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Aim: Striatin (Strn) is a scaffold protein expressed in cardiomyocytes (CMs) and alteration of its expression are described in various cardiac diseases. However, the alteration underlying its pathogenicity have been poorly investigated. Methods: We studied the role(s) of cardiac Strn gene (STRN) by comparing the functional properties of CMs, generated from Strn‐KO and isogenic WT mouse embryonic stem cell lines. Results: The spontaneous beating rate of Strn‐KO CMs was faster than WT cells, and this correlated with a larger fast INa conductance and no changes in If. Paced (2–8 Hz) Strn‐KO CMs showed prolonged action potential (AP) duration in comparison with WT CMs and this was not associated with changes in ICaL and IKr. Motion video tracking analysis highlighted an altered contraction in Strn‐KO CMs; this was associated with a global increase in intracellular Ca2+, caused by an enhanced late Na+ current density (INaL) and a reduced Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) activity and expression. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the higher Na+ channel expression and a more dynamic microtubule network in Strn‐KO CMs than in WT. Indeed, incubation of Strn‐KO CMs with the microtubule stabilizer taxol, induced a rescue (downregulation) of INa conductance toward WT levels. Conclusion: Loss of STRN alters CMs electrical and contractile profiles and affects cell functionality by a disarrangement of Strn‐related multi‐protein complexes. This leads to impaired microtubules dynamics and Na+ channels trafficking to the plasma membrane, causing a global Na+ and Ca2+ enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of phase change materials on the time lag, decrement factor and heat-saving is examined numerically. The calculations are conducted for four different cities located at different climatic zones in Turkey, considering both summer and winter conditions, in order to explore the potential heating and cooling energy savings by employing phase change materials. A solar-air temperature, which is a function of time and solar radiation, was taken into consideration as external boundary condition for each city. The results of the present study show that employment of phase change materials in walls of the buildings has a pronounced effect on the time lag and decrement factor. It is concluded that a significant amount of heating energy can be saved and thermal comfort can be enhanced considerably by incorporating phase change materials into external walls. However, a proper phase change material must be selected, considering different climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, flow characteristics and natural convection in a cavity with two wavy walls is studied numerically. The wavy walls of the cavity are isothermal and at different temperatures while other straight walls are adiabatic. The fluid considered inside the cavity is air having Prandtl number of 0.71. A parametric study is conducted for various aspect ratios (1 ≤ AR ≤ 5), Rayleigh numbers (10³ ≤ RaH ≤ 106) and inclination angles (0° ≤ ϑ ≤ 180°). Streamlines, isotherms and local and mean Nusselt numbers are presented to show the effect of the investigated parameters on the flow field and heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short and long-term impact of pharmacovigilance (PV) training on the 5th year medical students' knowledge about definitions and on the awareness of the regulatory aspects in PV. Materials and Methods: In academic year 2010/11, the students completed structured, questionnaire before and just after training. They also completed the same questionnaire 1-year after the training. Results: The students' knowledge about PV significantly increased after training in the short term (P < 0.001). However, the improvement decreased significantly in the long-term (P < 0.001). Although long-term scores were higher than the baseline score, the difference was not statistically significant. Total scores were 17.5 ± 2.0, 20.8 ± 2.0 and 18.0 ± 2.5; before, at short and long-term after the training. Conclusion: PV training increased the students' knowledge significantly. However, in the long-term, the impact of the training is limited. Repeated training of PV should be planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the possibility of enhancing heat insulation performance of hollow bricks by filling the cavities with perlite is investigated. A conjugate heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation in different hollow bricks are analyzed numerically to assess their thermal performance. Calculations are performed for three scenarios for each type of hollow brick: (i) cavities are filled with air, (ii) half of the cavities are filled with perlite while the other half is filled with air, (iii) all cavities are filled with perlite. The benefit of filling cavities with perlite is justified quantitatively for each investigated hollow brick type. It is concluded that the enhancement in insulation performance can be up to 15.6% and 27.5% for half-perlite and full-perlite cases, respectively, depending on the brick type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In different countries numerous people have suffered from many infections caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 within the last 20 years. This bacterium has been found in healthy bovine faeces. Therefore milk and milk products produced from such animals'' milk may cause an infection risk if the milk has not been adequate pasteurised. In this research, 100 raw milk samples from different bovines and 50 white pickled cheeses manufactured from raw milk were examined for the presence of E. coli O157. Furthermore some physical and chemical properties were investigated. According to the analysis results, E. coli O157 was determined in 1% of the total raw milk samples and in 4% of the cheese samples. pH values were found to be higher than 4.50 in 80% of the total cheese samples. The main reason was that no lactic starters were used in this kind of cheese manufacturing process. Due to the low acidity of the cheese samples, E. coli O157 counts may increase and its survival time may be longer than in cheeses made using starter cultures. Thus, white pickled cheeses manufactured from unpasteurised milk have a potential infection risk as a result of E. coli O157 existence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this research, 21 strains of lactobacilli were isolated from newborn infant faeces. