bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The public pension system in Taiwan: Equity issues within and between systems
Authors: Shao Ai Ju 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article analyses the challenges facing the New Public Service Pension Fund System in Taiwan, China. After less than two decades of operation, this young system is facing financial imbalance and is embroiled in controversy regarding the generosity of its benefits provisions. The article first introduces Taiwan's different systems for old‐age security, with a focus on that for general public‐sector employees. It then addresses the financial challenges facing the general public‐sector pension system, including the rising cost of its benefits for all taxpayers. Finally, a number of possible reform directions are suggested, including lowering benefit levels, making qualifying criteria more stringent, or establishing a new system. With regards to the latter, any proposed new system must seek to satisfy the goal of longer‐term financial soundness while realizing optimal fairness among all stakeholders including taxpayers.
The ratification of ILO Conventions and the provision of unemployment benefits: An empirical analysis
Authors: Kim Wonik 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article tests the relationship between the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and the provision of unemployment benefits. Statistical tests focus on two related issues: why countries ratify ILO Conventions on unemployment benefits, and whether ratification influences government spending on unemployment benefits. The main findings are that democracy, region, income, and globalization are the main factors influencing why countries ratify ILO Conventions on unemployment benefits. In turn, the ratification of ILO Conventions is systematically associated with higher spending if countries have ratified more than two Conventions.
The first case of alloantibody against human platelet antigen‐15b in Japan: possible alloimmunization by a hydatidiform mole
Authors: Matsuhashi Mika , Tsuno Nelson H. , Kawabata Michiru , Yokoyama Tomokazu , Tazaki Yukiko , Takashima Takeshi , Oda Hidetaka , Kuroda Yukari , Nagayoshi Yuji , Morita Shoji , Shibata Yoichi , Santoso Sentot , Takahashi Koki 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The involvement of the human platelet antigen (HPA)‐15 system in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) has been reported in various populations, but not in the Japanese population. In Japan, the mixed passive hemagglutination assay (MPHA) is used for detection of HPA alloantibodies. However, most of the reported cases of HPA‐15 incompatibility are based on the monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigen (MAIPA) assay or immunoprecipitation; thus there is a possibility that HPA‐15 alloantibodies are not efficiently detected by the MPHA, and currently, the causative antibody is not detectable in approximately half of the suspected NAIT cases in Japan.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined the sera of mothers from NAIT cases, previously with undetected HPA antibodies by MPHA, using the MAIPA technique. Sera from 90 mothers of suspected NAIT were tested by MAIPA for the presence of anti‐HPA‐15 alloantibodies.RESULTS: Anti‐HPA‐15b was detected in one case. This case was a mother in the first pregnancy diagnosed as hydatid mole–coexisting fetus, and the baby was born with suspected NAIT. The familial analysis revealed compatibility of HPA‐15 genotype between the mother and the baby (both HPA‐15a/a), but incompatibility with the paternal one (HPA‐15a/b). The hydatid mole's tissue was genotyped as HPA‐15b positive. Besides anti‐HPA‐15b, maternal sera contain strong HLA Class I antibodyCONCLUSIONS: Here we reported the first case of anti‐HPA‐15 in Japan. Alloimmunization against the hydatid mole seems to be responsible for the production of HPA‐15b alloantibody. This antibody, however, did not apparently involve in the development of NAIT of the newborn, the coexisting anti‐HLA Class I being the possible cause.
Pharmacokinetic Sub‐Study in the SPIRIT III Randomized and Controlled Trial of XIENCE V® Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System
Authors: WANG QING , PIERSON WESLEY , SOOD POORNIMA , BOL CORNELIS , CANNON LOUIS , GORDON PAUL , SAUCEDO JORGE , SUDHIR KRISHNANKUTTY 
Published: December 2009

Background:

Drug‐eluting stents (DES) are widely used for treatment of coronary artery disease with benefit of reduced restenosis compared to bare metal stents. The XIENCE V
®
Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System is a second‐generation DES system for better deliverability while maintaining safety and efficacy profiles. The present pharmacokinetic sub‐study from the SPIRIT III Randomized and Controlled Trial (RCT) was to evaluate systemic exposure of patients to everolimus and to further demonstrate safety following implantation of XIENCE V
®
stents with everolimus doses ranging from 53 to 181 μg.
Methods and Results:

