bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor β isoforms in human glomerulonephropathies
Authors: HASAN Qurratulain , DUNBAR P Rod , MURRAY‐MCINTOSH Rosalind P , NEALE T James
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a multifunctional cytokine for which three isoforms, TGFβ1, ‐2 and ‐3 have been characterized in mammals. Several reports suggest an involvement of TGFβ in the cellular and molecular basis of renal fibrosis. Most of these studies have focused exclusively on TGFβ1. Here we demonstrate using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) that transcripts from all three isoforms of TGFβ were detected in 31 renal biopsies, control tissue and cultured human mesangial cells. A novel alternative transcript of TGFβ2 was identified in renal tissue. the variation in transcript levels detected using this technique did not exhibit a striking correlation with any specific disease type. In addition, complement deposition and localization (i.e. mesangial or capillary wall) does not appear to have any direct correlation with the occurrence of a particular TGFβ isoform transcript. It is likely that dynamic changes in all TGFβ transcript levels occur in normal and diseased kidneys as a response to physiological and pathological demands. Most investigations have focused on one TGFβ isoform neglecting the contribution of the others. Studies which analyse all known isoforms and their alternative transcripts may establish the interplay between these during the progression of renal disease.
Effect of body size and malnutrition on renal size in childhood
Authors: DHARNIDHARKA Vikas R , SORTUR Amarnath S , KANDOTH Pravina W , ATIYEH Bassam , DABBAGH Shermine
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Malnutrition is associated with multi‐organ manifestations including urinary concentrating defects. the purpose of our study was to prospectively determine the effect of body size and malnutrition on kidney size in children. the length and width of both kidneys were assessed in 525 children with no renal disease (289 male: 236 female; age: newborn–12 years) by real time ultrasonography. the nutritional status was assessed using the Indian Academy of Pediatrics classification, where the expected weight (EW) for age is the 50th percentile for Harvard statistics. Thus, Grade 0: 80–100% of EW; Grade I: 70–80% of EW; Grade II: 60–70% of EW; Grade III: 50–60% of EW; Grade IV: <50% of EW. There was no difference in renal size between males and females, or between right and left kidneys. the relationship between kidney area and age and grade of malnutrition was as follows: kidney area (mm2) = 13.74 age (months)—110.9 grade + 1265 (P < 0.001). the partial r for grade and age were—0.318 (P < 0.001) and 0.849 (P < 0.001), respectively. Normal Indian children (Grade 0) had smaller kidneys than those obtained in age matched children in the Western world. We conclude that severe malnutrition (Grade IV) reduces kidney size independent of age. Furthermore, we attribute the smaller kidney size in normal (grade 0) children, to the smaller body habitus of Indian children. Age based data alone, which are widely used currently to determine if kidney size is appropriate, may not be sufficient in geographic regions where malnutrition is prevalent and/or the growth curves of the population vary from Western derived standards.
Semiquantitative measurement of total extracellular matrix protein produced by cultured mesangial cells
Authors: OOTAKA Tetsuya , KRAFT Nobert , SAITO Takao , ATKINS Robert C
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: To evaluate the effect of several cytokines on the total production of insoluble ECM, we performed immunoperoxidase staining directly on rat mesangial cells cultured on flat‐bottomed 96‐well plates. the peroxidase activity was demonstrated by orthophenilenediamine (OPD) and measured directly as optic density at 490 nm (OD490) by a microplate reader. After this procedure, cell number in each well was determined by crystal violet staining of which intensity was measured at 540 nm (OD540). the amount of ECM measured as OD490 was corrected by OD540 (OD490/OD540). OD540 was linearly correlated with actual cell number in the well and OD490 for each ECM was firmly correlated with cell number in the well. By this method, dose dependent decrease of fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LM) was observed in the presence of rat recombinant interferon gamma (IFNγ). Human recombinant platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) increased the total production of LM and type IV collagen (Col IV) as well as cell number. This method would also be useful in evaluation for other proteins of insoluble form as well as ECM produced by attached form of cultured cells.
Effects of cyclosporine on adriamycin induced nephropathy
Authors: SOARES Vitor A
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: The effect of cyclosporine on adriamycin nephropathy was studied over both short (6 weeks) and long (26 weeks) periods. In the short‐term study, cyclosporine was introduced 2 weeks after nephritis induction and in the long‐term study, 14 weeks after the first adriamycin injection. the animals with adriamycin nephropathy treated with cyclosporine, studied for 6 weeks, developed proteinuria with increasd renal size and glomerular area. the nephrotic animals treated with cyclosporine showed less proteinuria than the nephrotic control animals. There were no differences in glomerular area, creatinine clearance or serum creatinine and kidney weight between the treated nephrotic group and the health control group. the nephrotic animals, studied for the longer period, developed intense proteinuria, decreased creatinine clearance, glomerular necrosis and sclerosis, severe tubulointerstitial nephritis, increased hydroxyproline concentration and tubulointerstitial area. No difference was observed between the nephrotic animals treated with cyclosporine and those not treated. In conclusion, Cyclosporine A reduced proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy and kidney weight in rats with short‐term nephropathy but had no effect on the established nephropathy.
Systemic and regional hemodynamics in cyclosporin A hypertension in the rat
Authors: WEN Cheng , FRASER Tafline , LI Ming , WHITWORTH Judith A
