Democratic constraints and adherence to the classical gold standard

We study how political institutions affected the decision of countries to adhere to the classical gold standard. Using a variety of econometric techniques and controlling for a wide range of relevant economic and political factors, we find that the probability of adherence to the gold standard before World War I was ceteris paribus lower for countries which were more democratic. This effect can be linked to how open the political process was to different segments of the population and the extent of political competition resulting from that. The effect was particularly relevant for peripheral countries and it influenced both the decision of countries to adopt the gold standard as well as the decision to suspend it

Democratic Constraints and Adherence to the Classical Gold Standard

We study how domestic politics affected the decisions of countries to adhere to the classical gold standard. Using a variety of econometric techniques and controlling for a wide range of economic factors, we demonstrate that political constraints were important in the decision of countries to adopt the gold standard as well as in the decision to suspend it. Specifically we find that the probability of adherence to the gold standard was ceteris paribus lower for countries in which domestic politics were organized in a more open and democratic fashion. This effect appears to be driven largely by the extent of domestic political competition and was particularly relevant for peripheral countries

Management of dyslipidemias with fibrates, alone and in combination with statins: role of delayed-release fenofibric acid

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Lifestyle modifications, along with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, remain the highest priorities in CVD risk management. Among lipid-lowering agents, statins are most effective in LDL-C reduction and have demonstrated incremental benefits in CVD risk reduction. However, in light of the residual CVD risk, even after LDL-C targets are achieved, there is an unmet clinical need for additional measures. Fibrates are well known for their beneficial effects in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and LDL-C subspecies modulation. Fenofibrate is the most commonly used fibric acid derivative, exerts beneficial effects in several lipid and nonlipid parameters, and is considered the most suitable fibrate to combine with a statin. However, in clinical practice this combination raises concerns about safety. ABT-335 (fenofibric acid, Trilipix®) is the newest formulation designed to overcome the drawbacks of older fibrates, particularly in terms of pharmacokinetic properties. It has been extensively evaluated both as monotherapy and in combination with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin in a large number of patients with mixed dyslipidemia for up to 2 years and appears to be a safe and effective option in the management of dyslipidemia

Small-vessel occlusion versus large-artery atherosclerotic strokes in diabetics: Patient characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of stroke mechanism

Peer reviewe

Acid-Base and Electrolyte Abnormalities in Patients With Acute Leukemia

Disturbances of acid-base balance and electrolyte abnormalities are commonly seen in patients with acute leukemia. Our study aimed at illuminating the probable pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for these disturbances in patients with acute leukemia admitted to our hospital. We studied 66 patients (24 men and 44 women) aged between 17 and 87 years old on their admission and prior to any therapeutic intervention. Patients with diabetes mellitus, acute or chronic renal failure, hepatic failure, patients receiving drugs that influence acid-base status and electrolyte parameters during the last month, such as corticosteroids, cisplatin, diuretics, antacids, aminoglycosides, amphotericin, penicillin, and K + , PO 4 3− , or Mg 2+ supplements were excluded. Forty-one patients had at least one acid-base or electrolyte disturbance. There were no significant differences in the incidence of acid-base balance and electrolyte abnormalities between patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The most frequent electrolyte abnormality was hypokalemia, observed in 41 patients (63%), namely in 34 patients with AML, and 7 with ALL; the main underlying pathophysiologic mechanism was inappropriate kaliuresis. Furthermore, hypokalemic patients more frequently experienced concurrent electrolyte disturbances (i.e., hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia), as well as various acid-base abnormalities compared to normokalemic patients. Hypokalemia in patients with acute leukemia may serve as an indicator of multiple concurrent, interrelated electrolyte disturbances, especially in patients with AML. Am

Olympic legacy and cultural tourism: Exploring the facets of Athens' Olympic heritage

This study examines the effects of the Olympic Games on Athens’ cultural tourism and the city’s potential to leverage the Olympic legacy in synergy with its rich heritage in order to enhance its tourism product during the post-Games period. In doing so, a qualitative and interpretive approach was employed. This includes a literature review on Athens’ 2004 Olympics to identify the sport facilities and regeneration projects, which constitute the Olympic legacy and heritage. Based on that, an empirical analysis was undertaken, by collecting official documents about the 2004 Olympics, and conducting five semi-structured interviews with tourism/administrative officials. The findings indicate that the Olympiad contributed significantly to Athens’ built and human heritage, revealing the dimensions of new venues/facilities, infrastructure, transportation and aesthetic image of the city, and human capital enhancement. Hence, the Games affected to the multifaceted representation and reconstruction of the city’s identity and cultural heritage. However, the potential afforded from the post-Olympic Athens remains unrealised due to lack of strategic planning/management. The study concludes that there is a need to develop cross-leveraging synergies between the Olympic legacy and cultural tourism for the host city. Finally, a strategic planning framework for leveraging post-Games Olympic tourism is suggested in order to maximise the benefits of Olympic legacy and heritage in a host city’s tourism development