Drug concentrations in whole blood were determined at multiple time points using a validated analytical method with a limit of quantification of 0.1 ng/mL. Individual Cmax ranged from 0.17 to 2.40 ng/mL and occurred between 0.07 and 1.88 hours across all dose levels. Both mean and individual Cmax values were below the trough blood concentrations of everolimus (Certican®) for inhibition of organ transplant rejection. The last time point at which drug concentrations could be quantified ranged from 12 to 168 hours postimplantation in individual patients. In most cases, the blood levels dropped below the limit of quantification after 72 hours.
Conclusions:

This study confirms that the XIENCE V
®
stent causes a limited and systemic exposure to everolimus. The presumed localized and efficient delivery of everolimus to target vessels coupled with limited and transient systemic drug exposure contributes to the safety and effectiveness of the XIENCE V
®
EECSS in patients of SPIRIT III RCT for longer than 2 years. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:26–32)
A New Stent Design for the Treatment of True Bifurcation Lesions: H‐Side Branch Stents
Authors: HONG MYEONG‐KI , SHIM JAE‐MIN , YOUN YOUNG‐JIN , LEE KYUNG‐HOON , KIM JUNG‐SUN , KO YOUNG‐GUK , LEE SEUNG‐HWAN , CHOI DONGHOON , YOON JUNGHAN , JANG YANGSOO 
Published: December 2009

Background:

There has been much debate for the adequate treatment strategies for true bifurcation lesions. The purpose of this study is to introduce and test a novel stent design for the treatment of true bifurcation lesions.
Methods:

This side branch stent is composed of three parts: proximal, connecting, and distal parts. The distal part for the side branch vessel has a slope‐side stent margin for circumferential coverage of the ostium and one radio‐opaque marker for targeting the carina. The proximal part with two radio‐opaque markers operates for safe stent delivery and useful guidance for a more precise placement of the distal part on the side branch ostium. Results of the in vitro test in the acrylic resin‐made bifurcation phantom model were evaluated with microcomputer tomography. Animal experiments with this new stent platform were also performed in five pigs.
Results:

In vitro test and microcomputer tomography showed complete coverage of the side branch ostium circumferentially with stent struts, and the absence of stent struts in the main vessel above the side branch ostium level. This side branch stents were successfully deployed in all 5 pigs. The results of animal experiments were also similar to those of in vitro tests.
Conclusions:

