bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the Na+/Ca2+exchanger, INaand ICaLin the genesis of dofetilide‐induced torsades de pointes in isolated, AV‐blocked rabbit hearts
Authors: Farkas Attila S , Makra Péter , Csík Norbert , Orosz Szabolcs , Shattock Michael J , Fülöp Ferenc , Forster Tamás , Csanády Miklós , Papp Julius Gy , Varró András , Farkas András 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: The Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCX) may contribute to triggered activity and transmural dispersion of repolarization, which are substrates of torsades de pointes (TdP) type arrhythmias. This study examined the effects of selective inhibition of the NCX by SEA0400 on the occurrence of dofetilide‐induced TdP.Experimental approach: Effects of SEA0400 (1 µmol·L−1) on dofetilide‐induced TdP was studied in isolated, Langendorff‐perfused, atrioventricular (AV)‐blocked rabbit hearts. To verify the relevance of the model, lidocaine (30 µmol·L−1) and verapamil (750 nmol·L−1) were also tested against dofetilide‐induced TdP.Key results: Acute AV block caused a chaotic idioventricular rhythm and strikingly increased beat‐to‐beat variability of the RR and QT intervals. SEA0400 exaggerated the dofetilide‐induced increase in the heart rate‐corrected QT interval (QTc) and did not reduce the incidence of dofetilide‐induced TdP [100% in the SEA0400 + dofetilide group vs. 75% in the dofetilide (100 nmol·L−1) control]. In the second set of experiments, verapamil further increased the dofetilide‐induced QTc prolongation and neither verapamil nor lidocaine reduced the dofetilide‐induced increase in the beat‐to‐beat variability of the QT interval. However, lidocaine decreased and verapamil prevented the development of dofetilide‐induced TdP as compared with the dofetilide control (TdP incidence: 13%, 0% and 88% respectively).Conclusions and implications: Na+/Ca2+exchanger does not contribute to dofetilide‐induced TdP, whereas Na+and Ca2+channel activity is involved in TdP genesis in isolated, AV‐blocked rabbit hearts. Neither QTc prolongation nor an increase in the beat‐to‐beat variability of the QT interval is a sufficient prerequisite of TdP genesis in rabbit hearts.
Phosphate Binders in Chronic Kidney Disease and End‐Stage Renal Disease: A Patient‐Centered Approach
Authors: Novak James E. , Szczech Lynda A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDisorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. These patients typically require oral phosphate binders to maintain phosphorus homeostasis, but the choice of which among several agents to use has been actively investigated and debated. Recent debate has been polarized between those who favor calcium‐based binders for their proven efficacy and relatively low cost and those who favor sevelamer for its putative beneficial effects on inflammatory biomarkers and vascular calcification. This review summarizes the current state of the art of prescribing phosphate binders, ranging from large‐scale clinical trials to focused mechanistic studies, and proposes that the available evidence does not conclusively prove the relative superiority of any one binder.
Ethical Issues in Dialysis Aaron Spital, Series Editor: Managing Anemia in For‐Profit Dialysis Chains: When Ethics and Business Conflict
Authors: Coyne Daniel W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe treatment of anemia in dialysis patients improves patient well‐being and reduces the need for transfusions. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that normalization of hemoglobin via erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) would improve cardiovascular health and survival has largely been refuted by randomized trials showing increased cardiac events and mortality with higher Hgb targets and higher doses of ESAs. Given these observations, one would expect restraint in ESA use. However, profits for dialysis facilities depend greatly on charging insurers for medications, and ESAs are the most profitable. Consequently, for‐profit dialysis chains have an incentive to use high ESA doses. This practice was supported by the 2006 and 2007 Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative anemia guidelines; both versions promote higher hemoglobin targets and greater ESA use than the FDA and European Medicines Agency recommend. Under a Medicare bundled payment system in 2011, ESAs will move from being profitable to being an expense, and for‐profit dialysis centers will have motivation to reduce use of ESAs and other medications. Nephrologists, as caregivers and dialysis facility medical directors, have an ethical responsibility to protect the health and welfare of patients under all payment systems. This article reviews the financial and ethical issues involved in the treatment of dialysis‐related anemia and offers recommendations for maintaining ethical patient‐centered anemia management.
