Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Attitudes and Beliefs of Special and General Educational Professionals Concerning Alcohol and Drug Problems

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v LIST OF TABLES x CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1 Substance Use Disorder Defined 2 Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders 4 Impact of Substance Use Disorders 9 The Attitudes of Professional Educators Concerning Substance Abuse 14 Statement of the Problem 15 Significance of the Study 17 Definitions 18 Limitations 21 CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 23 Factors Associated with Substance Use Disorders in Children and Youth 24 Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Children and Youth 45 The Constructs of Substance Abuse 56 The Attitudes of Professional Educators Toward Substance Use 73 CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 86 Overview 86 Research Questions 87 Participants 87 Setting 88 Instrumentation 90 Materials 92 Design and Procedures 93 Data Collection 95 Treatment of the Data 96 Interrater Data Verification 97 CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS 98
Characterization of Homozygous Hb Setif (HBA2: c.283G>T) in the Iranian Population

Abstract Hemoglobin (Hb) variants are abnormalities resulting from point mutations in either of the two α-globin genes (HBA2 or HBA1) or the β-globin gene (HBB). Various reports of Hb variants have been described in Iran and other countries around the world. Hb Setif (or HBA2: c.283G>T) is one of these variants with a mutation at codon 94 of of the α2-globin gene that is characterized in clinically normal heterozygous individuals. We here report clinical and hematological findings in two homozygous cases of Iranian origin for this unstable Hb variant.
Abiraterone acetate, an inhibitor of adrenal androgen synthesis in “hormone refractory prostate cancer”

Prostate cancer is one of the commonest malignancies affecting males. The estimated total burden of prostate cancer for USA for 2009 is 192,280 with estimated 27,360 deaths. [1] While prostate cancers detected by prostate specific antigen (PSA)-based screening are usually early, metastatic prostate cancer is an important problem. [2] For patients having metastatic prostate cancer, either at presentation or due to progression of disease after radical local therapy (surgery or radiation), hormonal intervention is the universal first line of therapy. Since the publication of the effects of hormonal intervention on metastatic prostate cancer by Huggins and Hodges in 1941, interventions directed against androgens have been used. [3] Testes are the source of nearly 90% of endogenous androgens and surgical or medical castration is the mainstay of treatment. Surgical or medical castration is the mainstay of hormonal therapy. A competitive blockade of androgen receptors is another useful strategy. Castration and androgen receptor blockade are used either concomitantly or sequentially. Majority of patients have a very good response to the above-mentioned interventions with a reduction in serum PSA and relief of symptoms leading to improved survival and quality of life. However, inevitably, all patients develop the progression of disease after a variable interval that may last from few months to few years. When the progression of disease is identified, withdrawal of antiandrogen therapy is recommended and may lead to short-duration responses in some of the patients.
Dual influence of colloidal silica on skin deposition of vitamins C and E simultaneously incorporated in topical microemulsions

Background: Colloidal silica is the thickener of interest for topical formulations and can therefore be used to optimize the viscosity of both hydrophilic and lipophilic microemulsions (MEs). To the best of our knowledge, no information is available about the effect of topically applied colloidal silica on skin penetration of drugs. So, our aim was to determine its influence on the effectiveness of ME in the simultaneous delivery of vitamins C and E to the skin. Methods: Two different aspects of silica possible function were investigated. Its effects on formulation characteristics were studied by determination of partition coefficient of the vitamins, their solubility and release profile. The direct impact of silica on the skin was further evaluated by transepidermal water loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cell toxicity determination (MTT assay). Results: The addition of colloidal silica to ME was shown to increase significantly the vitamins' solubility and their partition to the phase in which they were less soluble. Its presence also increased the amount of both vitamins in epidermis, which was confirmed by release studies. Furthermore, we demonstrated that colloidal silica interacts with excised skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, probably by retaining water in the stratum corneum because of its massive accumulation in the upper layers, as revealed by SEM. Conclusion: The results confirmed that addition of colloidal silica in ME simultaneously loaded with vitamins C and E enhanced vitamins' skin bioavailability by its dual influence on delivery characteristics of ME as well as on skin properties.
Development of dorzolamide hydrochloride in situ gel nanoemulsion for ocular delivery