In vivo and vitro tests demonstrated the effective modality of this side branch stent for the treatment of true bifurcation lesions. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:54–59)
Parathyroid Gland Ultrasound Patterns and Biochemical Findings After One‐year Cinacalcet Treatment for Advanced Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Vulpio Carlo , Bossola Maurizio , De Gaetano Annamaria , Maresca Giulia , Di Stasio Enrico , Zagaria Luca , Luciani Giovanna , Giordano Alessandro , Castagneto Marco 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCinacalcet efficacy is limited in severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and its effect on parathyroid gland (PTG) volume and morphology have not been sufficiently investigated. We evaluated the effect of cinacalcet treatment for one year on the laboratory parameters of calcium–phosphorus metabolism and PTG ultrasound (US) patterns in hemodialysis (HD) patients with severe SHPT and US results indicative of nodular hyperplasia. Thirteen HD patients with severe SHPT (intact parathyroid hormone >700 pg/mL), US/scintigraphic evidence of at least one PTG with a diameter >7 mm, and high surgical risk or refusal of surgery were included. The patients were treated with cinacalcet. The initial dose of 30 mg was increased up to 180 mg once daily. At baseline and after one year of cinacalcet treatment a neck US was performed, providing data on 22 parathyroid glands in eight patients. The mean diameter at baseline and at one year was 12.6 ± 5.9 and 13.0 ± 5.3 mm, respectively (P = 0.46). Similarly, the mean volume at baseline and at one year was 513.4 ± 416.3 and 556.8 ± 480.8 mm3, respectively (P = 0.18). The US structural score remained unchanged in 16 parathyroid glands and increased in 6 (P < 0.03), while the vascular score remained unchanged in 16 parathyroid glands and decreased in 6 (P = 0.25). Thus it can be concluded that cinacalcet treatment for one year in HD patients with severe SHPT is not associated with significant changes in parathyroid gland US patterns.
Relationship of Skin Autofluorescence to Cardiovascular Disease in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Katoh Tetsuo , Asai Jun , Nemoto Fumihiko , Suzuki Hodaka , Asahi Koichi , Sato Keiji , Sakaue Michiaki , Miyata Toshio , Watanabe Tsuyoshi 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAdvanced glycation end products (AGE) are significantly increased in end‐stage renal disease patients and it has been suggested that AGE accumulation is related to the progression of cardiovascular disease. An autofluorescence reader non‐invasively assesses AGE accumulation using skin autofluorescence under ultraviolet light. Skin autofluorescence has been reported to be an independent predictor of mortality in Caucasian hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether skin autofluorescence in Japanese hemodialysis patients is related to the presence of cardiovascular disease. In this cross‐sectional study, patients on maintenance hemodialysis (N = 128; 59 men, 69 women) were included. AGE accumulation was assessed by skin autofluorescence using an autofluorescence reader. Associations between skin autofluorescence, cardiovascular disease, and other parameters were studied. Skin autofluorescence correlated with age (r = 0.32,P < 0.01), diabetes (r = 0.21,P = 0.02), carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) (r = 0.23,P = 0.02), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) (r = 0.20,P = 0.03), and plasma pentosidine (r = 0.20,P = 0.03). Each parameter was compared in patients with and without cardiovascular disease; the gender distribution, age, carotid IMT, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, hsCRP, and skin autofluorescence were significantly related to the presence of cardiovascular disease. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified carotid IMT (OR 6.76), hsCRP (OR 1.41), and skin autofluorescence (OR 2.29) as significant factors for the presence of cardiovascular disease. Increased skin autofluorescence was related to the presence of cardiovascular disease in Asian (non‐Caucasian) hemodialysis patients, and therefore an autofluorescence reader might have the potential to be a useful assessment of cardiovascular risk in these patients.
Positive Dialysate Gram Stain Predicts Outcome of Empirical Antibiotic Therapy for Peritoneal Dialysis‐associated Peritonitis
Authors: Lee Chin‐Chan , Sun Chiao‐Yin , Chang Kuo‐Chuan , Wu Mai‐Szu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEmpirical antibiotic treatment with a first‐generation cephalosporin plus gentamicin for peritoneal dialysis (PD)‐associated peritonitis before culture results are available is still wildly used due to concerns regarding the economic burden and antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections. The aim of this study is to define the factors that predict the outcome of empirical antibiotic therapy for PD peritonitis. This is a retrospective study of patients with PD peritonitis over the last 10 years. Patients who had been treated empirically with intermittent intraperitoneal first‐generation cephalosporin and gentamicin were enrolled. Eighty‐three patients had 192 episodes of PD peritonitis. In total, 159 peritonitis episodes were treated with intraperitoneal antibiotics combined with first‐generation cephalosporin and gentamicin empirically. Twenty‐five peritonitis episodes had no pathogens identified by dialysate culture. In total, 122 (122/159, 76.7%) PD peritonitis episodes were caused by bacteria, 9 (9/159, 5.7%) were fungal, and 3 (3/159, 1.9%) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis peritonitis. Sixty‐four (64/159, 40.3%) peritonitis episodes were successfully cured by empirical intraperitoneal antibiotic therapy. Empirical antibiotic treatment failed in 95 episodes (95/159, 59.7%). The positive rates of dialysate Gram stain in the empirical treatment success and failure groups were 15.6% and 40.0%, respectively (P = 0.001). The odds ratio of empirical treatment failure with a positive bacteria Gram stain was 3.60 (95% CI: 1.65–7.82). The dialysate Gram staining result was a significant predictor of empirical antibiotics treatment outcome for PD‐associated peritonitis. Therefore, using an empirical antibiotic regimen for patients with an initial positive bacterial Gram stain of the dialysate should be introduced cautiously.
Labile Plasma Iron Generation After Intravenous Iron is Time‐dependent and Transitory in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Rangel Érika B , Espósito Breno P , Carneiro Fabiana D , Mallet Ana Cláudia , Matos Ana Cristina C , Andreoli Maria Cláudia C , Guimarães‐Souza Nádia K , Santos Bento FC 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIron supplementation in hemodialysis patients is fundamental to erythropoiesis, but may cause harmful effects. We measured oxidative stress using labile plasma iron (LPI) after parenteral iron replacement in chronic hemodialysis patients. Intravenous iron saccharate (100 mg) was administered in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (N = 20). LPI was measured by an oxidant‐sensitive fluorescent probe at the beginning of dialysis session (T0), at 10 min (T1), 20 min (T2), and 30 min (T3) after the infusion of iron and at the subsequent session; P < 0.05 was significant. The LPI values were significantly raised according to the time of administration and were transitory: −0.02 ± 0.20 µmol/L at the beginning of the first session, 0.01 ± 0.26 µmol/L at T0, 0.03 ± 0.23 µmol/L at T1, 0.09 ± 0.28 µmol/L at T2, 0.18 ± 0.52 µmol/L at T3, and −0.02 ± 0.16 µmol/L (P = 0.001 to 0.041) at the beginning of the second session. The LPI level in patients without iron supplementation was −0.06 ± 0.16 µmol/L. Correlations of LPI according to time were T1, T2, and T3 vs. serum iron (P = 0.01, P = 0.007, and P = 0.0025, respectively), and T2 and T3 vs. transferrin saturation (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0003, respectively). LPI generation after intravenous saccharate administration is time‐dependent and transitorily detected during hemodialysis. The LPI increment had a positive correlation to iron and transferrin saturation.
Synthesis and Antileishmanial Activity of Lipidic Amino Alcohols
Authors: Coimbra Elaine S. , De Almeida Mauro V. , Júnior Celso O. R. , Taveira Aline F. , Da Costa Cristiane F. , De Almeida Ana C. , Reis Elaine F. C. , Da Silva Adilson D. 
Published: December 2009

