Experimental Demonstration of Low-Uncertainty Calibration Methods for Bragg Grating Interrogators.

In this paper we propose and demonstrate two alternative methods for the high-precision calibration of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogators. The first method is based on the direct comparison between the wavelength measurements of the interrogator under test and a calibrated wavemeter, while analyzing a simulated symmetric Bragg grating constructed by a tunable filter and a fiber mirror. This first method is applicable to most commercial systems but presents an uncertainty limited by the spectral width and the wavelength stability of the tunable filter.

[Bioimpedance vector analysis as a tool for the determination and adjustment of dry weight in patients undergoing hemodialysis].

Background And Objective: Overhydration in hemodialysis patients is associated with cardiovascular mortality. Adequate removal of liquids and achievement of dry weight is one of the main goals of therapy. So far there are no clinical or laboratory parameters that are reliable, simple and affordable for its determination.

Cinacalcet treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients: an observational study in routine clinical practice.

Background: Cinacalcet reduces intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), Ca and P serum levels in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

Methods: This Spanish, multicenter, observational, retrospective study collected data from SHPT dialysis patients 12 weeks before and up to 72 weeks after starting cinacalcet in clinical practice.

Results: Data from 428 patients with uncontrolled SHPT despite receiving standard of care (29% with baseline iPTH 501-800 pg/ml; 51% with >800 pg/ml) were collected.

Effects of cinacalcet on gastrointestinal hormone release in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing dialysis.

Unlabelled: Objective. Our aim has been evaluating the influence of an acute dose of cinacalcet on the gastrointestinal hormonal responses to a test meal in uraemic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) or haemodialysis (HD).

Methods: Twenty patients (11 PD, 9 HD) on cinacalcet treatment (30-120 mg/day) were studied.

Immunogenicity and safety of an adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine in pre-hemodialysis and hemodialysis patients.

Background: Due to their impaired immune system, patients with renal insufficiency have a suboptimal response to hepatitis B (HB) vaccination and frequent boosters are needed to maintain protection. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals has developed a HB vaccine containing a new adjuvant system AS04 for use in this immunocompromised patient population.

Methods: In an open, randomized clinical trial conducted in pre-hemodialysis (documented creatinine clearance < or =30 mL/min) and hemodialysis patients, over 15 years of age and naïve for HB, the immunogenicity and safety of single doses of HB-AS04 (Fendrix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) were compared to double doses of commercially available HB vaccine (Engerix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) administered at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months, and followed-up for 36 months.

Renal cell carcinoma co-existent with other renal disease: clinico-pathological features in pre-dialysis patients and those receiving dialysis or renal transplantation.

Background: Patients on chronic dialysis are prone to developing acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD), which may lead to the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The risk factors for the development of RCC so far have not been determined in pre-dialysis patients with co-existent renal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinico-pathological features of RCC in pre-dialysis patients with associated renal diseases or in those undergoing chronic dialysis and renal transplantation.