Background: Several in situ gel-forming systems have been developed to prolong the precorneal residence time of a drug and to improve ocular bioavailability. Poloxamer 407 with its thermoreversible gelation and surface active properties was utilized to formulate a novel dorzolamide hydrochloride in situ gel nanoemulsion (NE) delivery system for ocular use. Objective: Improvement of both ocular bioavailability and duration of action for dorzolamide hydrochloride was the aim of this study. Methods: Physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release studies and biological evaluation of the prepared NEs were investigated. Results: The optimum formulation of in situ gel NE consisted of Triacetin (7.80%), Poloxamer 407 (13.65%), Poloxamer 188 (3.41%), Miranol C2M (4.55%), and water (70.59%). Biological evaluation of the designed dorzolamide formulation on normotensive albino rabbits indicated that this formulation had better biological performance, faster onset of action, and prolonged effect relative to either drug solution or the market product. The formula showed a superior pharmacodynamic activity compared to the in situ gel dorzolamide eye drops. This indicated the effectiveness of the in situ gel properties of poloxamer 407, besides formulating the drug in an NE form for improving the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the superiority of in situ gel NE to conventional ocular eye drops and in situ gels to enhance ocular drug bioavailability.
Computer‐Aided Detection in Full‐Field Digital Mammography: Detection in Dependence of the BI‐RADS Categories

Abstract: The object of this study was to determine the performance of a computer‐aided detection system in full‐field digital mammography (Senographe 2000D, General Electric, Buc, France) in detecting carcinomas in breasts in dependence of the initial Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) categories. A total of 226 mediolateral oblique (MLO) and 186 craniocaudal (CC) view mammograms of histologically proven cancers were retrospectively evaluated with a primary digital computer‐aided detection system (Image Checker V2.3; R2 Technology, Los Altos, CA). According to BI‐RADS of the American College of Radiology (ACR), the lesions were classified in MLO view as BI‐RADS 1 in 2 cases, BI‐RADS 2 in 11 cases, BI‐RADS 3 in 37 cases, BI‐RADS 4 in 56 cases, and BI‐RADS 5 in 120 cases, and in CC view as BI‐RADS 1 in 2 cases, BI‐RADS 2 in 8 cases, BI‐RADS 3 in 26 cases, BI‐RADS 4 in 46 cases, and BI‐RADS 5 in 104 cases. The computer‐aided detection system shows markers also in mammograms classified as BI‐RADS categories 1–3 by the radiologist. Furthermore, BI‐RADS categories 4 and 5 in most cases demonstrate masses in mammography. With increasing BI‐RADS category, the computer‐aided detection system shows decreasing numbers of overlooked carcinomas. In MLO view, no markers were found in 100% (2/2), 81.8% (9/11), 59.5% (22/37), 46.4% (26/56), and 15% (18/120) for BI‐RADS categories 1–5, respectively. False‐positive markers, however, were seen in 0.5 per image (205/412). In conclusion, the high rate of false‐positive markers shows that the specificity of the computer‐aided detection system is limited and that improvements are necessary.
Early development evaluation of AZD8081: a substrate for the NK receptors

The purpose of the present study was to find out if AZD8081, a dual neurokinin (NK)1/2 receptor antagonist, was suitable for development of an oral, solid immediate release (IR) formulation and in a further perspective also as an oral extended release (ER) formulation. AZD8081 is a base with pKa values <2.5 and about 8.5. The measured intrinsic solubility is about 0.1 mg/mL and the solubility in FaSSIF (fasted simulated small intestinal fluid) is about 3.2 mg/mL. Aqueous buffer solutions are stable for at least 1 month between pH 1–7 up to 37°C. In the solid-state, a mixture of amorphous and crystalline substance showed significant chemical instability in the initial stress testing studies. No degradation was, however, observed for highly crystalline material at similar conditions. It is concluded that the impurity profile and/or the present solid-state of the batches affect the stability of the substance. The amorphous contribution of the substance is the main cause to the observed degradation in solid-state. Crystalline AZD8081 is polymorphic with two known monotropic forms, form A and form B. Both forms are only slightly hygroscopic ansolvates with melting points of approximately 108°C and 117°C, respectively. Form B is the more stable of the two forms and is therefore most suited for further development. The candidate is suitable for development of standard IR formulations since no specific limitations of significance for formulation development were identified. In addition, the good stability in human intestinal fluid and in colon slurry makes AZD8081 a suitable candidate for ER formulation.
Preparation and characterization of β-elemene-loaded microemulsion

Intravenously injectable emulsion of β-elemene was studied in detail. Both blank and β-elemene-loaded microemulsions were prepared using a simple water titration method. The pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed for the optimization of microemulsion. The loading capacity test, dilutability test, and especially the influence of antioxidants were conducted for further optimization of β-elemene-loaded microemulsion. Transmission electron microscope showed intact and spherical microemulsion droplets. Conductivity and viscosity measurements were used to study the phase behaviors of β-elemene-loaded microemulsions, providing convincing explanation. In vitro release study showed that β-elemene was steadily released until 12 h, which most fitted the first order.
Polymerase chain reaction optimization for amplification of Guanine-Cytosine rich templates using buccal cell DNA

