records, the effect was a mean difference of 17.3 (95% CI = 5.6 to 28.9), p-value = 0.0048. CONCLUSION: The intervention improved participants’ CPD behaviour. Training pharmacy professionals to use the framework resulted in better CPD activities and CPD records, potentially helpful for revalidation of pharmacy professionals. IMPACT: • Using a bespoke Continuing Professional Development outcomes framework improves the value of pharmacy professionals’ CPD activities and CPD records, with the potential to improve patient care. • The CPD outcomes framework could be helpful to pharmacy professionals internationally who want to improve the quality of their CPD activities and CPD records. • Regulators and officials across Europe and beyond can assess the suitability of the CPD outcomes framework for use in pharmacy CPD and revalidation in their own setting.

Neoproterozoic glacial dynamics revealed by provenance of diamictites of the Bebedouro Formation, Sao Francisco Craton, Central Eastern Brazil

One of the main questions on Neoproterozoic geology regards the extent and dynamics of the glacial systems that are recorded in all continents. We present evidence for short transport distances and localized sediment sources for the Bebedouro Formation, which records Neoproterozoic glaciomarine sedimentation in the central-eastern Sao Francisco Craton (SFC), Brazil. New data are presented on clast composition, based on point counting in thin section and SHRIMP dating of pebbles and detrital zircon. Cluster analysis of clast compositional data revealed a pronounced spatial variability of clast composition on diamictite indicating the presence of individual glaciers or ice streams feeding the basin. Detrital zircon ages reveal distinct populations of Archean and Palaeoproterozoic age. The youngest detrital zircon dated at 874 +/- 9 Ma constrains the maximum depositional age of these diamictites. We interpret the provenance of the glacial diamictites to be restricted to sources inside the SFC, suggesting deposition in an environment similar to ice streams from modern, high latitude glaciers.

Acetylated DNA-damaging clerodane diterpenes from Casearia sylvestris

In addition to the known diterpene casearin G (1), two new clerodane diterpene casearins type, casearin S (2) and casearin T (3), were isolated from an acetylated bioactive CH2Cl2/MeOH extract from leaves of Casealia sylvestris. The diterpenes 1-3 exhibited moderate but selective activity towards the DNA-repair deficient yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants RAD 52YK and RS 321. The structures of 1-3 were established on the basis of NMR spectroscopic experiments (C) 1998 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Limonoids showing selective toxicity to DNA repair-deficient yeast and other constituents of Trichilia emetica

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the MeCOEt extract of Trichilia emetica (Meliaceae) resulted in the isolation of the limonoids nymania 1 (1), drageana 4 (3), trichilin A (4), rohituka 3 (5),and Tr-B (7) and the novel seco-A protolimonoid 8. of these, nymania 1 and Tr-B showed selective inhibitory activity toward DNA repair-deficient yeast mutants. The isolation, structure elucidation, C-13 NMR spectral assignments, and biological activities of:these compounds are reported.

BIOACTIVE AND OTHER PIPERIDINE ALKALOIDS FROM CASSIA-LEPTOPHYLLA

Four new piperidine alkaloids, leptophyllin A (4), 3-acetylleptophyllin A (5), leptophyllin B (8), and (-)-spectaline (1), and 3 known piperidine alkaloids, (-)-spectalinine (2), canavaline (3), and iso-6-canavaline (7), were isolated by a bioassay-guided fractionation of a leaf extract of Cassia leptophylla. The alkaloids 1 - 3 were active in a mechanism-based DNA-modifying yeast assay and 2 was moderately active in Vero monkey and Chinese hamster ovary cell cytotoxicity assays.

A DNA-damaging sesquiterpene and other constituents from Frullania nisquallensis

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an MeCOEt extract of Frullania nisquallensis Sull. has furnished a DNA-damaging sesquiterpene, costunolide (1), and two inactive compounds, a sesquiterpene (-)-frullanolide (2) and a tridepside tenuiorin (3). C-13-NMR data of 3 are reported.

