Pannexin‐1 (Panx1) is a large pore membrane channel with unique conduction properties ranging from non‐selective ion permeability to the extracellular release of signalling molecules. The release of ATP by Panx1 has been particularly well‐characterized with implications in purine signalling across a variety of biological contexts. Panx1 activity is also important in inflammasome formation and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory molecules such as interleukin‐1β. Within the central nervous system (CNS), Panx1 is expressed on both neurons and glia, and is thought to mediate crosstalk between these cells. A growing body of literature now supports the pathological activity of Panx1 in contributing to disease processes including seizure, stroke, migraine headache and chronic pain. Emerging evidence also reveals a physiological function of Panx1 in regulating neural stem cell survival, neuronal maturation and synaptic plasticity, with possible relevance to normal cognitive functioning. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the roles of Panx1 in the CNS, with emphasis on how putative signalling properties and activation mechanisms of this channel contribute to various physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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The Canadian healthcare system serves as an example of equity and federal service to citizens across the world. However, it is not without its challenges. Prosthetic coverage across Canada is highly variable and largely unable to provide equal coverage for Canadian persons living with amputation. Many persons with limb loss are forced to rely upon personal resources, fundraising, or the charity of non-governmental organizations in order to meet this basic healthcare need. This disparity in the Canadian healthcare system is unusual and largely undescribed in the literature. We thus explore the nature of Canadian healthcare prosthetic coverage across Canada, investigating the variability in coverage, presence of prosthetic coverage policies, clarity of policy, eligibility criteria, and interval of prosthetic replacement. Our findings highlight potential areas for improvement within current Canadian healthcare policy.
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How to Cite: Howard C.W, Saraswat D.K, McLeod G, Yeung A, Jeong D, Lam J. Canada’s prosthetic coverage: a review of provincial prosthetic policy. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2019;Volume2, Issue2, No.4. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v2i2.33489
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:Calvin W. Howard, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.Phone: +1 (587) 987-7723E-mail: calvin.howard@ucalgary.caORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5576-9608
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