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: This study examined the hemodynamic effects of 21 days oral administration of cyclosporin A (CyA) in the male Wistar rat. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10). Group 1: Sham (olive oil 1 mL/kg/day by gavage) with cardiac output (CO) measurement. Group 2: CyA (CyA 15 mg/kg/day in olive oil by gavage) with CO measurement. Group 3: Sham as for group 1 with regional flow measurements. Group 4: CyA as for group 2 with regional flow measurements. Systolic blood pressure was measured every fourth day. After 21 days mean arterial blood pressure was measured by intra‐arterial cannulation, and CO, and renal, mesenteric, and hindquarter blood flows (RBF, MBF, and HBF) were determined using transonic small animal flowmeters. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) and regional resistances were calculated. Oral CyA produced a sustained rise in systolic blood pressure. Olive oil did not affect blood pressure. CyA increased TPR (P<0.05), renal vascular resistance (RVR, P<0.01) and MBF (P<0.01), decreased RBF (P<0.01), but did not change CO, HBF, mesenteric or hindquarter vascular resistance. We conclude that chronic oral administration of CyA produces hypertension with a hemodynamic profile characterized by rises in TPR and RVR without changes in CO or mesenteric or hindquarter vascular resistances in the Wistar rat.
Effect of haemodialysis on serum levels of tumour markers in patients with end‐stage renal failure
Authors: GERAKIS Alexandros , BARBATSI Angeliki , SARANTI Sophia , STROGYLOU Theodora , VALIS Dimitrios
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: We studied the effect of haemodialysis on the serum levels of tumour markers in 78 patients, 49 men and 29 women with a mean age of 61 ± 2 years, who had been undergoing haemodialysis for 39 ± 10 months. No patient had any clinical evidence of malignancy. Serum values of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), squamous‐cell‐carcinoma‐related antigen (SCC), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA), CA 15‐3, CA 19–9, and among males prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) were determined before and after dialysis. Postdialysis values, after being corrected for haemoconcentration, were compared with predialysis values. A significant increase of 32% was observed in NSE levels (P<0.001) and of 21% in CA 15‐3 (P<0.001) after haemodialysis. A lesser, but still statistically significant, increase (8‐12%) was observed in SCC, AFP and CEA levels (P<0.05), while the values of the remaining three markers remained unchanged. In conclusion, an increase in some tumour markers was found in our patients after dialysis, a finding which requires further investigation.
Involvement of oxidative stress in the accelerated formation of pentosidine in patients with end‐stage renal failure
Authors: CAI Zhe , SHINZATO Toru , MATSUMOTO Yoshihiro , MIWA Masamiki , OTANI Hiroko , NAKAI Shigeru , USAMI Jun , OKA Hirobumi , TAKAI Ichiro , MAEDA Kenji
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been found to accumulate in the amyloid deposits, skin and plasma of haemodialysis patients (HD), implicating the possible involvement of AGE‐modified protein in pathogenesis in dialysis‐related amyloidosis. Pentosidine, an AGE cross‐link, is a specific marker for AGEs. Plasma pentosidine levels in HD patients were increased dramatically. In the present study, plasma pentosidine, fructoselysine, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) levels were measured to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in pentosidine formation in nondiabetic HD patients. Plasma pentosidine did not correlate with fructoselysine; plasma AOPP levels were significantly higher than those in normal subjects (201.45 ± 57.93 vs. 55.91 ± 6.57 μmol/L, P<0.001) and correlated positively with plasma pentosidine in HD patients (r=0.52, P<0.005); plasma GSHPx levels were significantly lower than those in normal subjects (168.40 ± 65.08 vs. 348.87 ± 86.10 U/I, P<0.001) and correlated negatively with plasma pentosidine (r=0.54, P<0.001) in HD patients. Decreased GSHPx levels may lead to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. These findings implicate the involvement of oxidative stress in the accelerated formation of pentosidine in uraemia and suggest that pentosidine could be considered as an oxidative stress biomarker to estimate the degree of oxidative‐stress‐mediated protein damage.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia in end‐stage renal failure patients: Effect of low‐dose supplementation with folic acid
Authors: HEALY Helen , BOOTH Christine , CLAGUE Alan , WESTHUYZEN Justin
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) patients. In subjects with normal renal function, homocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for CVD. We studied biochemical determinants of homocysteine (Hcys) levels in 71 ESRF patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) treated with recombinant human erythropoietin and supplemented with B‐group vitamins. One third of subjects were supplemented with 300–500 μg folic acid daily. A reference range for Hcys was determined in 103 apparently healthy adults without renal impairment. Although blood folate and cobalamin levels were generally in the normal range, most (82%) HD subjects had plasma Hcys levels above the reference range. Significant inverse correlations were noted between plasma Hcys and serum folate (r=−0.32, P=0.009) and red cell folate (r=−0.33, P=0.004). Homocysteine concentrations were 23% lower in subjects receiving folk acid supplements (33.9 [SD, 13.6] vs 44.2 [SD, 26.7] μmol/L; P=0.075). No correlations were evident between Hcys and age, time on dialysis, serum cobalamin or measures of vitamin B6 status (red cell aspartate transaminase or the pyridoxal effect). This study supports the supplementation of HD subjects with folic acid as a measure to reduce plasma Hcys levels and hence possibly atherogenic risk.
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of skin following renal transplantation
Authors: LYALL Patrick , LYNN Kelvin L
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Skin carcinomata are common following renal transplantation. Since 1972, 40 patients who have undergone renal transplantation in Christchurch have developed skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Four (10%) have developed metastatic disease and one has died of disseminated disease. the risk of developing SCC increases with age at transplantation, total sun exposure and length of immunosuppression, reaching an incidence of 30% at 20 years. All four patients had large numbers of SCCs excised (range 25–83). Metastases had occurred from 9 to 16 years after transplantation. Three of the patients had been treated with azathioprine and prednisone, including the one who died. the fourth patient was treated with cyclosporin A in addition. the importance of protection from sun exposure must be emphasized.
Clinical features of renal diseases in South‐East Asia
Authors: LUVIRA U , SUKAHATYA M , ALANO FA , DANGUILAN RA , THANG NT , LIN CH , LEE G , MORAD Z , THIRAKHUPT P
Published: March 2007

