METHODS: We matched medicines from the public sector procurement report by medicine formulation to medicines with a Management Sciences for Health (MSH) International Reference Price (IRP) for each year. Price ratios were calculated, and utilizing the information on quantity and expenditure for each product, summary measures of procurement efficiency were reported as quantity- and expenditure-weighted average price ratios (WAPRs) for each year. Utilizing MOH procurement data to obtain information on procurement type, a multiple regression analysis, controlling for factors that can influence prices, assessed whether procured efficiency (relative to IRPs) differed by MOH procurement type.
RESULTS: Malaysia's public sector purchased medicines at two to three times the IRP throughout the study period. However, procurement prices were relatively stable in terms of WAPRs each year (2.2 and 3.2 in 2010 to 1.9 and 2.9 in 2014 for quantity and expenditure WAPRs, respectively). Procurement efficiency did not vary between the three different methods of MOH procurement. Procurement efficiency of both imported originators and imported generics were significantly lower (P P
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of Virgin Coconut Oil and regular repositioning for preventing pressure sores. The designs used quasi experiment pretest and posttest nonequivalent control group; 86 participants were selected through a nonprobability sampling technique by consecutive sampling.
RESULTS: The fundings suggest that there is a significant difference in the Braden QD scores from before and after virgin coconut oil of the intervention group and repositioning of the control group (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: Nurses are expected to be able to detect early damage to skin integrity by using the Braden QD Scale and to implement use Virgin Coconut Oil and repositioning.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sensitivity of QLF and OCT in detecting initial dental erosion in vitro.
METHODS: 12 human incisors were embedded in resin except for a window on the buccal surface. Bonding agent was applied to half of the window, creating an exposed and non-exposed area. Baseline measurements were taken with QLF, OCT and surface microhardness. Samples were immersed in orange juice for 60 min and measurements taken stepwise every 10 min. QLF was used to compare the loss of fluorescence between the two areas. The OCT system, OCS1300SS (Thorlabs Ltd.), was used to record the intensity of backscattered light of both areas. Multiple linear regression and paired t test were used to compare the change of the outcome measures.
RESULTS: All 3 instruments demonstrated significant dose responses with the erosive challenge interval (p < 0.05) and a detection threshold of 10 min from baseline. Thereafter, surface microhardness demonstrated significant changes after every 10 min of erosion, QLF at 4 erosive intervals (20, 40, 50 and 60 min) while OCT at only 2 (50 and 60 min).
CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that OCT and QLF were able to detect demineralization after 10 min of erosive challenge and could be used to monitor the progression of demineralization of initial enamel erosion in vitro.
METHODS: Six CADDs (three containing dobutamine 10 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride and three containing dobutamine 10 mg/mL in 5% glucose) were prepared and stored at 4°C for 7 days, followed by 12 hours at 35°C and then for another 12 hours at 25°C. An aliquot (n = 3) was withdrawn aseptically at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168 hours when stored at 4°C, and at 0, 6 and 12 hours when stored at the other two temperatures. Each sample was analysed for dobutamine concentration using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography. All the samples were also evaluated for change in pH, colour and for particle content.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: No evidence of particle formation, colour or pH change was observed throughout the study period. Dobutamine, when admixed with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose, was found to be chemically stable for at least 168 hours at 4°C and for another 12 hours at 35°C and for another 12 hours at 25°C.
WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will allow health professionals to provide a weekly supply of dobutamine-containing CADDs to patients for home infusions. Continuous infusion over a 24-hour period using one CADD per day will also decrease the number of exchanges required and thus reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.