Wet or Dry in Dialysis—Can New Technologies Help?
Authors: Kooman Jeroen P. , Van Der Sande Frank M. , Leunissen Karel M. L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWhereas clinical assessment remains the mainstay of estimating dry weight in dialysis patients, subtle over‐ and under‐hydration may remain undetected, which may result in increased short‐ and long‐term morbidity. Various technological tools have been developed to aid the clinician in the assessment of fluid state in dialysis patients. Chest X‐ray is useful in clinical management, but does not fulfill the need for rapid, noninvasive bedside testing. Vena cava echography provides a reliable estimation of right atrial pressure and was shown to be useful in the clinical management of dialysis patients, but the timing of measurement is of critical importance. New developments in bioimpedance techniques hold great promise for the routine application of this technique in the assessment and follow‐up of hydration state. Cardiac biomarkers have a strong prognostic value, and may reflect overhydration indirectly because of its effect on left ventricular stress. Blood volume monitoring as a tool to assess dry weight needs further validation and standardization. Summarizing technological tools may certainly aid the clinician in the assessment of fluid state, but should always be interpreted in the clinical context of the patient. Controlled studies are needed to definitively establish the role of technological tools in detecting dry weight.
Dermatologic Conditions Seen in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Cordova Katharine B. , Oberg Thomas J. , Malik Mohsin , Robinson‐Bostom Leslie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe skin changes reported in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) are diverse and manifold. In this article we focus on a collection of specific cutaneous entities seen most frequently in the setting of ESRD, each presenting with distinctive and unique morphology. These include perforating disorders, porphyria cutanea tarda, pseudoporphyria, calcinosis cutis, calciphylaxis, and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The clinical features, histopathology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management of each entity are reviewed.
Citalopram Enhances B Cell Numbers in a Murine Model of Morphine‐Induced Immunosuppression
Authors: Nguyen Thao , Kramer Jeffery , Vallejo Ricardo , Stanton George , Heidenreich Byron A. , Benyamin Ramsin , Vogel Laura A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPatients with chronic pain are often challenged with depression stemming from the long‐term psychophysiological effects of their condition. Consequently, patients with chronic pain are often treated with morphine, which can induce immunosuppression, along with an antidepressant. The antidepressant citalopram (CTP; Sigma‐Aldrich Chemical, St. Louis, MO, U.S.A.) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is reported to have immunomodulatory effects. Thus, we investigated whether CTP administration impacted immunity in morphine‐treated animals. Adult mice were pretreated for 7 days with either saline or CTP (10 or 30 mg/kg intraperitoneal injections twice daily), followed by subcutaneous implantation of a 25 mg morphine pellet for 48 hours. Spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes were harvested to analyze total cell numbers, relative lymphocyte populations, and lymphocyte function. In this study, CTP had no effect on either total cell counts or lymphocyte populations in the thymus. However, in the spleen, total splenocyte numbers in all CTP‐treated animals displayed an increasing trend over saline‐treated animals. Interestingly, although more cells were found in the spleen, distribution of splenic lymphocyte populations did not differ between treatments. Despite no increase in total cell number, a high dose of CTP (30 mg/kg) resulted in a significantly higher B cell population in the lymph nodes, while T cell and NK cell numbers were not different. CTP did not significantly reverse morphine‐induced weight loss or splenic B cell antibody secretion in vitro. Additionally, CTP treatment demonstrated a slight but not significant increase in both splenic B and T cell mitogen‐induced proliferation in vitro. In summary, CTP may have a specific potential in the attenuation of morphine's immunosuppressive effect by enhancing splenocyte numbers and lymph node B cell populations.