Summary: The renal diseases in South‐East Asia are similar to other parts of the world (i.e. glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, HT, obstructive uropathy, adult‐onset polycystic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis and tubulointerstitial diseases). IgA nephropathy with haematuria is most common in Singapore, while IgM nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome is common in Thailand. Lupus nephritis is the most common cause of secondary glomerulonephritis and a major cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Acute renal failure from specific infection (malaria, leptospirosis, melioidosis), from toxin exposure (snake bite, wasp sting), from exertional heat stroke, and from drugs is frequently found. Nephrolithiasis, distal renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia are endemic in NE Thailand. In conclusion, the broad clinical features of renal diseases in South‐East Asia are similar to other regions, with additional specific causes from infections, toxic, metabolic and environmental derangements associated with these tropical locations.
Patterns of renal disease in South Africa
Authors: NAICKER Saraladevi
Published: March 2007

Summary: The prevalence and patterns of renal disease in the different racial groups in South Africa is reviewed. South Africa is populated by four groups: Blacks, Whites, Indians and ‘Coloured’ or Mixed race. In 1994, the South African Dialysis and Transplant Registry (SADTR) recorded 3399 patients (99 pmp) on treatment for end‐stage renal failure (ESRF). Glomerulonephritis (GN) was recorded as the cause of ESRF in 1771 (52.1%) patients and hypertension (HPT) in 1549 (45.6%) patients. In a study of 394 patients with ESRF in our unit, HPT was the cause of ESRF in 32% of Blacks and 24% of Indians, GN in 25% of Blacks and Indians and 33% of ‘Coloured’ patients, while analgesic nephropathy caused ESRF in 33% of White patients. A study of 3632 patients with ESRF reported HPT as the aetiology in 4.3% of Whites, 13.8% of Indians and 34.6% of Blacks, with 57% of the latter having malignant hypertension. of adult Black patients with primary GN, 36% had mesangiocapillary GN, while 21% had membranous GN and 10.7% minimal change disease. Black children have a low prevalence of minimal change disease: 13.5% compared with 75% in Indians. IgA nephropathy is rare in Blacks and has been reported in two patients in another study. Hepatitis B infection occurred in 73% of Black children with membranous GN. Prevalence data for hepatitis C‐associated GN is lacking, but antibody‐positive figures of 4.8–21% have been reported in South African dialysis and transplant patients. Prevalence figures for HIV‐associated renal disease are not available. Public health measures are being actively implemented and should modify the prevalence and pattern of renal disease in South Africa.
Genetic susceptibility to nephropathy in Pima Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: IMPERATORE Giuseppina , NELSON Robert G
Published: March 2007

Summary: In Pima Indians, the incidence of end‐stage renal disease, nearly all of which is attributable to type 2 diabetes mellitus, is more than 20 times that in the general United States population. Studies in the Pimas indicate that factors other than diabetes per se enhance susceptibility to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Aggregation of renal disease in families, a relationship between parental blood pressure and diabetic nephropathy in the offspring, and an association between higher prediabetic blood pressure and the occurrence of renal disease after the onset of diabetes all point to individual differences in susceptibility. Although clustering of environmental exposures may be responsible for these findings, they may also represent genetic transmission of susceptibility to renal disease. Recently, linkage analyses were performed in 98 diabetic sib‐pairs, both affected by diabetic nephropathy. Two adjacent markers on chromosome 7 met the criteria for suggestive linkage with two‐point analysis. Positioned between these markers is the gene coding for aldose reductase. Polymorphisms of this locus are associated with diabetic microvascular complications in other populations. Linkage studies provide evidence that familial aggregation of diabetic renal disease reflects, in part, genetic transmission of susceptibility that appears to be independent of the transmission of diabetes.
Glomerulomegaly in Australian Aborigines
Authors: BERTRAM John F , YOUNG Richard J , SEYMOUR Anthony E , KINCAID‐SMITH Priscilla , HOY Wendy
Published: March 2007

