bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender‐associated risk factors for cardiac end points and total mortality after renal transplantation: post hoc analysis of the ALERT study
Authors: Øien Cecilia Montgomery , Reisæter Anna Varberg , Os Ingrid , Jardine Alan , Fellström Bengt , Holdaas Hallvard 
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Female gender offers a cardioprotective effect over men in the general population, but is lost in the dialysis population. Whether renal transplantation restores the gender‐dependent cardiac protection and whether there is a difference in the impact of risk factors is not known.Methods:  This is a post hoc analysis of pre‐defined end points in the placebo arm in the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) study, a study in renal transplant recipients. Cox regression was performed to estimate the association between different risk factors at baseline and non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or cardiac death and total mortality, and specifically assess whether there are gender differences.Results:  The placebo arm included 1052 patients (mean age 50.1 ± 11.1 yr, 65.3% males) with a mean follow‐up of 65 months. The incidence of non‐fatal MI or cardiac death was 10.9% vs. 7.9% (NS) and total mortality 13.3% vs. 12.8% (NS) in men and women. In multivariate analysis, previous coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, treatment for rejection and serum triglycerides were predictive for cardiac events in men, and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio only in women. A slightly different risk‐factor pattern appeared for total mortality. Diabetes, ECG abnormalities, plasma triglycerides, serum creatinine, time on dialysis and age predicted total mortality in men, while ECG abnormalities, LDL/HDL ratio and age were predictors in women.Conclusion:  In this relatively low‐risk population of renal transplant recipients, no gender difference in cardiac events or total mortality was observed, suggesting that female gender advantage regarding CHD is not restored following transplantation. The predictive value of risk factors differed in men and women.
Osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand system in the early post‐operative period of liver transplantation
Authors: Fábrega Emilio , Orive Aitor , García‐Unzueta Maite , Amado Jose Antonio , Casafont Fernanado , Pons‐Romero Fernando 
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:  The precise mechanism that leads to accelerated bone resorption in the early post‐transplant period remains unclear. Recent data suggest that osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ligand receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) constitute a novel cytokine system that can influence the function of both bone and immune cells. The aim of our study was to assess OPG and RANKL concentrations in the early post‐operative period of liver transplantation.Methods:  Serum OPG and RANKL levels were measured in 30 patients who underwent liver transplantation at 1, 7 and 14 d post‐operatively. These values were compared with 22 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Plasma sodium, creatinine, aspartate‐aminotransferase, alanine‐amino transferase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, tacrolimus and cyclosporine levels were measured in each patient.Results:  We found a significant increase in OPG levels in the early post‐operative period compared with the control group: day 1 (10.42 pmol/L, range 3.80–17.50 vs. 3.91 pmol/L, range 1.20–6.60; p = 0.0001), day 7 (6.90 pmol/L, range 3.00–15.30 vs. 3.91 pmol/L, range 1.20–6.60; p = 0.0001) and day 14 (5.76 pmol/L, range 2.60–10.70 vs. 3.91 pmol/L, range 1.20–6.60; p = 0.001). Similarly, serum RANKL levels were significantly higher than in the control group in this period, day 1 (0.123 pmol/L, range 0.010–0.420 vs. 0.054 pmol/L, range 0.010–0.300; p = 0.02), day 7 (0.236 pmol/L, range 0.010–0.720 vs. 0.054 pmol/L, range 0.010–0.300; p = 0.0004) and day 14 (0.137 pmol/L, range 0.010–0.520 vs. 0.054 pmol/L, range 0.010–0.300; p = 0.007). No correlation was found between OPG levels and RANKL, ischemic times, liver function tests, albumin, sodium or creatinine concentrations and tacrolimus or cyclosporine levels.Conclusions:  A significant amount of OPG and RANKL is released in the early post‐transplant period of liver transplantation. This might be explained by an activation of the immune system caused by the allograft. Therefore, the RANKL/OPG system may be involved in the pathophysiological evolution of transplantation osteoporosis.