Peripheral Subcutaneous Stimulation for the Treatment of Intractable Postherpetic Neuralgia: Two Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Kouroukli Irene , Neofytos Dionissios , Panaretou Venetiana , Zompolas Vassilios , Papastergiou Dimitrios , Sanidas Georgios , Papavassilopoulou Theonymfi , Georgiou Loukas 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPostherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common cause of chronic pain in the elderly. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids may reduce discomfort in many patients, while others have pain intractable to all forms of therapy. We present a novel treatment approach for intractable PHN utilizing percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation. Two cases are described in which an 80‐year‐old man and a 67‐year‐old woman with intractable PHN, lasting 2 and 10 years, respectively, were effectively treated with implantation of two octapolar leads in the lateral thoracic region. These cases suggest that peripheral nerve stimulation may offer an alternative treatment option for intractable pain associated with PHN especially in the elderly where treatment options are limited because of existing comorbidities.
High cortisol awakening response is associated with an impairment of the effect of bright light therapy
Authors: Martiny K. , Lunde M. , Undén M. , Dam H. , Bech P. 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  We investigated the predictive validity of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in patients with non‐seasonal major depression.Method:  Patients were treated with sertraline in combination with bright or dim light therapy for a 5‐week period. Saliva cortisol levels were measured in 63 patients, as an awakening profile, before medication and light therapy started. The CAR was calculated by using three time‐points: awakening and 20 and 60 min after awakening.Results:  Patients with low CAR had a very substantial effect of bright light therapy compared with dim light therapy, whereas patients with a high CAR had no effect of bright light therapy compared with dim light therapy.Conclusion:  High CAR was associated with an impairment of the effect of bright light therapy. This result raises the question of whether bright light acts through a mechanism different from that of antidepressants.
Cellular and developmental aspects of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Jahoda C. A. B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe hair follicle is a highly complex system that can be investigated at many levels and from multiple perspectives. However, underlying the cyclic production of all hair fibres are a set of common developmental processes. Many current investigations of androgenetic alopecia concentrate on the direct influences of hormones on hair follicles at the cellular or intracellular level. This paper attempts to step back from this and consider the process of terminal to vellus transition in androgenetic alopecia in terms of basic cellular and developmental mechanisms. Ideas about the mechanism and timing of follicle size reduction are put forward, but the paper also tries to point out inherent difficulties in the investigation of androgenetic alopecia and important gaps in current knowledge.
Onset and progression of clinical manifestations of orofacial granulomatosis
Authors: Al Johani K , Moles DR , Hodgson T , Porter SR , Fedele S 
Published: February 2009

Background:  There remain few studies describing in detail the early occurrence and long‐term progression of clinical manifestations of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) in a substantial number of patients.Objectives:  The aim of this study was to determine the early and late clinical manifestations of a large case series of patients with OFG.Patients/methods:  Clinically relevant data of 49 patients with OFG who attended an Oral Medicine unit in the UK were examined retrospectively. The analyzed parameters included occurrence and typology of initial manifestations at onset and with respect to long‐term follow‐up.Results:  Five major patterns of disease onset were observed. Recurrent facial swelling with/without intra‐oral manifestations was the single most common presentation at onset followed by intra‐oral ulcers, and other intra‐oral and neurological manifestations. The majority of patients later developed a spectrum of additional features.Conclusions:  OFG results in multiple manifestations at different time points. The disease onset is characterized by manifestations other than facial swelling in about half of affected individuals. However, patients can develop cosmetically unacceptable lip/facial swelling at a later stage. Nearly all affected individuals ultimately develop lip/facial swelling while about half of all patients develop oral ulceration.