Summary: Idiopathic glomerular enlargement has previously been described in a number of indigenous populations, including Australian Aborigines. This study had three aims: (1) evaluate three methods for estimating mean glomerular tuft and renal corpuscle volume; (2) assess the effects of fixation on glomerular dimensions; and (3) estimate glomerular tuft and renal corpuscle volume in clinical biopsies from Australian non‐Aboriginals, Aboriginals and Aboriginal inhabitants of the Tiwi Islands (Bathurst Island and Melville Island, Northern Territory, Australia). First, glomerular volume was determined in initial transplant biopsies from 17 non‐Aboriginal males (30–50 years) using three methods: the Cavalieri method, a stereological method that requires serial sectioning of glomeruli and knowledge of section thickness, but requires no knowledge or assumptions of glomerular size or shape (the gold‐standard method); the stereological method of Weibel and Gomez that employs a single section but requires assumptions of glomerular size distribution and shape; and the maximal profile method, with which the largest glomerular profile in a single section is identified, and used to calculate the volume of the parent glomerulus (assuming glomerular sphericity). Estimates for glomerular tuft volume were (mean ± SD): Cavalieri method (2.08 ± 0.37 × 106μm3); Weibel and Gomez (2.55 ± 0.63 × 106μ3); maximal profile method (3.09 + 0.66106μ3). Taking the Cavalieri estimate to be accurate, the maximal profile method is seen to grossly overestimate mean glomerular tuft volume, whereas the Weibel and Gomez method overestimated tuft volume by 23%. Both methods considerably overestimated mean renal corpuscle volume. In the study of fixation and glomerular dimensions, we found that glomeruli in clinical biopsies fixed in formalin were larger (47% for glomerular tuft and 25% for renal corpuscle) than the glomeruli in biopsies fixed in formol mercury/Dubosq Brazil. This result emphasizes the importance of standardizing the histological technique in quantitative studies of glomeruli. Finally, the Weibel and Gomez method was used to estimate mean glomerular volume in formalin‐fixed clinical biopsies from 80 non‐Aboriginal Australians, 78 non‐Tiwi Aboriginals and 72 Tiwi Aboriginals. Mean glomerular tuft volumes were: 3.12 ± 1.46 × 106μm3, 4.91 ± 2.59 × 106μm3 and 4.79 ± 2.08 × 106μm3, respectively, (for biopsies with four or more profiles). Mean glomerular tuft volume in the two Aboriginal populations was significantly (P < 0.001 in each case) greater than that in the non‐Aboriginals. These data indicate that there is pronounced glomerulomegaly in Australian Aborigines.
Towards an epidemiologic definition of renal disease: Rates and associations of albuminuria in a high‐risk Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: HOY Wendy E , MATHEWS John D , WANG Zhiqiang , McCredie David A , HAYHURST Beverly G , PUGSLEY David J , NORMAN Robert J , McFarlane Robert , REES Megan , KILE Emma , WALKER Kate
Published: March 2007

Summary: An epidemic of renal failure is accompanying the rising rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among Aborigines in the Northern Territory of Australia. the rates and associations of the underlying renal disease were studied in a remote Aboriginal community whose renal failure rates are among the highest reported in the world. More than 90% of school‐age children and adults participated in a health screen, in which the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was used as the primary renal disease marker. Albuminuria was evident in early childhood and increased dramatically with age; 26% of adults had microalbuminuria and 24% had overt albuminuria. Most hypertension segregated in persons with albuminuria and all renal failure developed out of a background of overt albuminuria. ACR levels correlated with the presence of scabies at screening, with a history of post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis, with increasing bodyweight or its surrogates, with increasing blood pressure, glucose, insulin and lipid levels, and with evidence of heavy drinking. ACR also correlated inversely with birthweight. Finally, increasing ACR correlated with an increasing cardiovascular risk factor score. Thus many factors contribute to renal disease in this community; most are the features and consequences of lifestyle change, poverty and disadvantage. Renal disease shares risk factors, including low birthweight, with Syndrome X, which supports the inclusion of renal disease in that syndrome, and explains the excess cardiovascular morbidity in people with chronic renal disease. There is an urgent need for effective programs to modify recognized risk factors, and to identify and treat people with established renal disease to retard the progression of renal insufficiency.
Diabetic nephropathy in New Zealand Maori and Pacific Islands people
Authors: SIMMONS D
Published: March 2007