In this work, a number of lipidic amino alcohols wereas synthesized and evaluated in vitro on cultures of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania chagasi. Nine amino alcohols showed inhibition of L. chagasi growth, and seven of them showed inhibition of L. amazonensis with IC50 below 10 μm. Compound 11f was more active than the reference drug amphotericin B against L. chagasi promastigote forms.
The effects of reduction of the deposited waste on short‐term landfill leachate composition of a landfill: a case study in Norway
Authors: Øygard Joar , Maage Amund , Gjengedal Elin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMunicipal solid waste landfill leachate was sampled over from a landfill receiving varying amounts of municipal solid waste. The investigation aimed to provide information on expected leachate changes in the short term, either after closure of an active landfill, or after a strong decline in the amount of waste deposited at smaller landfills. It was found that during a two year period following a sudden decline in the amount of waste deposited, the levels of various chemical and physical parameters all dropped sharply. The reasons for the decline in discharge levels are thought to be aerobic decomposition taking place in the municipal solid waste just after landfilling, and thus the decline in the impact of this process when there were less fresh waste masses available, and formation of preferential flow paths for the leachate as the municipal solid waste stabilized in the landfill.
Angiotensin II regulates endothelial cell migration through calcium influx via T‐type calcium channel in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Martini A. , Bruno R. , Mazzulla S. , Nocita A. , Martino G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim: The T‐type calcium channel is expressed in vascular endothelial cells, but its role in endothelial cell function is yet to be elucidated. We analysed the endothelial functional role of T‐type calcium channel‐dependent calcium under angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation.Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were co‐incubated with hormone at 10−7 mand either Efonidipine 10−5 mor Verapamil 10−5 mor Mibefradil 10−5 mor Wortmannin 10−6 m. The contribution of Ang II receptors was evaluated using PD123319 10−7 mand ZD 7155 10−7 m. The calcium ion concentration was observed using Fluo‐3 acetossimetil ester. The cells were observed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 h.Results: The microfluorescence method points out that Ang II induces intracellular calcium modulation in time by distinct mechanisms. AT2 receptor blockade is necessary to observe significant increase in [Ca2+]ilevels. Pre‐treatment with Mibefradil abolishes Ang II ‐induced cell migration.Conclusions: Our data show that Ang II, via AT1 receptor, modulates calcium concentration involving T‐type calcium channel and L‐type calcium channel but only the calcium influx via T‐type calcium channels regulates endothelial cell migration which is essential for angiogenesis.
What Does the History of Technology Regulation Teach Us about Nano Oversight?
Authors: Marchant Gary E. , Sylvester Douglas J. , Abbott Kenneth W. 
Published: December 2009

