Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conversion of Intravenous Ranitidine to Oral Therapy

A two-phase drug program concentrating on inappropriate use of intravenous ranitidine is described at a 612-bed university teaching hospital. Phase 1 of the study was a retrospective audit of 50 randomly selected adult patients receiving iv ranitidine. The chart was reviewed for indications for therapy, rationale for iv ranitidine, median length of iv therapy, and appropriateness of iv use. Phase 2 consisted of concurrent monitoring of iv ranitidine soley to assess the appropriateness of the iv dosage form at our hospital. Staff pharmacists reviewed the patient's medication profile from the central pharmacy to determine if the patient had standing orders for any oral or nasogastric medications while concomitantly receiving iv ranitidine. An educational memo was placed in the patient's chart if the patient was concurrently receiving oral or nasogastric medications and iv ranitidine. In phase 1, iv ranitidine was inappropriate either partially or totally in 51 percent of the cases. The median length of inappropriate iv therapy was five days. During the second phase, the pharmacy staff reviewed 4301 profiles of patients receiving iv ranitidine over eight months. Educational memos were placed in 451 patient charts (11 percent) where conversion from iv to oral therapy was feasible; a favorable follow-up occurred in 275 cases (61 percent). This would result in an estimated annual cost savings of $4685. Based on our ranitidine use review, extrapolating the median length of inappropriate iv therapy to five days would result in a yearly cost savings of $23425. This project demonstrated that staff pharmacists can impact on physician education and cost savings by routinely screening patient's medication profiles from the central pharmacy. A TWO-PHASE DRUG PROGRAM concentrating on inappropriate use of intravenous ranitidine was undertaken at a 612-bed university teaching hospital to demonstrate how pharmacists can make an impact on drug therapy both financially and clinically. Intravenous ranitidine was selected based on cost, frequent use, and potential for inappropriate use. Parenteral ranitidine offers no therapeutic advantage over oral therapy if the gastrointestinal tract is intact and functioning.1 At our hospital, the cost of daily iv ranitidine (50 mg iv q8h) is $14.50, approximately eight times that of daily oral tablets (150 mg po q12h) which cost $1.75.
Aldosterone and the cardiovascular system: a dangerous association

Abstract Initial studies have focussed on the actions of aldosterone in renal electrolyte handling and, as a consequence, blood pressure control. More recently, attention has primarily been focussed on its actions on the heart and vascular system, where it is locally produced. Aldosterone by binding mineralocorticoid receptors causes oxidative stress, fibrosis and triggers an inflammatory response in the cardiovascular system. All these effects could be underlying the role of aldo-sterone on cardiac and vascular remodelling associated with different pathological situations. At the vascular level, aldo-sterone affects endothelial function because administration of aldosterone to rats impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations. In addition, the administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists ameliorates endothelium-dependent relaxation in models of both hypertension and atherosclerosis, and in patients with heart failure. Several mechanisms can participate in this effect, including production of vasoconstrictor factors and a reduction in nitric oxide levels. This reduction can involve both a decrease in its production as well as an increase in its degradation by reactive oxygen species. Aldosterone can produce oxidative stress by the activation of transcription factors such as the NF-κB system, which can also trigger an inflammatory process through the production of different cytokines. At cardiac level, high levels of aldosterone can also adversely impact heart function by producing cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and electrical remodelling through changes in ionic channels. All these effects can explain the beneficial effect of mineralocorticoid blockade in the cardiovascular system.
Budd–Chiari syndrome: Long‐term effect on outcome with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Background: The long‐term outcome of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) is not well studied. To address this, the records of 47 consecutive patients with BCS evaluated in one center from January 1989 to April 2004, were analyzed.
Diversification in British industry in the 1970s

This work is original research which is based on data gathered from annual reports and accounts. It covers some 267 businesses which had the largest annual turnovers for manufacturing companies, within Britain, in 1971 and were still in existence in 1979. The data have been subjected to analysis to reveal preferred product‐market postures, movements in posture, effects of annual turnover size on strategies, and the effects of being located within specific industries. In comparison with the work of D. F. Channon for the preceding twenty years it can be seen that, on the whole, the trend towards diversification has continued throughout the broad spectrum of British Industry.
Investigation on ESD robustness of CMOS devices in a 1.8-V 0.15-/spl mu/m partially-depleted SOI salicide CMOS technology