Long‐term outcomes of single paediatric vs. ideal adult renal allograft transplants in adult recipients
Authors: Csapo Zsolt , Knight Richard J. , Podder Hemangshu , Kerman Ronald H. , Schoenberg Linda , Katz Stephen M. , Van Buren Charles T. , Kahan Barry D. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Aim: To compare the outcomes of single paediatric vs. adult kidneys transplanted into adult recipients,Methods: A retrospective single‐centre review of 38 single cadaver kidney transplants from donors less than five yr of age to wait‐listed patients of low body mass index (BMI). Survival of grafts and quality of renal function were compared with 121 similarly low BMI recipients of grafts from donors 18–45 yr of age that were transplanted during the same period. Immunosuppression consisted of sirolimus, minimal‐dose cyclosporine and prednisone. The mean age of the paediatric vs. adult donors was 2.8 ± 1.0 and 31.1 ± 9.2 yr, respectively (p<0.01) and of the recipients, 42.0 ± 12.4 and 45.7 ± 14.8 yr, respectively (p = NS). The mean BMI of paediatric vs. adult donor kidney recipients was 21.8 ± 2.9 and 22.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2(p = NS). Sixty‐six per cent of paediatric donor recipients were women compared with 44% of adult donor recipients (p = 0.03).Results: Death censored actuarial graft survivals at one and five yr for recipients of paediatric vs. adult donor grafts were 93 and 84% compared with 93 and 85% (p = NS). There were no graft losses because of technical complications in the paediatric kidney donor group. At one and five yr post‐transplantation, the mean estimated creatinine clearances of the paediatric donor graft recipients were 52.9 ± 19.6 and 54.0 ± 17.8 mL/min, respectively, compared with 56.4 ± 19.8 and 49.1 ± 21.7 mL/min for recipients of adult donor grafts at the same times (p = NS).Conclusion: Transplantation of single paediatric donor kidneys into low BMI adult recipients provided equivalent outcomes to those of grafts from adult donors between the ages of 18 and 45 yr.
Short‐term testing of heart rate variability in heart‐transplanted children: equal to 24‐h ECG recordings?
Authors: Dalla Pozza R. , Fuchs A. , Bechtold S. , Netz H. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Introduction: Heart rate variability (HRV) is reduced in adults and children after cardiac transplantation. Testing of HRV has been used to assess re‐innervation of the cardiac graft; its reliability in ruling out acute graft rejection is still under investigation. This study used a short‐term test on HRV in 23 heart and heart–lung transplanted children and adolescents and compared the results with 24‐h ECG recordings.Patients and methods: Twenty‐three subjects (16.3 ± 4.2 yr; 10 females) underwent a 10‐min HRV test at two occasions and one 24‐h ECG. HRV was calculated according to the time domain method (RR interval, standard deviation of RR interval) and the frequency domain method (total power, LF and HF for assessment of sympathovagal modulation of heart rate).Results: Correlation between the short‐term tests and 24‐h ECG was high with regard to the frequency domain analysis of HRV. Correlation was less pronounced in the time domain method.Conclusions: In heart and heart–lung‐transplanted children and adolescents, due to reduced overall HRV short‐term testing may give as reliable data as 24‐h ECG. Therefore, especially when power spectral analysis has to be performed as a longitudinal assessment of re‐innervation of the cardiac graft, short‐term testing may offer an easily applicable and non‐invasive diagnostic tool. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether HRV testing may contribute to rule out acute graft rejection.
