Articles: cations.
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Physiological reviews · Apr 2005
ReviewMolecular physiology and pathophysiology of electroneutral cation-chloride cotransporters.
Electroneutral cation-Cl(-) cotransporters compose a family of solute carriers in which cation (Na(+) or K(+)) movement through the plasma membrane is always accompanied by Cl(-) in a 1:1 stoichiometry. Seven well-characterized members include one gene encoding the thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter, two genes encoding loop diuretic-sensitive Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporters, and four genes encoding K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporters. These membrane proteins are involved in several physiological activities including transepithelial ion absorption and secretion, cell volume regulation, and setting intracellular Cl(-) concentration below or above its electrochemical potential equilibrium. ⋯ Some of these cotransporters serve as targets for loop diuretics and thiazide-type diuretics, which are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world, and inactivating mutations of three members of the family cause inherited diseases such as Bartter's, Gitelman's, and Anderman's diseases. Major advances have been made in the past decade as consequences of molecular identification of all members in this family. This work is a comprehensive review of the knowledge that has evolved in this area and includes molecular biology of each gene, functional properties of identified cotransporters, structure-function relationships, and physiological and pathophysiological roles of each cotransporter.
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Aesthetic surgery journal · Mar 2005
Ambulatory abdominoplasty tailored to patients with an appropriate body mass index.
The office-based surgery setting potentially offers advantages to both the patient and the plastic surgeon, but some patients may not be considered good candidates for abdominoplasty or combined abdominoplasty/lipoplasty performed in the ambulatory setting. ⋯ BMI evaluation, and in some cases additional risk assessment by a qualified anesthesia provider, can be helpful in determining proper candidates for ambulatory abdominoplasty and combined abdominoplasty/lipoplasty procedures.
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Availability of opiate substances through physicians and on the street has led to a rise in dependence and in addiction resulting in countless numbers of people hooked on these drugs. Long-term use of these agents results in reduction of endogenous supply of opiate replaced by these exogenous compounds. A technique known as Ultrarapid Detoxification (UROD) has been developed and appears more promising than conventional modalities. ⋯ Though techniques vary from center to center, safety should be paramount with the technique performed in an intensive care unit with trained professional anesthesiologists. Psychosocial issues should be evaluated by a trained addictionalist and most people will succeed from the UROD procedure without experiencing the horrible withdrawal syndrome. Patients must have realistic goals and be prepared to deal with psychosocial issues post-procedure.
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Bmc Pregnancy Childb · Feb 2005
Postpartum maternal morbidity requiring hospital admission in Lusaka, Zambia - a descriptive study.
Information on the extent of postpartum maternal morbidity in developing countries is extremely limited. In many settings, data from hospital-based studies is hard to interpret because of the small proportion of women that have access to medical care. However, in those areas with good uptake of health care, the measurement of the type and incidence of complications severe enough to require hospitalisation may provide useful baseline information on the acute and severe morbidity that women experience in the early weeks following childbirth. An analysis of health services data from Lusaka, Zambia, is presented. ⋯ In developing country urban settings with high public health care usage, meticulous review of hospital registers can provide baseline information on the burden of moderate-to-severe postpartum morbidity.