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness of CMOS devices with four different layout structures fabricated in a 0.15-/spl mu/m partially-depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) salicide CMOS process are verified by an ESD tester. The second breakdown current (It2) of fabricated CMOS devices is also measured by the transmission line pulse generator (TLPG). The dependences of ESD robustness on the layout parameters of CMOS devices in this SOI CMOS process have been investigated to find the optimum layout rules for on-chip ESD protection design. The effectiveness of ESD clamp circuits designed with the gate-driven and substrate-triggered techniques are also compared in this SOI CMOS process.
Development and Testing of a Computerized Decision Support System to Facilitate Brief Tobacco Cessation Treatment in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Proposal and Protocol

Background Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) is unequivocally harmful to children's health, yet up to 48% of children who visit the pediatric emergency department (PED) and urgent care setting are exposed to tobacco smoke. The incorporation of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) into the electronic health records (EHR) of PED patients may improve the rates of screening and brief TSE intervention of caregivers and result in decreased TSE in children. Objective We propose a study that will be the first to develop and evaluate the integration of a CDSS for Registered Nurses (RNs) into the EHR of pediatric patients to facilitate the identification of caregivers who smoke and the delivery of TSE interventions to caregivers in the urgent care setting. Methods We will conduct a two-phase project to develop, refine, and integrate an evidence-based CDSS into the pediatric urgent care setting. RNs will provide input on program content, function, and design. In Phase I, we will develop a CDSS with prompts to: (1) ASK about child TSE and caregiver smoking, (2) use a software program, Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), to ADVISE caregivers to reduce their child's TSE via total smoking home and car bans and quitting smoking, and (3) ASSESS their interest in quitting and ASSIST caregivers to quit by directly connecting them to their choice of free cessation resources (eg, Quitline, SmokefreeTXT, or SmokefreeGOV) during the urgent care visit. We will create reports to provide feedback to RNs on their TSE counseling behaviors. In Phase II, we will conduct a 3-month feasibility trial to test the results of implementing our CDSS on changes in RNs’ TSE-related behaviors, and child and caregiver outcomes. Results This trial is currently underway with funding support from the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute. We have completed Phase I. The CDSS has been developed with input from our advisory panel and RNs, and pilot tested. We are nearing completion of Phase II, in which we are conducting the feasibility trial, analyzing data, and disseminating results. Conclusions This project will develop, iteratively refine, integrate, and pilot test the use of an innovative CDSS to prompt RNs to provide TSE reduction and smoking cessation counseling to caregivers who smoke. If successful, this approach will create a sustainable and disseminable model for prompting pediatric practitioners to apply tobacco-related guideline recommendations. This systems-based approach has the potential to reach at least 12 million smokers a year and significantly reduce TSE-related pediatric illnesses and related costs.
A Meta Analysis on Adoption of Mobile Financial Services

During the last decade, there has been tremendous growth in mobile penetration in many countries across the globe including a number of developing countries. The total number of mobile subscription 5 billion by the end of 2010 and is further expected to grow multi-folds. On the other hand, around 2.5 billion adults worldwide do not have a savings or credit account with either a regulated bank or alternative financial institution (such as a microfinance institution). Around one billion people in emerging markets have a mobile phone but no access to banking services. This scenario has opened immense opportunities for organizations including banks, insurance companies and telecom operators to strengthen their customer base and increase revenue by providing various financial services to the consumers through mobile technology. Hence, it becomes very important to understand the factors that would act as drivers or inhibitors towards the adoption of mobile financial services (MFS). Quite a few studies have been conducted across the globe to determine the factors affecting adoption of MFS. This paper provides a Meta analysis of the existing academic literature on MFS and determines the strength of the factors and their linkages through a scoring model based on the type of publication. The findings of the study would be beneficial for further research in understanding the dimensions to be considered for developing adoption model for MFS. The findings can also be used by the practitioners involved in MFS in understanding the factors affecting demand for such services.
THE EFFECT OF DENSIFICATION TEMPERATURE ON SOME PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.)