Soluble CD30 concentrations in ESRD patients with and without panel reactive HLA antibodies
Authors: Vaidya Smita , Partlow David , Barnes Titus , Thomas Phillip , Gugliuzza Kristin 
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:  In this retrospective study we compared accuracy of panel reactive antibodies (PRA) with serum soluble CD30 (sCD30) contents in predicting acute rejection crisis post‐renal transplant.Methods:  Pre‐transplant sera from 115 patients were evaluated for their PRA and sCD30 concentrations. All patients received calcineurin inhibitor‐based immunosuppressive therapy. Objective measurements for rejection were biopsy‐proven acute rejection (AR) episodes within first six months of the transplant. Post‐transplant sera of patients with AR were tested for the presence of donor‐specific HLA antibodies (DSA).Results:  Overall AR rate was 16% (18/115). Patients positive for PRA and sCD30 tests were at significantly higher risk for AVR compared with those patients negative for both the tests (36% vs. 5%, p = 0.01). Among negative PRA patients risk for AR was significantly elevated if they were also tested positive for sCD30 concentrations (21% vs. 5%, p = 0.04). Of the 18 patients with AR, 14 were positive for sCD30, and 13 of them (93%) developed DSA post‐transplant (p = 0.001).Conclusion:  These data showed that patients positive for sCD30 contents are at high risk for the development of DSA and AR post‐transplant regardless of their pre‐transplant PRA.
The advantage of allocating kidneys from old cadaveric donors to old recipients: a single‐center experience
Authors: Bodingbauer M. , Pakrah B. , Steininger R. , Berlakovich G. , Rockenschaub S. , Wekerle T. , Muehlbacher F. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Background:  In January 1999 a new kidney allocation program was launched by the Eurotransplant Foundation, the ‘Eurotransplant Senior Program’ (ESP). Cadaveric donors above the age of 65 yr are allocated to kidney transplant recipients of the same age group.Methods:  Using a single‐center database, 91 patients who underwent first renal transplantation at the age of 65 yr and older in the years 1999–2002 were identified. Fifty‐six patients were transplanted through ESP allocation (study group) and 35 patients (control group) via normal Eurotransplant Kidney Allocation System (ETKAS) procedure.Results:  Age, sex and comorbid conditions did not differ by group. The rate of acute rejection episodes, primary non‐function, delayed graft function, perioperative mortality did not differ by group. Serum creatinine was significantly lower in the ETKAS group (1.3 vs. 1.9 mg/dL; p = 0.015) from six months after the transplantation on. Overall graft survival at six yr was 56% in the ETKAS group and 52% in the ESP group. With 73% in the ETKAS group and 71% in the ESP group, cumulative patient survival according to the Kaplan–Meier estimation was not statistically different at five yr.Conclusions:  We did not find a relevant difference in the outcome between young and old kidney transplants in old recipients after this long observation period.
Host–parasite interactions for virulence and resistance in a malaria model system
Authors: Grech K. , Watt K. , Read A. F. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
A rich body of theory on the evolution of virulence (disease severity) attempts to predict the conditions that cause parasites to harm their hosts, and a central assumption to many of these models is that the relative virulence of pathogen strains is stable across a range of host types. In contrast, a largely nonoverlapping body of theory on coevolution assumes that the fitness effects of parasites on hosts is not stable across host genotype, but instead depends on host genotype by parasite genotype interactions. If such genetic interactions largely determine virulence, it becomes difficult to predict the strength and direction of selection on virulence. In this study, we tested for host-by-parasite interactions in a medically relevant vertebrate disease model: the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi in laboratory mice. We found that parasite and particularly host main effects explained most of the variance in virulence (anaemia and weight loss), resistance (parasite burden) and transmission potential. Host-by-parasite interactions were of limited influence, but nevertheless had significant effects. This raises the possibility that host heterogeneity may affect the rate of any parasite response to selection on virulence. This study of rodent malaria is one of the first tests for host-by-parasite interactions in any vertebrate disease; host-by-parasite interactions typical of those assumed in coevolutionary models were present, but were by no means pervasive.