Summary: In 1983, a study at Middlemore Hospital demonstrated that a high proportion of Maori and Pacific Islands (Polynesian) diabetic inpatients had chronic renal failure when compared with Europeans (8%, 28%vs 1%, respectively). Since this time renal replacement therapy (RRT) has grown by 10% p.a., and this is mainly due to increasing numbers of Polynesians with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Among 286 new patients requiring RRT in 1995, 9% Europeans, 67% Maori and 43% of Pacific Islanders had NIDDM. There are now quantitatively more Maori than Europeans receiving transplants for diabetic nephropathy. the reasons for the increasing importance of diabetic nephropathy among Polynesians rest with their excess of NIDDM. All age‐adjusted prevalences of known diabetes are 1.9% (1.7–2.0%) among Europeans but 5.2% (4.9–5.5%) among Maori and 4.0 (3.8–4.2%) among Pacific Islanders and their greater risk of diabetic nephropathy once NIDDM has developed (cross‐sectional results showed that 0.3% Europeans, 4.7% Maori and 3.3% Pacific Islanders with NIDDM have end‐stage renal failure, 22% of whom were untreated). the characteristics of the diabetic nephropathy in NIDDM are also different. Proteinuria is more common among Polynesians (5.4% Europeans vs 30.2% Maori vs 13.0% Pacific Islanders). Differences in rates of proteinuria and microalbuminuria and degree of glomerular hyperfiltration are seen within 5 years of diagnosis. the cause(s) for differences in predisposition remain unclear, although they are partly due to differences in glycaemia and blood pressure control. Family studies and prospective studies are currently underway to help unravel the underlying mechanisms.
The Central Australian Aboriginal Renal Disease Registry
Authors: KIRUBAKARAN Meshach G
Published: March 2007

Summary: The Central Australian Aborigines (CAA) have a very high incidence of renal disease, up to 10 times more than other Australians in certain cohort groups. the mean age of CAA with end‐stage chronic renal failure (CRF) is 10 years younger than others and the mortality rate due to CRF is higher across all age groups. the aetiology of this high incidence of renal disease remains unclear as no organized study has been undertaken so far. Hence a Renal Disease Registry was initiated with the main purpose of setting up a database in order to determine the relative incidence, aetiology and natural history of different types of renal disease in CAA. In addition, the Registry would also be used in the recall and follow‐up of patients to facilitate better management in an attempt to retard the progression of CRF. Analysis of the data collected since 1987 shows that the incidence of end‐stage CRF among CAA has doubled every 3 years. the pattern of renal diseases observed indicates that the CAA form a distinct group with several peculiarities. Some diseases such as membranous nephropathy and adult polycystic kidney disease are extremely rare while other diseases such as amyloidosis are seen more often. A type of non‐immune complex disease, characterized by marked glomerulomegaly and indices of progressive nephron loss of uncertain aetiology, appears to be unique to this group. the deterioration of renal function in some diseases such as diabetic nephropathy is much more rapid than observed elsewhere. Comorbidities such as hypertension, obesity, malnutrition and intercurrent infections are common and appear to contribute to the rapid deterioration of CRF. Continued collection of prospective data over the next few years should yield valuable information and lead to improved strategies towards prevention and management of renal disease in CAA.
Renal transplantation in indigenous populations
Authors: MORRIS Peter J
Published: March 2007

