The Influences of Adherence to Tamoxifen and CYP2D6 Pharmacogenetics on Plasma Concentrations of the Active Metabolite (Z)-Endoxifen in Breast Cancer.

Tamoxifen efficacy in breast cancer is suspected to depend on adherence and intact drug metabolism. We evaluated the role of adherence behavior and pharmacogenetics on the formation rate of (Z)-endoxifen. In 192 Brazilian patients, we assessed plasma levels of tamoxifen and its metabolites at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry), adherence behavior (Morisky, Green, and Levine medication adherence scale), and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and other pharmacogene polymorphisms (matrix-assisted laser-desorption-ionization time of flight) mass spectrometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction).

Overview of hemodialysis treatment funded by the Brazilian Unified Health System--An economic perspective.

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a public health problem and, in Brazil, lacks of data on one of the main treatments, hemodialysis, are still identified.

Objective: To determine, through description of resources used in ESRD treatment and its complications, the cost associated to hemodialysis and supplementary medical therapy in patients attended by Brazilian Public Health (SUS).

Methods: Methods of cross-sectional and prospective cohort observational analysis were conducted using public data, where information about inpatient and outpatient resource use and patients' characteristics were collected.

The chronic kidney disease outcomes and practice patterns study Brazil (CKDopps-Brazil): design, data and methodology.

Introduction: The chronic kidney disease outcomes and practice patterns study (CKDopps) is an international observational, prospective, cohort study involving patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5 [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with a major focus upon care during the advanced CKD period (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2)].

Evaluation of the use of captopril on peritoneal fibrosis induced in rats by the use of glucose solution 4.25%.

Introduction: Chronic renal failure has alarming incidence all over the world in this century. Among the modalities of dialytic treatment, peritoneal dialysis has a major spot. This method of dialytic treatment may present complications, and among those is peritoneal fibrosis.

N-Acetylcysteine protects the peritoneum from the injury induced by hypertonic dialysis solution.

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of peritoneal damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a rat peritoneal infusion model.

Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: (i) control group; (ii) HDS group, receiving peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS); and (iii) HDS+NAC group, receiving PDS and oral NAC.

The relationship between ultrafiltrate volume with icodextrin and peritoneal transport pattern according to the peritoneal equilibration test.

Objective: To establish a relationship between peritoneal transport membrane pattern, analyzed by the peritoneal equilibration test (PET), and drained volume using icodextrin (7.5% Ico) and glucose (3.86% Glu) solutions.