EFFECT OF ETHANOL LEVEL IN THE PERCEPTION OF AROMA ATTRIBUTES AND THE DETECTION OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS IN RED WINE
Authors: GOLDNER MARÍA CRISTINA , ZAMORA MARÍA CLARA , DI LEO LIRA PAOLA , GIANNINOTO HERNANDO , BANDONI ARNALDO 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT The sensory profile of 23 monovarietal Malbec wines were evaluated and related to the headspace composition of aroma at two alcohol levels (10.0–12.0 to 14.5–17.2% v/v). Twelve attributes were selected by quantitative descriptive analysis. At P < 0.01, two attributes showed lower aromatic intensity when alcohol level increased, and at P < 0.05, three attributes showed lower intensity; only one attribute showed higher intensity (P < 0.05). Seventeen aroma compounds were identified using solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography. Only one identified aroma compound showed lower contribution when alcohol level increased (P < 0.01); another aroma was added at P < 0.05. Only one aroma showed higher contribution (P < 0.05). Ethanol influenced the relative contribution of aroma compounds in different way – some declined while others increased. The sensorial aroma perception was also changed; when ethanol was at 14.5–17.2%, the odor was described as herbaceous instead of fruity, as was perceived at low ethanol levels.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe general tendency in the wine industry is the search for stronger wines with high level of alcohol. The most common reason given for this practice is that winemakers are concerned in softened tannins in the grapes on the vine, and so they have to pick grapes later in the ripening cycle. A longer hang time also produces more fruit flavors and fewer vegetal ones, up to a certain level where alcohol produces a decrease of fruity aromas. Many of these wines are considered out of balance, and dominated by ethanol‐associated attributes. The contribution of this study is to outline the changes of aroma when the alcohol in wine is raised.
Prognostic relevance of 9q34 deletion and the suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 in CML patients
Authors: GHAITH F. , ABDOU S. , EL‐BENDARY A. , SHAHIN D. , EID M. , MEGEED W. A. , EL‐SHEIKH I. , FARRAG W. , YOUSUF S. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by formation of the BCR/ABL fusion gene. The response to therapy may vary because of development of secondary cytogenetic changes or resistance. In addition, suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins is also hypothesized as a cause of resistance and poor prognosis when aberrantly overexpressed. This study aims to determine the incidence and prognostic value of the 9q34 deletion using fluorescencein situhybridization and SOCS‐1 mRNA aberrant expression by PCR in 43 CML patients at different phases of the disease and in 10 normal controls and correlate the data to interferon response. All patients were Philadelphia‐positive, deletions of 9q34 were observed in 20.9% of all patients (13.3% chronic phase, 10% accelerated phase and 33.3% in blast crisis). SOCS expressions were positive in 53.4% of all patients (40% chronic phase, 50% AP and 66.67% in blast crisis). Analysing outcome based on 9q34 deletion and SOCS expression status showed a statistically significant difference in overall survival and progression‐free survival between those with deletions and those without (P < 0.001) and between those with abnormal SOCS expression and those without (P < 0.001). Deletion of 9q34 and aberrant expression of SOCS‐1 are associated with poor prognosis in CML patients with different phases of the disease under interferon therapy.
Gendered Citizenship
Authors: Munday Jennie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper considers the manner in which citizenship, rather than being a gender neutral concept, is in fact highly gendered in ways that are detrimental for women and often leads to their exclusion – both theoretically and practically – from the category of citizen. Traditional definitions of the concept of citizenship are outlined before moving on to highlight feminist critiques that have sought not only to reveal the masculine bias inherent in these traditional conceptions but also to rethink the concept of citizenship in ways that can accommodate women as well as men. Finally, the paper concludes with a consideration of the way in which processes of globalisation and the resulting changes in the role of the nation state – traditionally seen as the key site in relation to citizen rights and duties – requires the rethinking of citizenship, paying particular attention to the consequences that these social changes have for women.
L'impact macro‐économique de la réforme d'un régime financé par répartition: le cas du Portugal
Authors: Garcia Maria Teresa Medeiros , Lopes Emídio Graça 
Published: February 2009

RésuméLe présent article est consacréà l'analyse de l'impact de différents types d'options de réforme sur la viabilité financière d'un régime de retraite de la sécurité sociale et sur un large éventail de variables macro‐économiques. Le modèle HERPOR est utilisé pour examiner les effets probables des réformes paramétriques sur le régime en vigueur financé par répartition, ainsi que ceux d'une réforme systémique. Cet article conclut qu'une réforme paramétrique est suffisante pour garantir la viabilité financière, mais qu'elle devrait être accompagnée par des mesures d'application pour l'emploi.