RNA world – the dark matter of evolutionary genomics
Authors: Michalak P. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
For a long time, molecular evolutionary biologists have been focused on DNA and proteins, whereas RNA has lived in the shadow of its famous chemical cousins as a mere intermediary. Although this perspective has begun to change since genome-wide transcriptional profiling was successfully extended to evolutionary biology, it still echoes in evolutionary literature. In this mini-review, new developments of RNA biochemistry and transcriptomics are brought to the attention of evolutionary biologists. In particular, the unexpected abundance and functional significance of noncoding RNAs is briefly reviewed. Noncoding RNAs control a remarkable range of biological pathways and processes, all with obvious fitness consequences, such as initiation of translation, mRNA abundance, transposon jumping, chromosome architecture, stem cell maintenance, development of brain and muscles, insulin secretion, cancerogenesis and plant resistance to viral infections.
Increased male mating rate in Drosophila is associated with Wolbachia infection
Authors: De Crespigny F. E. Champion , Pitt T. D. , Wedell N. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia pipientis infects 25–75% of arthropods and manipulates host reproduction to improve its transmission. One way Wolbachia achieves this is by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), where crosses between infected males and uninfected females are inviable. Infected males suffer reduced fertility through CI and reduced sperm production. However, Wolbachia induce lower levels of CI in nonvirgin males. We examined the impact of Wolbachia on mating behaviour in male Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans, which display varying levels of CI, and show that infected males mate at a higher rate than uninfected males in both species. This may serve to increase the spread of Wolbachia, or alternatively, may be a behavioural adaptation employed by males to reduce the level of CI. Mating at high rate restores reproductive compatibility with uninfected females resulting in higher male reproductive success thus promoting male promiscuity. Increased male mating rates also have implications for the transmission of Wolbachia.
Variation in the intensity of inbreeding depression among successive life-cycle stages and generations in gynodioecious Silene vulgaris (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Glaettli M. , Goudet J. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Inbreeding depression is one of the hypotheses explaining the maintenance of females within gynodioecious plant populations. However, the measurement of fitness components in selfed and outcrossed progeny depends on life-cycle stage and the history of inbreeding. Comparative data indicate that strong inbreeding depression is more likely to occur at later life-cycle stages. We used hermaphrodite individuals of Silene vulgaris originating from three populations located in different valleys in the Swiss Alps to investigate the effect of two generations of self- and cross-fertilization on fitness components among successive stages of the life cycle in a glasshouse experiment. We detected significant inbreeding depression for most life-cycle stages including: the number of viable and aborted seeds per fruit, probability of germination, above ground biomass, probability of flowering, number of flowers per plant, flower size and pollen viability. Overall, the intensity of inbreeding depression increased among successive stages of the life cycle and cumulative inbreeding depression was significantly stronger in the first generation (δ ≈ 0.5) compared with the second generation (δ ≈ 0.35). We found no evidence for synergistic epistasis in our experiment. Our finding of more intense inbreeding depression during later stages of the life cycle may help to explain the maintenance of females in gynodioecious populations of S. vulgaris because purging of genetic load is less likely to occur.
Intraoperative and postoperative risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation after pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: SZÉKELY ANDREA , SÁPI ERZSÉBET , KIRÁLY LÁSZLÓ , SZATMÁRI ANDRÁS , DINYA ELEK 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground:  Early extubation after cardiac surgery in children is feasible; however, predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) should be recognized as soon as possible.Methods:  At a tertiary pediatric cardiac center, prospective case series analyses were carried out with a total of 411 patients within 1 year of cardiac surgery. Perioperative factors were evaluated for strength of association with duration of MV >61 h (medium, MMV) and >7 days (long, LMV). Two multiple regression models were performed for both cut‐off points: one model considered factors identified until 24 h postoperation, the other was performed with all parameters.Results:  One hundred and three patients (25%) were still intubated after 61 h; 38 patients required LMV and they occupied 33% of total intensive care unit (ICU) bed days. If factors occurring until 24 h after surgery were analyzed, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), intraoperative transfusion, post‐CPB arterial oxygen tension (PaO2/FiO2), and fluid intake on the first day were found to be associated with MMV. Urea nitrogen value, nitric oxide treatment, delayed sternal closure, and tracheobronchomalacia, measured at the same point of time, were independent predictors of LMV. Of all the studied clinical predictors, MMV was associated with pulmonary hypertensive events, delayed sternal closure, peritoneal dialysis, nonvascular pulmonary problems, low output syndrome and fluid intake, while urea nitrogen (24 h), postsurgical neurological events, nitric oxide, tracheobronchomalacia, pulmonary hypertensive events and cardiac reoperations were identified as determinants of LMV.Conclusions:  Causes of MV after surgery are heterogeneous, vary with time, and have variable impact on the duration of MV.