Bioactive guanidine alkaloids from Pterogyne nitens

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a methanolic CHCl 3 extract of the leaves of Pterogyne nitens afforded the known guanidine alkaloid pterogynidine [2] and three new guanidine alkaloids, nitensidines A [3], B [4], and C [5], all of which exhibited selective activity towards the DNA repair-deficient yeast mutant RS 321 (IC 12=9.3-20.0 μg/ml); 3,4, and 5 were moderately cytotoxic to CHO Aux B 1 cells (IC 50=8.5-13.0 μg/ml).

Iridoids from Tocoyena formosa

The leaves of Tocoyena formosa afforded two antifungal iridoids α- and β-gardiol, and the new iridoids, mollugoside methyl ester and formosinoside. Formosinoside was characterized as its hexaacetyl derivative.

Clinical and molecular phenotype of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a genetic encephalopathy whose clinical features mimic those of acquired in utero viral infection. AGS exhibits locus heterogeneity, with mutations identified in genes encoding the 3′→5′ exonuclease TREX1 and the three subunits of the RNASEH2 endonuclease complex. To define the molecular spectrum of AGS, we performed mutation screening in patients, from 127 pedigrees, with a clinical diagnosis of the disease. Biallelic mutations in TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, and RNASEH2C were observed in 31, 3, 47, and 18 families, respectively. In five families, we identified an RNASEH2A or RNASEH2B mutation on one allele only. In one child, the disease occurred because of a de novo heterozygous TREX1 mutation. In 22 families, no mutations were found. Null mutations were common in TREX1, although a specific missense mutation was observed frequently in patients from northern Europe. Almost all mutations in RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, and RNASEH2C were missense. We identified an RNASEH2C founder mutation in 13 Pakistani families. We also collected clinical data from 123 mutation-positive patients. Two clinical presentations could be delineated: an early-onset neonatal form, highly reminiscent of congenital infection seen particularly with TREX1 mutations, and a later-onset presentation, sometimes occurring after several months of normal development and occasionally associated with remarkably preserved neurological function, most frequently due to RNASEH2B mutations. Mortality was correlated with genotype; 34.3% of patients with TREX1, RNASEH2A, and RNASEH2C mutations versus 8.0% RNASEH2B mutation-positive patients were known to have died (P = .001). Our analysis defines the phenotypic spectrum of AGS and suggests a coherent mutation-screening strategy in this heterogeneous disorder. Additionally, our data indicate that at least one further AGS-causing gene remains to be identified. © 2007 by The American Society of Human Genetics. All rights reserved.

Maritime sector and ports in the Caribbean: the case of CARICOM countries

Includes bibliography

Informe de actividades del Consejo del Caribe de Ciencia y Tecnología (CCCT), 1981-1982 = Report of the activities of the Caribbean Council for Science and Technology (CCST), 1981-1982

Describe las actividades realizadas por el Consejo del Caribe para la Ciencia y la Tecnologia, desde noviembre de 1981 a diciembre de 1982. Incluye el informe de la segunda reunion plenaria del Consejo, llevada a cabo en Kingston, Jamaica, del 3 al 5 de noviembre de 1982.

Report of the Caribbean subregional meetings on maritime search and rescue

Informe de las reuniones subregionales sobre coordinacion de los servicios de busqueda y salvamento maritimo, convocadas por la Organizacion Maritima Internacional y CEPAL: 1) Reunion del Caribe Sur-Central (Kingston, Jamaica, 6-8 octubre de 1982); 2) Reunion del Caribe Oeste (Ciudad de Mexico, 13-15 octubre de 1982); y 3) Reunion del Caribe Sur (Puerto Espana, 8-11 noviembre de 1982).

Possibilidades de aplicação do projecto de um sistema complementar de estatísticas da distribuição da renda, do consumo e da riqueza no Brasil

Incluye Bibliografía

Informe sobre la Primera Reunión de Ministros del Caribe Responsables de Ciencia y Tecnología = Report of the First Meeting of Caribbean Ministers Responsible for Science and Technology

Informe de la primera reunion de ministros del Caribe responsables por la ciencia y la tecnologia, realizada en Kingston, 6-8 abril de 1983. Las discusiones y decisiones se centraron en la necesidad de incrementar la integracion de la ciencia y tecnologia dentro de las estrategias para el desarrollo nacional y regional; y desarrollar un marco de colaboracion regional.

Information on disaster risk management: case study of five countries: Jamaica

Incluye Bibliografía