CONTEXT: Amplification of Guanine-Cytosine (GC) -rich sequences becomes important in screening and diagnosis of certain genetic diseases such as diseases arising due to expansion of GC-rich trinucleotide repeat regions. However, GC-rich sequences in the genome are refractory to standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and require a special reaction conditions and/or modified PCR cycle parameters. AIM: Optimize a cost effective PCR assay to amplify the GC-rich DNA templates. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR 1) is an ideal candidate for PCR optimization as its GC content is more than 80%. Primers designed to amplify the GC rich 5’ untranslated region of the FMR 1 gene, was selected for the optimization of amplification using DNA extracted from buccal mucosal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple and rapid protocol was used to extract DNA from buccal cells. PCR optimization was carried out using three methods, (a) substituting a substrate analog 7-deaza-dGTP to dGTP (b) in the presence of a single PCR additive and (c) using a combination of PCR additives. All PCR amplifications were carried out using a low-cost thermostable polymerase. RESULTS: Optimum PCR conditions were achieved when a combination of 1M betaine and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to amplify the GC rich region of FMR 1 gene with reproducibility in the presence of betaine and DMSO as additives without the use of commercially available kits for DNA extraction and the expensive thermostable polymerases.
Clinical Focus of Consultation Outcome Research with Children and Adolescents

Abstract Consultation can be considered as a cost effective, efficient approach for serving children, families, and agencies. Within this context, this study reviewed 35 child and adolescent consultation outcomes studies published from 1986 to 1997. Meta-analytic techniques were used to compute effect sizes for different consultation models, client, consultee, and system variables, and age and gender of clients. Behavioral consultation produced large positive effects on clients (i.e., children) and consul-tees (i.e., parents, teachers), organizational development consultation yielded robust effects at the system level, while mental health consultation produced medium effects on consultees. Consultation was particularly effective with clients with externalized behavior problems and academic difficulties. Large effects were found on consultees' learning of new skills and techniques, the reduction of referrals for psychoeducational assessments, and the increased use of psychological services. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed for practitioners in schools and related settings.
Homocysteine and malondialdehyde as predictors of restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention

Restenosis is one of the major adverse outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Previous studies have shown conflicting reports for homocysteine as a predictor of restenosis following PCI. The conflicting reports may be due to oxidative factors (stimulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte [PMNL]-induced reactive oxygen species generation, xanthinexanthine oxidase, and arachidonic acid metabolism) other than homocysteine which could cause endothelial cell dysfunction leading to restenosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, is a marker for oxidative stress and is related to all oxidative factors. Therefore, it is possible that serum MDA may be a better predictor of restenosis than plasma homocysteine. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the pre-procedural serum MDA and plasma homocysteine levels are elevated in patients who develop restenosis post PCI. The study included fifty-one patients undergoing elective PCI who consented to participate in a protocol that was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Saskatchewan. Homocysteine and malondialdehyde were measured in the plasma and serum respectively. Blood samples were collected pre-procedural, 0 time, 8 hours, 24 hours, and 6 months post-procedure. Exercise tolerance tests were performed at two weeks, and six months post-procedure to determine if there was any evidence of restenosis. The results of the study showed that pre-procedural values of plasma homocysteine in the restenosis and non-restenosis groups were 10.37 ± 0.46 and 10.73 ± 0.49 respectively. These values were not significantly different (p=0.60) between the groups. The pre-procedural levels of plasma homocysteine were not significantly
Early computed tomography scanning in multisystem trauma: The evidence

The utility of computed tomography as a radiological investigation following multisystem trauma is already well established in current practice. This article examines the existing evidence and rationale behind the use of early computed tomography scanning in the management of the multisystem trauma patient, with a particular emphasis on the use of ‘whole body’ computed tomography scanning as a component of their initial management in the Emergency Department. The use of computed tomography has been shown to be superior to plain radiography for the detection of injuries in important body regions including the spine, thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Computed tomography scan of the head and cervical spine is also well established as the first investigation of choice for significant traumatic brain injury. The potential benefits of whole body computed tomography include reduced time to diagnosis and intervention, as well as significant improvements in clinical outcome and survival. Concerns regarding a whole body computed tomography approach relate to the increased ionising radiation dosage that patients will be exposed to, and perceived risks of the secondary transfer and scanning room environment itself. Potential barriers to the use of whole body computed tomography are also explored and discussed. This article also presents a proposed clinical algorithm derived from the results of a recent Delphi study into whole body computed tomography following blunt multitrauma, along with conclusions and recommendations from the subject matter panel review process.
Digital quiz games: A learning and assessment tool for pre- clinical medical undergraduates