As wood’s density increases, strength properties tend to increase due to a decrease in cavity volume. This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature levels in the densification process with an open-system thermomechanical method on the density, bending, modulus of elasticity in bending, compression, shear strength, and Brinell hardness in radial/tangential directions of Scots pine. The densification process significantly increased the strength properties of Scots pine. This increase stemmed from the decrease in the rate of cavities with the densification process, which also resulted in an increase in cell wall elements that have load-bearing properties per unit volume. An increase in densification temperature decreased strength properties. The decrease in the strength values can be explained by increasing chemical degradation with a rise in the temperature level. The most suitable temperature level was 120oC for a higher bending, shear, and compression strength, and it was 140oC for a higher radial and tangential hardness in the densification of Scots pine. Increases of 42% in the bending strength, 20% in the shear strength, 47% in the compression strength, 242% in the radial hardness, and 268% in the tangential hardness were obtained after densification.
Twenty Years after Philippine Trade Liberalization and Industrialization: What Has Happened and Where Do We Go from Here

The paper aims to review our trade liberalization policy and its contribution to the country`s industrial growth and performance. After more than twenty years of liberalization, the overall performance of the manufacturing industry has been weak, growth has been slow, and contribution to value added and employment has been limited. Total factor productivity growth declined from 1996 to 2006. The industrial structure has remained "hollow" or "missing" in the middle and medium enterprises have never seriously challenged the large entrenched incumbents. The linkages between SMEs and large enterprises have also remained limited. SMEs have continued to face competitiveness problems along with difficulties in finance and market access. Trade indicators show the heavy concentration of Philippine exports on three major products groups: electronics, garments and textiles, and auto parts. Within these major product groups, exports are highly concentrated in low value-added and labor-intensive products sectors. Our experience has shown that trade liberalization does not automatically lead to a competitive domestic market economy. Imports are effective in disciplining domestic manufacturing firms. However, to sustain the competitive gains derived from the presence of imports, the government has an important role to play particularly in creating and maintaining a competitive environment. The government needs to coordinate policies to implement continued liberalization in tandem with necessary support measures that will address the obstacles to the entry, exit, and growth of domestic firms, particularly small and medium enterprises.
Structural and Functional Analysis of the N-terminal Domain of the Streptococcus gordonii Adhesin Sgo 0707

The commensal Streptococcus gordonii expresses numerous surface adhesins with which it interacts with other microorganisms, host cells and salivary proteins to initiate dental plaque formation. However, this Gram-positive bacterium can also spread to non-oral sites such as the heart valves and cause infective endocarditis. One of its surface adhesins, Sgo0707, is a large protein composed of a non-repetitive N-terminal region followed by several C-terminal repeat domains and a cell wall sorting motif. Here we present the crystal structure of the Sgo0707 N-terminal domains, refined to 2.1 Å resolution. The model consists of two domains, N1 and N2. The largest domain, N1, comprises a putative binding cleft with a single cysteine located in its centre and exhibits an unexpected structural similarity to the variable domains of the streptococcal Antigen I/II adhesins. The N2-domain has an IgG-like fold commonly found among Gram-positive surface adhesins. Binding studies performed on S. gordonii wild-type and a Sgo0707 deficient mutant show that the Sgo0707 adhesin is involved in binding to type-1 collagen and to oral keratinocytes. Citation: Nylander Å, Svensäter G, Senadheera DB, Cvitkovitch DG, Davies JR, et al. (2013) Structural and Functional Analysis of the N-terminal Domain of the Streptococcus gordonii Adhesin Sgo0707. PLoS ONE 8(5): e63768. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 0063768 Editor: Indranil Biswas, University of Kansas Medical Center, United States of America Received January 11, 2013; Accepted April 5, 2013; Published May 17, 2013 Copyright: 2013 Nylander et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: This study was supported by Umeå Center for Microbial Research and the Swedish Research Council grant 2011-4186 to KP, NIH grant R01DE013230-03 and CIHR-MT15431 to DGC, the Swedish Dental Society and the Knowledge Foundation to JRD and GS. The Aberdeen Proteome Facility is funded by the SHEFC and BBSRC. ÅN is supported by The Swedish National Graduate School in Odontological Science. Case No 01944647. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: karina.persson@chem.umu. se
Teacher Migration and the Quality of Basic Education in the Upper West Region of Ghana

The Wa West District of the Upper West Region is an important sending area for teacher migrants to the Brong Ahafo Region, both in Ghana. This paper discusses the reasons for the out-migration of teachers and the effects on the quality of basic education in the Wa West District. The discussion focuses on the characteristics of the teacher migrants, reasons for out-migration and the performance of sending schools as a result of the out-migration. The goal is to expose some of the reasons that account for poor quality education in the Upper West Region while attempting to suggest remedies to this problem. To be able to do this a survey was conducted using questionnaire and interviews as main instruments. The survey revealed that economic push factors such as inadequate motivation for teachers in the sending District and the lack of alternative employment opportunities were key factors for teacher migration. The push conditions were found to result in the poor performance of pupils at the primary and junior secondary school levels in sending district. Consequently, it was concluded that improvements in the socio-economic and infrastructure of the sending district, which would aid in bridging the development gap between the two regions, would help in reducing teacher migration and improve the quality of basic education in the Wa West District. KEY WORDS: Teacher Migration, Socio-Economic Forces, Quality Education, Development Gaps, Educational Parity
OIL PRICE VOLATILITY AND MACROECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCE STOCK MARKET RETURN: A STUDY IN MALAYSIA