Cardiac arrest at induction of anesthesia in a child with undiagnosed right‐ventricular dependent coronary circulation: a case report
Authors: BROWN TODD A. , EMAD MOSSAD , PABLO MOTTA 
Published: May 2006

SummaryPediatric perioperative cardiac arrest occurs in 1.4 per 10 000 anesthetics, with an overall mortality rate of 26%. The etiology of the arrest is identifiable in the majority of these patients. We report the case of a child with a complex congenital heart defect, who sustained a cardiac arrest at induction of anesthesia, secondary to right‐ventricular dependent coronary circulation. We discuss the incidence, risks, anesthetic management and outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest in the perioperative period especially in patients with complex congenital heart disease.
Outpatient arthroscopic knee surgery under combined local and intravenous propofol anesthesia in children and adolescents
Authors: MALDINI BRANKA , MISKULIN MLADEN 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground:  This prospective observational study included a case series of children and adolescents receiving light intravenous propofol anesthesia combined with local anesthesia (LA) for arthroscopic knee procedures. The aim was to examine the merits of anesthesia, to discuss the indications for the procedure and to analyze recovery/discharge times from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).Methods:  A cohort of 147 children and adolescents (ASA 1 and 2) aged 12–18 years admitted for outpatient arthroscopic knee procedures between January 2004 and May 2005 were studied. After IV access in the operating theater, the patients received propofol (10 mg·ml−1). Arthroscopy was performed approximately 15 min after injecting local anesthetic (15 ml 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:200 000) partly at the site of insertion of the arthroscope and other instruments (5 ml), and the rest intra‐articular. The following parameters were assessed: airway patency, propofol requirement, vital signs, procedure time, surgical operating conditions, patient satisfaction score, time to discharge, postoperative analgesia and adverse events.Results:  Of 147 patients, 133 patients (90.5%) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, whereas knee arthroscopy alone was performed in 14 patients (9.5%) without indication for operative treatment. The arthroscopy was well tolerated in 96.6% patients (no pain, movement or discomfort during the procedure) and only five patients required conversion to general anesthesia. Pain experienced during the injection of lidocaine was more severe than pain experienced during the surgical procedure itself (P < 0.001). The surgical evaluation of operative conditions (visualization and access to intra‐articular structures) was generally satisfactory and completely acceptable. Almost 94% (138/147) of patients said they would have the same procedure again under the same type of anesthesia. The mean propfol induction dose was 1.4 mg·kg−1 (range: 0.9–3.8) and mean propofol infusion rate 167 μg·kg−1·min−1 (range: 130–250). Movement was more likely at lower infusion rates (mean: 151 μg·kg−1·min−1). The maximal decrease in respiratory rate was 5.9 ± 5.1 br·min−1 (27.2 ± 21%) and no patient became hypoxic. Patients recovered to preoperative values at 9.8 ± 7.5 min following infusion discontinuation. There were no respiratory or cardiovascular complications. The mean stay in PACU was 47 min (range: 32–150). As many as 71% (105/147) of patients required no analgesics during the first two postoperative hours.Conclusions:  The combination of light intravenous propofol anesthesia combined with local anesthesia for arthroscopic knee procedures provided effective sedation, good preservation of upper airway patency, rapid recovery and pain relief without major side effects and offers a good alternative to the methods already available. The majority of patients did not require postoperative analgesia.