The present study was undertaken to speculate the feasibility, efficacy and acceptability of digital quiz games as a teaching learning and formative assessment method. An Experimental, Randomized, Cross-over, Open-labeled study was conducted in Department of Physiology, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University). The study introduced digital quiz game under supervision in digital library, in contrast to traditional quizzes in classroom settings; thus ensuring active participation of every student. The study population was undergraduate students in first semester of medical faculty who were randomized into group A ( n=50) and group B (n=50). Group A underwent quiz game in digital library after completion of a part of curriculum. This was followed by discussions and feedback regarding quiz items. Group B at the same time underwent traditional classroom quiz with intervening brief discussion. The scores of group A and group B in 1st Part Completion Test were compared. This was followed by crossover of groups and undergoing the same methodology. Scores of Part Completion Examination by both methods was compared for significance by unpaired t-test. Analysis revealed better performance after quiz games with significant difference in scores between groups P = 0.04 (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Qualitative analysis depicted overall preference of learners for quiz game compared to classroom quizzes; the former being more challenging and interesting. The study suggests that digital quiz games, which have the advantage of better time management and individual student participation, can be incorporated as a routine formative assessment method targeted towards bridging the learning gaps in students and bring appropriate alterations in teaching.
Towards more reliable automated multi-dose dispensing: retrospective follow-up study on medication dose errors and product defects

To date, little is known on applicability of different types of pharmaceutical dosage forms in an automated high-speed multi-dose dispensing process. The purpose of the present study was to identify and further investigate various process-induced and/or product-related limitations associated with multi-dose dispensing process. The rates of product defects and dose dispensing errors in automated multi-dose dispensing were retrospectively investigated during a 6-months follow-up period. The study was based on the analysis of process data of totally nine automated high-speed multi-dose dispensing systems. Special attention was paid to the dependence of multi-dose dispensing errors/product defects and pharmaceutical tablet properties (such as shape, dimensions, weight, scored lines, coatings, etc.) to profile the most suitable forms of tablets for automated dose dispensing systems. The relationship between the risk of errors in dose dispensing and tablet characteristics were visualized by creating a principal component analysis (PCA) model for the outcome of dispensed tablets. The two most common process-induced failures identified in the multi-dose dispensing are predisposal of tablet defects and unexpected product transitions in the medication cassette (dose dispensing error). The tablet defects are product-dependent failures, while the tablet transitions are dependent on automated multi-dose dispensing systems used. The occurrence of tablet defects is approximately twice as common as tablet transitions. Optimal tablet preparation for the high-speed multi-dose dispensing would be a round-shaped, relatively small/middle-sized, film-coated tablet without any scored line. Commercial tablet products can be profiled and classified based on their suitability to a high-speed multi-dose dispensing process.
Analysis of bile in various hepatobiliary disease states: A pilot study

Aim: Our study aims to find various enzymatic and biochemical components of bile and their clinical or prognostic correlation with regard to progression and severity of hepatobiliary diseases. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study where all the patients suffering from choledochal cyst (CDC), extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO), and infantile obstructive cholangiopathy undergoing diagnostic preoperative cholangiogram; and patients with history of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) undergoing surgery for some other condition were included in the study. Intraoperatively, bile was collected from the gallbladder and sent for estimation of amylase, lipase, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate, total bilirubin, pH, cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bile acid. Results: A total of 80 patients were included in the study (20 in each of the four disease-based groups). Amylase, lipase, and pH were significantly different among the patients of CDC when compared with the presence or absence of dilated intrahepatic biliary radicals. Similarly, amylase, lipase, and pH were also significantly different among the patients of EHPVO when compared with presence or absence of biliopathy. Levels of cholesterol and bile acid were significantly higher in patients who were evaluated after 1 year following TPN than those who were evaluated before 1 year. The patients of infantile cholangiopathy, who had history of fever, had significantly higher level of calcium. Conclusion: The components of bile show close correlation with various clinical and prognostic markers, there is a very close correlation between these parameters and the clinical severity, disease progression, and final outcome.
Distribution of IgG Subclasses in Commercial and Some Experimental γ‐Globulin Preparations 1

Abstract. The IgG subclass distribution was determined in six commercial and in four experimental human γ‐globulin preparations. The concentrations of IgG subclasses were measured in a modified radioimmunoassay using subclass‐specific antisera. In commercial γ‐globulins, the distribution of the subclasses corresponded roughly lo the distribution in normal human serum. A considerable enrichment of the IgG 4 was found in experimental lots prepared either from the ethanol fraction III or from the rivanol‐precipitable IgG.