: The prime objective of this study is to analysis the impact of crude oil prices and macroeconomic variables on the stock market of Malaysia . For this purpose we have taken the data from 1981-2011 and applied the Johnson co integration, ECM and unit root test. Our results are showing that there is significant association between crude oil prices, macroeconomic variables on the stock market of Malaysia . Hence, final analysis is showing that the major responsible bank of Malaysia should control the dwindling position on interest rate and focus on the transparency system for developing the confidence level of all investors. thevariables. It shows that there is long run relationship between the variables. The values of ROP,INT and RSP are showing that there is short run association between the variables and all are significant . there is not short run relationship between exchange rate and other variables. Forexample, values are proving that 1 % increase in ROP,and RSP will increase the RGDP while,1 % increase in the inflation will decrease the growth rate. In the long run, the ECM coefficient of -1.812(negative) and RGDP(-2) of 2.101727(positive) are significant, implying that a long run relationship exist among the variables (lag 1) at equilibrium.
Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among Mexican-origin and Anglo adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, their comorbidity, and associated risk factors in adolescence. METHOD A self-administered questionnaire was completed in class by students in three middle schools (grades 6 through 8) enrolling more than 3,200 students. Usable questionnaires were obtained from 2,614 (81.5%), of which 924 were Anglo and 1,354 were of Mexican origin Depression was measured using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and suicidal ideation using four items on thoughts of death and suicide. RESULTS The minority adolescents reported significantly higher crude prevalence rates of symptoms of depression and thoughts of suicide than their Anglo counterparts. Prevalence rates were highest for females of Mexican origin. There was a strong association between depression and suicidal ideation in both ethnic groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated significant correlates of depressive symptoms were suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio = 10.9), loneliness, and use of English, in that order. Significant correlates of suicidal ideation were depression (adjusted odds ratio = 10.6), loneliness, two-parent household, use of English, and being of Mexican origin. More than 80% of those with high ratings on suicidal ideation scored as depressed in both ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS Results are consistent with other studies suggesting rates of suicidal ideation among adolescents are in the 10% to 20% range, while rates of depressive symptoms are in the 35% to 50% range using standard caseness scores. Mexican-American youths appear to be at higher risk than Anglo youths, particularly for suicidal ideation. In addition, it appears that youths who are lonely are more likely to report higher rates of both depression and suicidal ideation. The data also indicate that youths who spoke only or mostly English reported lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation, suggesting that acculturation may play a role as well.
Electrophysiological Characterization of Voltage-Gated K+ Currents in Cerebellar Basket and Purkinje Cells: Kv1 and Kv3 Channel Subfamilies Are Present in Basket Cell Nerve Terminals

To understand the processes underlying fast synaptic transmission in the mammalian CNS, we must have detailed knowledge of the identity, location, and physiology of the ion channels in the neuronal membrane. From labeling studies we can get clues regarding the distribution of ion channels, but electrophysiological methods are required to determine the importance of each ion channel in CNS transmission. Dendrotoxin-sensitive potassium channel subunits are highly concentrated in cerebellar basket cell nerve terminals, and we have previously shown that they are responsible for a significant fraction of the voltage-gated potassium current in this region. Here, we further investigate the characteristics and pharmacology of the voltage-dependent potassium currents in these inhibitory nerve terminals and compare these observations with those obtained from somatic recordings in basket and Purkinje cell soma regions. We find that α-DTX blocks basket cell nerve terminal currents and not somatic currents, and the IC50 for α-DTX in basket cell terminals is 3.2 nm. There are at least two distinct types of potassium currents in the nerve terminal, a DTX-sensitive low-threshold component, and a second component that activates at much more positive voltages. Pharmacological experiments also reveal that nerve terminal potassium currents are also markedly reduced by 4-AP and TEA, with both high-sensitivity (micromolar) and low-sensitivity (millimolar) components present. We suggest that basket cell nerve terminals have potassium channels from both the Kv1 and Kv3 subfamilies, whereas somatic currents in basket cell and Purkinje cell bodies are more homogeneous.