Familles monoparentales, workfare et emploi précaire: le moment est‐il venu d'instaurer un revenu d'existence au Canada?
Authors: Evans Patricia M. 
Published: February 2009

RésuméBien que la montée en puissance de l'emploi précaire pose des défis majeurs aux politiques actuelles de soutien au revenu, elle n'est guère prise en compte par les instances en charge des politiques publiques. Cet article s'appuie sur une étude conduite dans l'Ontario, Canada, et examine les conséquences de ces défis pour les mères isolées, qui sont concernées au premier chef à la fois par l'emploi non conventionnel et par les politiques de workfare. Sur fond de mutation des marchés du travail, l'article analyse les forces et faiblesses potentielles de la stratégie consistant à mettre en place un dispositif de revenu d'existence pour offrir une sécuritééconomique aux femmes chefs de familles monoparentales.
L'extension de la couverture de santé: les liaisons possibles entre la sécurité sociale statutaire et la protection sociale à base communautaire
Authors: Schremmer Jens , Coheur Alain , Jacquier Christian , Schmitt‐Diabaté Valérie 
Published: February 2009

RésuméL'extension de la protection sociale dans les pays en développement est largement considérée comme une priorité. Divers dispositifs institutionnels et de financement peuvent servir à cette fin mais aucun ne saurait réaliser une couverture universelle à court terme. Partant d'une analyse des forces et des faiblesses respectives de l'assurance sociale et des régimes de santé communautaires, le présent article dégage les possibilités des stratégies d'extension de la couverture fondées sur une approche institutionnelle pluraliste pour établir des liaisons et exploiter les complémentarités de manière optimale. Il offre une typologie des liaisons possibles entre les différents dispositifs ainsi que des exemples nationaux pour illustrer la valeur ajoutée de ces derniers.
Cadre de comparaison de la protection sociale entre pays développés et en développement: les prestations pour enfants
Authors: Esser Ingrid , Ferrarini Tommy , Nelson Kenneth , Sjöberg Ola 
Published: February 2009

RésuméNous présentons dans cet article un cadre conceptuel et théorique pour une analyse comparative améliorée de la protection sociale publique dans les pays en développement, sur la base des recherches déjà entreprises sur les systèmes sociaux établis de longue date dans les démocraties. Un élément important de l'approche institutionnelle proposée est l'établissement d'indicateurs qualitatifs et quantitatifs comparables pour la protection sociale. L'exemple empirique des prestations pour enfants montre qu'il convient de ne pas exagérer les différences entre pays développés et pays en développement. En outre, la prévalence des prestations pour enfants dans les pays de l'Afrique subsaharienne et de l'Amérique latine ressemble à celle observée durant l'entre‐deux‐guerres (1919‐1938) dans les régions développées.
Construction juridique du système de sécurité sociale du Kosovo
Authors: Arastey Sahún María Lourdes , Vallejo Pilar Rivas 
Published: February 2009

RésuméA la suite des tentatives avortées de la communauté internationale de parvenir à un accord entre la Serbie et le Kosovo, le territoire du Kosovo s'est déclaré indépendant le 17 février 2008, ce qui a suscité des controverses. Le présent article décrit et analyse le système de protection sociale immédiatement après la déclaration d'indépendance. Au lendemain du conflit, et face à d'immenses difficultés économiques, la société du Kosovo ne pouvait s'attendre à ce que le système de sécurité sociale soit pleinement rétabli. A ce jour, la mission des Nations Unies s'est engagée à mettre en place un cadre juridique minimal, cherchant à faire face aux principaux problèmes. Cela étant, la structure fondamentale du système de sécurité sociale reste à définir. Il n'en demeure pas moins que dans une situation complexe comme celle que connaît le Kosovo, la mise en place d'un cadre de protection sociale doit être considérée comme essentielle pour la reconstruction et le maintien de la paix.