Summary: Renal disease is a common problem in many indigenous populations, but the treatment of endstage renal disease (ESRD) by dialysis and transplantation presents special problems in such populations. Many of these problems are illustrated by the attempts to provide renal transplantation for the Aboriginal Australian population. Factors such as cost, religious and cultural attitudes, endemic infections, causes of end‐stage renal failure, compliance, race, logistic problems and equitable allocation of organs influence not only the provision of transplantation but also its outcome. In developing countries where cost is the overriding factor determining provision, transplantation even in the non‐indigenous populations is rarely a practical option for ESRD. In developed and affluent countries, such as Australia, cost is not the major factor to be considered in providing a satisfactory renal transplant program. Cultural attitudes, compliance, logistic problems, and the equitable allocation of organs are greater problems. Nevertheless in developed countries such as Australia it should be possible to provide successful renal transplantation for the indigenous population with ESRD provided that it is accompanied by intense programs of disease prevention, after identification of the causes and risk factors of renal disease. Furthermore, a successful program will only be developed if it involves the indigenous communities themselves in the development and maintenance of the program.
Inflammatory cytokines in glomerulonephritis
Authors: ATKINS RC
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: The importance of various inflammatory cytokines in mediating renal disease is now recognized, and the potential for the use of cytokine blockade as a therapeutic intervention is under active investigation. Studies in rat anti‐glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease model showed that antagonism of the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1 inhibited induction of glomerulonephritis, and prevented progression of established disease. A second cytokine Tumour Necrosis Factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) had similar proinflammatory effects to IL‐1 in this model. Blocking the actions of both cytokines together, however, had no added benefit. Another cytokine Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) has been shown to override the anti‐inflammatory effects of corticosteriods. Renal MIF is markedly up‐regulated in rat anti‐GBM disease and blocking studies have demonstrated MIF plays a pathological role in mediating renal injury in this model. the importance of MIF in glomerulonephritis has been demonstrated by the fact that MIF is produced locally within the kidney, that it reflects the severity of the cellular immune response, and can be measured in the urine. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor is up‐regulated in human glomerular disease and correlates with loss of renal function and is thus a potential target for therapy for human glomerulonephritis. Thus, the inflammatory cytokines, IL 1, TNF‐α and MIF each play a role in the immune/inflammatory process in glomerulonephritis. Blocking their action reduces disease and cytokine blocking agents have therapeutic potential.
Daily haemodialysis: dialysis for the 21st century
Authors: LYNN Kelvin
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Most patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) currently undergo haemodialysis three times a week. In an effort to improve morbidity, mortality and quality of life in such patients, several small clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the benefit of short daily haemodialysis (over 90–120 min) and nocturnal slow haemodialysis (overnight for 8–10 h). Although limited by study design and small patient numbers, the results of these studies offer promise that patients who undergo daily haemodialysis benefit from improved long‐term outcomes. the most striking benefits of daily haemodialysis are improved quality of life and better blood pressure control with fewer or no antihypertensive medications. Other advantages of daily haemodialysis include higher haemoglobin levels with lower erythropoietin dosages, better nutrition and improved energy as a result of more physiological and efficient dialysis. Nocturnal haemodialysis has also been reported to improve sleep apnoea and control plasma phosphate concentration. Economic advantages of daily haemodialysis arise as the result of lower medication costs and less expensive at‐home care. Early data suggest that there may be improvements in survival and reduced hospitalization in patients who receive daily versus conventional haemodialysis.
Treatments conferring renoprotection in patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: HEALY Helen
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Nephrotic Syndrome that fails to respond to specific treatment presents a major therapeutic conundrum. Management strategies aim to normalize glomerular filtration barrier dysfunction, optimize intrarenal haemodynamics to limit stress on capillary walls and limit adverse signalling profiles in the tubulo‐interstitial compartment. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are currently the only proven therapeutic option for patients with Nephrotic Syndrome, although several other agents have demonstrated potential. However, these therapies have not been evaluated in well‐designed trials and their efficacy is largely untested. the angiotensin‐II receptor (All) antagonists, that interrupt the renin‐angiotensin cascade at a different point to ACE inhibitors, may also have renoprotective effects although few long‐term data are available. the efficacy of another class of antihypertensive drugs, the calcium channel blockers, is unclear, perhaps because of the pharmacological heterogeneity among the group. Rigorous comparative studies of these different agents in patients with Nephrotic Syndrome have not been conducted. There are even less data about non‐antihypertensive agents like Cyclosporin A (CsA), dipyridamole and indomethacin. Dietary manipulations to restrict protein and sodium intake and reducing serum lipid levels with diet and drug intervention may have additional renal benefits in selected patients.
AusDiab renal study: indicators of renal disease
Authors: CHADBAN SJ
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: The Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) was designed to determine the prevalence of diabetes and abnormal glucose metabolism, lifestyle and health behaviours and early indicators of renal disease in Australian adults. the study screened 11247 adults aged ≥ 25 years residing in randomly selected districts in all States and Territories of Australia between April 1999 and December 2000. Diabetes and hypertension were detected in 7.5% and 28.8%, respectively. Proteinuria was detected in 2.5% of subjects tested and serum creatinine was elevated in 1.06%. Dipstick screening followed by analysis of a mid‐stream urine sample revealed haematuria in 6.8% of subjects tested. Body mass index scores indicated that 48.2% of all men screened were overweight, and a further 19.1% were obese. of the women, 30.2% were overweight and 21.8% obese. the results of the AusDiab study suggests one‐third of the Australian adult population have at least one indicator of renal disease.
An introduction to the Kidney Check Australia Taskforce
Authors: KNIGHT JF
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: The KidneyCheck Australia program has been launched with the aim of reducing the incidence of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in Australia by an early detection and prevention program aimed at high risk groups. A multidisciplinary taskforce has been established to guide the process. the target groups for the program are the general public (particularly those in high risk groups), general practitioners, nephrologists, renal nurses, students, government and industry. Six risk factors have been identified: hypertension, diabetes, a family history of renal disease, smoking, age (over 50 years) and an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. This new public health awareness campaign will deliver several key messages. These include the message that kidney failure can be prevented, that urine protein is a useful early indicator of renal disease and general vascular risk, that early treatment with ACE inhibitors can be renal protective, and that general practitioners should think in terms of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) rather than creatinine levels when assessing renal function.
Differentiating paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and pre‐eclampsia in pregnancy
Authors: BROWN MA , MCMAHON L
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: During her first pregnancy, a 26‐year‐old‐woman developed symptoms of severe preeclampsia at 23 weeks gestation. Fetal death in utero was confirmed shortly after presentation. A similar event at 13 weeks gestation in her second pregnancy prompted further investigation. She was found to have a rare form of haemolytic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). Supportive management with prednisolone and anticoagulation enabled the gestation to continue and she was delivered successfully at 34 weeks.
Left ventricular hypertrophy in chronic renal failure patients
Authors: KRUM Henry , ROGER Simon
Published: March 2007

SUMMARY: Left ventricular hypertrophy is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is a major component of premature death among renal failure patients. Early treatment of progressive renal insufficiency has the opportunity to attempt prevention of, or reduction in, the development of LVH. Therapies specifically targeted at regression of LVH (e.g. antihypertensive regimens and epoetin‐α) may, therefore, impact favourably on future cardiovascular events. Importantly, these approaches appear complementary and should be used in unison to maximize cardiovascular risk reduction in renal failure patients.
FATIGUE LIFE PREDICTION OF WELDED JOINTS—A RE‐ASSESSMENT
Authors: Verreman Yves , Baïlon Jean‐Paul , Masounave Jacques
Published: April 2007

