Latest Trends in the Heroin Epidemic and the Responsibility of the Pharmacist in Controlling Heroin Abuse

Over the last few years, there has been an exponential increase in morbidity and mortality associated with heroin abuse. The current rise in heroin abuse and overdose is attributed to widespread use and abuse of prescription opioids, which can produce significant euphoric effects in humans. In fact, reports suggest that heroin abusers initially become addicted to prescription opioids but subsequently switch to heroin because it is cheaper and more easily available than prescription opioids. Over the years, the purity of heroin available for illicit use has been on the decline. Smugglers and heroin vendors have started mixing heroin with other clandestinely prepared, potent, analgesic opioids such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin, and the combination can be quite lethal to abusers due to the increased potency and effects on the body\u27s respiratory centers which may result in death. This review will mainly focus on some of the recent trends in heroin abuse and recent changes in laws with respect to dispensing and possession of naloxone, an effective antidote against heroin overdose. Finally, the role of the pharmacist in countering the current heroin epidemic by recognizing at-risk populations and providing the proper resources to addicts to prevent further heroin/opioid-related overdose fatalities will be discussed

Divergent Selection for Residual Feed Intake Impacts Carcass Composition of Pigs on High or Low Energy Diets

Animals divergently selected for low and high residual feed intake (RFI) were fed either a high energy, low fiber (HELF) or low energy, high fiber (LEHF) diet. Regardless of line, pigs fed the LEHF diet had carcasses with reduced fat depth, loin depth, and greater percent lean. Line had no significant effect on carcass composition traits possibly due to line by sex interactions. Within the low RFI line, barrows had heavier carcasses with greater fat depth, while gilts had carcasses with a greater percent lean. Diet was the largest factor in final carcass composition of pigs in this study

An efficient approach for surveillance of childhood diabetes by type derived from electronic health record data: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

Objective To develop an efficient surveillance approach for childhood diabetes by type across 2 large US health care systems, using phenotyping algorithms derived from electronic health record (EHR) data

Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities Using Self-Service Technologies

Foreseeable game changing solutions to SSTs will allow for better universal access by better implementing features that are easy and intuitive to use from the inception. Additional robotic advancements will allow for better and easier delivery of goods for consumers. Improvements to artificial intelligence will allow for better communication through natural language and alternative forms of communication. Furthermore, artificial intelligence will aid consumers at SSTs by remembering the consumers preferences and needs. With all foreseeable game changing solutions people with disabilities will be consulted when new and improved SSTs are being developed allowing for the SST to maximize its potential

Use of administrative and electronic health record data for development of automated algorithms for childhood diabetes case ascertainment and type classification: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study

The performance of automated algorithms for childhood diabetes case ascertainment and type classification may differ by demographic characteristics

Fire science needs in the Pacific Northwest

12 pagesAfter a century of wildfire suppression, the costs and complexity of wildfire management are increasing. Population growth in fire-prone landscapes, climate change, and diverse land management objectives all contribute to a complex management environment. The number and types of managers and practitioners involved in wildfire management has also grown. Government agencies, land managers, air quality regulators, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and others have a diversity of fire science and social science needs. To protect and restore fire-adapted communities and natural resources in the Pacific Northwest, a process for effective dissemination and accelerated user adoption of pertinent information, knowledge, tools, and expertise is necessary. An improved system to connect, engage, and exchange information between researchers and diverse groups affected by wild or prescribed fire could enhance exchange of existing fire science and technologies throughout the region, and encourage fire and land management stakeholders to evaluate and adopt relevant fire science.This project was made possible with funds from the Joint Fire Science Program, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, USDA Forest Service, and the USDA Bureau of Land Management

Diets Differing in Energy and Fiber Content Affected Adipose Tissue Quality of Carcasses from Pigs Divergently Selected for Residual Feed Intake

The goal of this experiment was to determine the impact of high and low energy diets on adipose tissue quality of animals selected for divergent residual feed intake (RFI). Pigs of a low RFI (efficient) line and high RFI (less efficient) line were placed on either a high energy, low fiber (HELF) diet or a low energy, high fiber (LEHF) diet. Line had no impact on adipose tissue color or iodine value. Regardless of line, feeding a diet low in energy resulted in adipose tissue with a darker colored and increased iodine value, when compared to adipose tissue from animals fed a high energy diet.</p