Nanotechnology is the latest in a growing list of emerging technologies that includes nuclear technologies, genetics, reproductive biology, biotechnology, information technology, robotics, communication technologies, surveillance technologies, synthetic biology, and neuroscience. As was the case for many of the technologies that came before, a key question facing nanotechnology is what type of regulatory oversight is appropriate for this emerging technology. As two of us wrote several years ago, the question facing nanotechnology is not whether it will be regulated, but when and how.Yet, appropriate regulation of nanotechnology will be challenging. The term “nanotechnology” incorporates a broad, diverse range of materials, technologies, and products, with an even greater spectrum of potential risks and benefits. This technology slashes across the jurisdiction of many existing regulatory statutes and regulatory agencies, and does so across the globe. Nanotechnology is developing at an enormously rapid rate, perhaps surpassing the capability of any potential regulatory framework to keep pace. Finally, the risks of nanotechnology remain largely unknown, both because of the multitude of variations in the technology and because of the limited applicability of traditional toxicological approaches such as structure-activity relationship (SAR) to nanotechnology products.
Combining Instrumental and Contextual Approaches: Nanotechnology and Sustainable Development
Authors: Liao Nina 
Published: December 2009

Hailed as the “foundation of the next industrial revolution,” nanotechnology is reshaping the landscape of technological innovation and creating hope around the world. Some believe that nanotechnology can address the critical needs of developing countries, but others are less optimistic. At one end of the spectrum, scientists predict that, among other accomplishments, nanotechnology can alleviate poverty, provide safe drinking water, and cure diseases. At the other end, skeptics warn that nanotechnology can further widen the gap between the rich and the poor, contributing to an already imbalanced global landscape. What can nanotechnology bring to the 21st century? How and in what ways should it intersect with law, public policy, and the plight of the developing world?This article argues that the international community can harness nanotechnology to create sustainable development, particularly in the field of water remediation and treatment, but it must learn from its past missteps and adopt a strategy that combines two competing theories: instrumentalism and contextualism. Instrumentalism is the concept that technology is superb and stakeholders can easily transfer it from one application to another. In contrast, contextualism places technology in a socioeconomic context and conditions technological success on the stakeholders’ ability to meet local needs.
Asymmetric monetary policy with respect to asset markets
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas 
Published: December 2009

Abstract.The paper suggests that during Greenspan's incumbency the Federal Reserve (Fed) lowered interest rates rapidly when asset price developments suggested a crisis potential. Whereas, when asset markets were growth‐supporting, the Fed did not raise interest rates. This asymmetry contributed to a downward‐trend in interest rates which pushed US interest rates down to zero in the current crisis.
Pharmacotherapy and Pregnancy: Highlights from the Second International Conference for Individualized Pharmacotherapy in Pregnancy
Authors: Haas David M. , Hebert Mary F. , Soldin Offie P. , Flockhart David A. , Madadi Parvaz , Nocon James J. , Chambers Christina D. , Hankins Gary D. , Clark Shannon , Wisner Katherine L. , Li Lang , Renbarger Jamie L. , Learman Lee A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTo address provider struggles to provide evidence‐based, rational drug therapy to pregnant women, a second conference was convened to highlight the current research in the field. Speakers from academic centers and institutions spoke about: the unique physiology and pathology of pregnancy; pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy; thyroid disorders in pregnancy; pharmacogenetics in pregnancy; the role of CYP2D6 in pregnancy; treating addiction in pregnancy; the power of teratology networks to inform clinical decisions; the use of anti‐depressants in pregnancy; and how to utilize computer‐based modeling to aid with individualized pharmacotherapy in pregnancy. The Conference highlighted several areas of collaboration with the current Obstetrics Pharmacology Research Units Network (OPRU) and hoped to stimulate further collaboration and knowledge in the area with the common goal to improve the ability to safely and effectively use individualized pharmacotherapy in pregnancy.