Abstract— Fatigue life prediction of welded joints needs an accurate and exhaustive theoretical Fracture Mechanics characterization of weld toe crack propagation. The method proposed by Albrecht et al. leads rapidly to accurate solutions of the LEFM δK‐parameter. However, non‐LEFM short crack behavior within the notch (weld toe) plastic zone must be taken into account. Available information on notch fatigue is surveyed, and practical cases where short crack growth is likely to occur are identified. Based on an elastoplastic finite element analysis, the LEFM validity limits and errors resulting from the misuse of LEFM in fatigue life prediction are quantified.
FATIGUE LIMIT AND FATIGUE LIFE PREDICTION IN HIGH STRENGTH COLD DRAWN EUTECTOID STEEL WIRES
Authors: Llorca J. , Sánchez‐Gálvez V.
Published: April 2007

Abstract— Both the fatigue limit and the fatigue life of a structural member are highly dependent upon its surface condition and on the microcrack growth rate. A model based on linear elastic fracture mechanics has been developed which involves both parameters and predicts with good accuracy the available experimental results. The factors that must be modified in order to improve the fatigue behaviour of cold drawn eutectoid steel wires are indicated.
FRACTURE MECHANISMS AND LIFE ASSESSMENT UNDER HIGH‐STRAIN BIAXIAL CYCLIC LOADING OF TYPE 304 STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: Nitta Akito , Ogata Takashi , Kuwabara Kazuo
Published: April 2007

Abstract— In order to investigate the elevated‐temperature low‐cycle fatigue characteristics of Type 304 stainless steel under biaxial loading, strain‐controlled push‐pull and torsional fatigue tests were conducted at 550°C under proportional and nonproportional loading conditions with phase differences of 0, α/6, α/4, α/3 and α/2 between the applied sinusoidal axial and torsional strains. Based on the experimental results, this study presents a discussion on fracture mechanisms and failure criteria. In the case of proportional loading, the fracture mode was found, from fractographic observations, to be classified into either Mode I or Mode II, while the fractures were of mixed mode under nonproportional loading. However, failure lives under both the loading conditions could be correlated well in this study with the equivalent shear strain range, Δy, defined by extending the β ‐plane theory of Brown and Miller. The failure life under nonproportional loading could also be predicted by applying a strain‐energy‐based approach.
INFLUENCE OF MICROSTRUCTURE ON SHORT FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH
Authors: Plumtree A. , O'Connor B. P. D.
Published: April 2007

The influence of microstructure and processing method on the initiation and growth of fatigue cracks in an aluminum‐magnesium‐silicon alloy has been studied with extruded and squeeze‐cast material cycled in strain control. Using the replication technique, initiation and early growth of short cracks was found to be dependent upon the applied strain level. At low strains decohesion at the particle/matrix interface occurred whereas at high strain levels both particle cracking and decohesion were observed. The micromechanisms of subsequent short crack growth were also influenced by strain amplitude. In the case of the squeeze‐cast material cycled at low total strain amplitudes subsequent growth took place from particle to particle along the soft precipitate‐free interdendritic regions, in the direction of maximum shear. Notable deflection occurred at triple points. Short cracks in the extruded material cycled at all total strain amplitudes were found to initiate by debonding of particles in banded zones. Early crack growth at low strain amplitudes over the first 20μ along the surface was significantly impeded by subgrains and some second phase particles, whose effect was much greater than for the squeeze‐cast material due to a finer microstructure (the average subgrain size was 6 μ) and absence of soft interdendritic regions. The fracture surface was also rougher which presented a greater degree of resistance to propagation. In both types of material, Stage I crack growth extended to a depth of about 250‐350 μ. During this portion of life short fatigue crack growth behaviour was observed. Long crack behaviour coincided with the crack switching to Stage II growth. Short crack propagation behaviour and the crack depth at which Stage I was complete could be expressed using a crack growth model based on the strength of slip bands emanating from the crack tip and the strength of barriers which were in the immediate area.
Efficacy of intervention strategies for bioremediation of crude oil in marine systems and effects on indigenous hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria
Authors: McKew Boyd A. , Coulon Frédéric , Yakimov Michail M. , Denaro Renata , Genovese Maria , Smith Cindy J. , Osborn A. Mark , Timmis Kenneth N. , McGenity Terry J.
Published: March 2007

