https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/144 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:22:50 GMT 2026-08-01T21:22:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148380 Title: Validation instruments for community pharmacy : pharmaceutical care for the third millennium Authors: Azzopardi, Lilian M. Abstract: This book presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating and improving the quality of professional services provided by community pharmacists. The book develops practical and scientifically grounded validation instruments designed to measure pharmacy performance, document pharmacist interventions, and demonstrate the contribution of pharmaceutical care to patient outcomes. Drawing on principles of quality assurance, outcome assessment, and community pharmacy practice, it outlines methods for assessing pharmacy settings, equipment, dispensing processes, patient counselling, response to minor ailments, and other key components of pharmaceutical service delivery. The volume also discusses the development and application of quantitative measurement systems that enable the systematic monitoring of professional standards and continuous quality improvement. Supported by case studies, survey instruments, and practical implementation strategies, the book provides pharmacists, educators, healthcare administrators, and policymakers with tools for establishing evidence-based validation programmes in community pharmacy settings. Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148380 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148356 Title: Steroid profiling of modern and archaeological human bones using targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) Authors: Makarova, Mariia; Simpson, Joanna P.; Boano, Rosa; Formosa, Melissa M.; Calleja-Agius, Jean; Spiteri, Cynthianne; Beach, Alison I.; Demarchi, Beatrice; Homer, Natalie Z. M. Abstract: A growing body of research explores the characterisation of steroids preserved in hard tissues (e.g., teeth and bones) to reconstruct the functioning of endocrine systems. Mineralized tissues have been shown to reflect circulating hormone levels during the last decade of an individual’s life and, importantly, these molecular records persist over archaeological timescales, albeit the mechanisms of preservation and degradation are poorly known. Here, we applied a targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to detect and quantify steroid molecules in modern and archaeological human bone, from a set of individuals with different biological sex, age-at-death, and bone health. We quantified nine steroids, including progestogens (pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone); androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and testosterone); and glucocorticoids (corticosterone, cortisol, and cortisone). The three most abundant steroid signals detected were DHEA, cortisol, and pregnenolone, but while modern bones yielded a broad steroid profile, archaeological bones showed a narrower profile, dominated by progestogens. This study confirms that human bones accumulate and store a broad range of steroid molecules and therefore can be a promising matrix for archaeo- and palaeo-metabolomics. However, the variability of our results highlights the importance of elucidating the accumulation patterns and diagenetic pathways of steroids in hard tissues before utilizing those signals for any interpretation of past physiological conditions. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148356 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148254 Title: Quality care standards analysis Abstract: Quality in health care presents a range of interpretations including accreditation and certification, compliance with rules and regulations, meeting established levels, use of modern equipment, efficiency, and performing inspections. When taking into account a patient-oriented approach, quality of pharmacy services represents optimum patient care to meet patient’s needs. So, structures and processes are necessary to measure the patient care provided and, therefore, measure quality. [excerpt] Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148254 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148239 Title: International validation of vascular registries – the VASCUNET validation template Authors: Altreuther, Martin; Grima, Matthew Joe; Lattmann, Thomas Abstract: Quality registries are used increasingly for surveillance and quality improvement in vascular surgery in many countries, as well as for international studies. Internal and external validity are crucial if registry data (or any other research data) are used in any analysis or comparison study. The international registry collaboration VASCUNET has therefore conducted validation of participating registries and developed a template for internal and external registry validation. External validation assesses the completeness of registration, that is if all operations performed in the actual category (e.g., carotid surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery) at the actual site are registered. Internal validation assesses whether the variable values in the vascular registry are complete and correct, in accordance with the hospital record. [excerpt] Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148239 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z