There is little information on how different strategies for the bioremediation of marine oil spills influence the key indigenous hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria (hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, HCB), and hence their remediation efficacy. Therefore, we have used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to analyse changes in concentrations of HCB in response to intervention strategies applied to experimental microcosms. Biostimulation with nutrients (N and P) produced no measurable increase in either biodegradation or concentration of HCB within the first 5 days, but after 15 days there was a significant increase (29%; P <  0.05) in degradation of n‐alkanes, and an increase of one order of magnitude in concentration of Thalassolituus (to 107 cells ml−1). Rhamnolipid bioemulsifier additions alone had little effect on biodegradation, but, in combination with nutrient additions, provoked a significant increase: 59% (P < 0.05) more n‐alkane degradation by 5 days than was achieved with nutrient additions alone. The very low Alcanivorax cell concentrations in the microcosms were hardly influenced by addition of nutrients or bioemulsifier, but strongly increased after their combined addition, reflecting the synergistic action of the two types of biostimulatory agents. Bioaugmentation with Thalassolituus positively influenced hydrocarbon degradation only during the initial 5 days and only of the n‐alkane fraction. Bioaugmentation with Alcanivorax was clearly much more effective, resulting in 73% greater degradation of n‐alkanes, 59% of branched alkanes, and 28% of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, in the first 5 days than that obtained through nutrient addition alone (P < 0.01). Enhanced degradation due to augmentation with Alcanivorax continued throughout the 30‐day period of the experiment. In addition to providing insight into the factors limiting oil biodegradation over time, and the competition and synergism between HCB, these results add weight to the use of bioaugmentation in oil pollution mitigation strategies.
Interactions and competition within the microbial community of the human colon: links between diet and health
Authors: Flint Harry J. , Duncan Sylvia H. , Scott Karen P. , Louis Petra
Published: March 2007

The microbiota of the human intestinal tract play an important role in health, in particular by mediating many of the effects of diet upon gut health. Surveys of 16S rRNA sequence diversity in the human colon have emphasized the low proportion of sequences that match cultured bacterial species. This may reflect limited recent effort on cultivation rather than inherent unculturability, however, as anaerobic isolation methods can apparently recover a wide range of the diversity found. A combination of information from representative cultures, molecular tools for enumeration and tracking of bacterial metabolites offers the most powerful route to understanding the roles played by different groups of bacteria in the gut ecosystem. Progress is being made for example in defining key functional groups including primary colonizers of insoluble dietary substrates, and major contributors to metabolites such as butyrate that influence the health of the gut mucosa. There is increasing evidence that bacterial populations in the large intestine respond to changes in diet, in particular to the type and quantity of dietary carbohydrate. A general consequence of increased carbohydrate consumption is to reduce the pH of the gut lumen, which is likely to play a major role in determining bacterial metabolism and competition. Oligosaccharides used as dietary prebiotics must inevitably have complex effects upon the bacterial community that include non‐target organisms and the consequences of metabolic cross‐feeding and changes in the gut environment.
Temperature and pyoverdine‐mediated iron acquisition control surface motility of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Ramos Juan L. , Duque Estrella , de Dios Alché Juan , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Ramos‐González María Isabel
Published: March 2007

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is unable to swarm at its common temperature of growth in the laboratory (30°C) but exhibits surface motility similar to swarming patterns in other Pseudomonas between 18°C and 28°C. These motile cells show differentiation, consisting on elongation and the presence of surface appendages. Analysis of a collection of mutants to define the molecular determinants of this type of surface movement in KT2440 shows that while type IV pili and lipopolysaccharide O‐antigen are requisites flagella are not. Although surface motility of flagellar mutants was macroscopically undistinguishable from that of the wild type, microscopy analysis revealed that these mutants move using a distinct mechanism to that of the wild‐type strain. Mutants either in the siderophore pyoverdine (ppsD) or in the FpvA siderophore receptor were also unable to spread on surfaces. Motility in the ppsD strain was totally restored with pyoverdine and partially with the wild‐type ppsD allele. Phenotype of the fpvA strain was not complemented by this siderophore. We discuss that iron influences surface motility and that it can be an environmental cue for swarming‐like movement in P. putida. This study constitutes the first report assigning an important role to pyoverdine iron acquisition in en masse bacterial surface movement.
Bacteria associated with the rapid tissue necrosis of stony corals
Authors: Luna G. M. , Biavasco F. , Danovaro R.
Published: March 2007

The rapid tissue necrosis (RTN) is a common disease of both wild and captive stony corals, which causes a fast tissue degradation (peeling) and death of the colony. Here we report the results of an investigation carried out on the stony coral Pocillopora damicornis, affected by an RTN‐like disease. Total abundance of prokaryotes in tissue samples, determined by epifluorescence microscopy, was significantly higher in diseased than in healthy corals, as well as bacterial counts on MB2216 agar plates. Further experiments performed by fluorescent in situ hybridization using a 16S rDNA Vibrio‐specific probe showed that vibrios were significantly more abundant in diseased than in healthy corals. Accordingly, bacterial counts on TCBS agar plates were higher in diseased than in healthy tissues. 16S rDNA sequencing identified as Vibrio colonies from diseased tissues only. Cultivated vibrios were dominated by a single ribotype, which displayed 99% of similarity with Vibrio harveyi strain LB4. Bacterial ribotype richness, assessed by terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S rDNA, was significantly higher in diseased than in healthy corals. Using an in silico software, we estimated that a single terminal restriction fragment, putatively assigned to a Vibrio sp., accounted for > 15% and < 5% of the total bacterial assemblage, in diseased and healthy corals respectively. These results let us hypothesize that the RTN in stony corals can be an infectious disease associated to the presence of Vibrio harveyi. However, further studies are needed to validate the microbial origin of this pathology.