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (seven strains), L. paracasei ssp. paracasei (four strains), L. fermentum (four strains), L. buchneri (two strains), L. brevis (one strain), L. curvatus (one strain) and Lactobacillus sp. (two strains) isolated from infant faeces were analysed for acid production, antibiotics resistances, H2S productions and antimicrobial activities.Inhibition activity of bacteriocins and/or bacteriocin-like substances of the lactobacilli against some food contaminants and pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 28213, S. aureus ATCC 2392, Yersinia enterocolitica and Bacillus cereus) were determined by the agar diffusion method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pendimethalin, one of the dinitroaniline group herbicides, is applied for controlling weeds in cereals, legumes and vegetable crops, and has been classified as possible human carcinogen. It is indicated that pendimethalin should arise risks of developing some cancer types; however, there is no data on the effects of pendimethalin on pancreatic cancer-induced inflammation. Injuries resulting from by acute pancreatitis attacks and inflammation are significant factors in the development of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, we investigated whether pendimethalin triggers inflammation as a mechanism of pancreatic cancer development. Parameters related to pancreatic activation, oxidative stress, and inflammation were measured in the human pancreatic (PANC-1) cell line. In the range of 0–100 μM, the levels of chymotrypsin decreased. It should be indicated that the reason for the decrease in chymotrypsin may be the high rates of cell death (20%) observed in the high concentration levels. We observed that pendimethalin significantly induced oxidative damage, while levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) did not change. The obtained results may draw attention to the usage and possible toxic effect of pendimethalin due to oxidative damage induction; however, detailed inflammation mechanisms and other cancer pathways should be investigated. Image 1 • Pendimethalin, dinitroaniline group herbicides, is applied for controlling weeds in cereals, legumes and vegetable crops. • U.S. EPA has classified pendimethalin as a member of group C possible human carcinogen. • IC 50 value of pendimethalin was found 452.09 μM. • It was drawn attention the usage and possible toxic effect of pendimethalin due too xidative damage induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of Rational Pharmacotherapy (RPT) course program, reinforced by video footages, on the rational pharmacotherapy skills of the students. Materials and Methods: RPT course program has been conducted in Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine since 2008/9. The course has been organised in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) Good Prescribing Guide. The aim of the course was to improve the problem solving skills (methodology for selection of the (p) ersonel-drug, prescription writing and informing patient about his illness and drugs) and communication skills of students. The impact of the course has been measured by pre/post-test design by an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). In academic year 2010/11, to further improve OSCE score of the students we added doctor-patient communication video footages to the RPT course programme. During training, the students were asked to evaluate the doctor-patient communication and prescription on two video footages using a checklist followed by group discussions. Results: Total post-test OSCE score was significantly higher for 2010/11 academic year students (n = 147) than it was for 2009/10 year students (n = 131). The 2010/11 academic year students performed significantly better than the 2009/10 academic year students on four steps of OSCE. These steps were "defining the patient's problem," "specifying the therapeutic objective," "specifying the non-pharmacological treatment" and "choosing a (drug) treatment, taking all relevant patient characteristics into account". Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the implementation of video footages and group discussions to WHO/Good Prescribing Method improved the fourth-year medical students' performance in rational pharmacotherapy skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Insulin resistance, a frequent prediabetic metabolic complication after renal transplantation, is generally linked to immunosuppressive drugs including corticosteroids, cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus, as well as to age, cadaveric donors and ethnic factors. Cytokines are known to be inflammation modulatory substances that contribute to metabolic derangements after transplantation. The present study investigated the effects of cytokine gene polymorphisms on insulin resistance in renal transplant recipients. Patients and methods: Sixty-one renal transplant recipients (37 men, 24 women; mean age: 39.3 ± 10.8 years) who attended regular clinical visits without a known history of diabetes were enrolled in the study. All patients were on a regimen of steroid, CsA, and mycophenolate mofetil. Venous blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses after an overnight fast at 08:00 pm. CsA trough levels, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen were also estimated. Additional 10 mL of blood was withdrawn into an ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid–containing tube to determine cytokine genotypes (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] -238 G/A, transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β] codon 10 -869 T/C). Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method using the values of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels. Anthropometric indices as well as body height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured simultaneously to calculate body mass index (kg/m2) and waist-to-hip ratio. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was described as an FBG ≥ 110 but < 126 mg/dL. Results: IFG was detected in 27.9% of this study group. The HOMA index was significantly higher among patients with IFG compared with normal FBG (NoGT) (6.3 ± 4.5 vs 3.7 ± 1.5; P = .01). Neither FBG and insulin nor HOMA values correlated with antrophometric, metabolic, or inflammatory parameters. Cytokine genotype allele frequencies, age, sex, immunosuppressive and antihypertensive drug type and doses, CsA trough levels, and donor source (cadaveric/living) were similiar for patients with IFG and NoGT. Mutant allele carrier genotypes (AA + GA) for TNF-α -238 G/A showed higher fasting insulin (14.0 ± 7.9 vs 34.1 ± 17.7 μIU/mL; P = .04) and HOMA (4.01 ± 2.01 vs 7.95 ± 5.44; P = .002) levels than GG homozygote subjects. FBG, HOMA, and other metabolic and anthropometric indices were similiar between TGF-β codon 10 -869 T/C genotypes. The daily dose of steroid (mg/d) and A allele frequency for TNF-α -238 G/A genotype were significant predictors of HOMA index in linear regression analysis. Conclusion: The present study revealed that beside the daily dose of steroids, TNF-α -238 G/A genotype may contribute to insulin resistance in renal transplant recipients. Further investigations may highlight the effects of cytokine gene heterogenity on insulin resistance in those patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although articular complications are common following renal transplantation, septic arthritis is not frequent. Previous bacterial infection in an another site is a consistent finding and the knee is the most often affected joint. We present a 30-year-old female renal transplant recipient with recurrent pulmonary infiltrates preceding septic arthritis of her left knee. Cultures of the aspirated synovial fluid yielded a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium later identified as Nocardia asteroides. The patient was treated with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole without any side effect. Nocardia is a rare but serious cause of infection in renal transplant recipients but there is no well-known predisposing factor. Recently mycophenolate mofetil has been implicated as a factor associated with Nocardia infections. Prolonged courses of treatment with sulphonamides are recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mushroom poisonings caused by Amanita phalloides are the leading cause of mushroom-related deaths worldwide. Alpha-Amanitin (α-AMA), a toxic substance present in these mushrooms, is responsible for the resulting hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The objective of our study was to determine the distribution of α-AMA in Balb/c mice by labeling with Iodine-131. Mice were injected with a toxic dose (1.4 mg/kg) of α-AMA labeled with Iodine-131. The mice were sacrificed at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 24th, and 48th hours under anesthesia. The organs of the mice were removed, and their biodistribution was assessed in all experiments. The percent injected dose per gram (ID/g %) value for kidney, liver, lung, and heart tissues at 1st hour were 1.59 ± 0.07, 1.25 ± 0.33, 3.67 ± 0.80 and 1.07 ± 0.01 respectively. This study provides insights into the potential long-term effects of α-AMA accumulation in specific organs. Additionally, this study has generated essential data that can be used to demonstrate the impact of antidotes on the biological distribution of α-AMA in future toxicity models. [Display omitted] • Alpha-Amanitin toxin was radiolabeled with I-131 with high labeling yield. • Radiolabeled alpha-amanitin was injected into mice at a toxic dose. • It was mostly distributed in tissues within the first 4 h after injection. • Biodistribution of a toxic dose of α-AMA in mice was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh fruits are perishable products that may be exposed to fungal attack easily after harvesting. In this study, efficiency of different vaporized ethyl pyruvate (EP) concentrations [0 (control), 250, 500 or 1000 μL] on preventing/retarding fungal decay and maintenance overall quality of fresh strawberry and cherry packed in close-lid plastic containers was tested during 6 days of storage at 8 °C and 90% relative humidity. Physicochemical, textural and bioactivity of the fruits were also determined. Five hundred microlitres of EP (192 μL/L in air) gave favourable results for retardation of fungal decay and weight loss of the fruits. Ripening of the fruits was slower for the EP treated samples than that of the control, as understood by the total soluble solid levels of the fruits. EP treated fruits maintained their textural properties for longer (P < 0.05) periods than the control sample. Total phenolic contents and DPPH scavenging abilities of the fruits treated with EP were also comparable. In conclusion, this study confirmed that hurdle effect of vaporized EP and cold storage had great potential to retard fungal decay and maintain postharvest quality of perishable fruits such as strawberry and cherry without causing any negative effect on their colour and bioactivity properties affecting consumer preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing starter cultures are preferred for the manufacture of fermented milk products to improve rheological and technological properties. However, no clear correlation exists between EPS production and the rheological and technological properties of fermented milk products such as the yogurt drink ayran. In this study, 4 different strain conditions (EPS- and EPS+Streptococcus thermophilus strains) were tested as a function of incubation temperature (32, 37, or 42°C) and time (2, 3, or 4 h) to determine the effect of culture type and in situ EPS production on physicochemical, rheological, sensory, and microstructural properties of ayran. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of fermentation conditions on amounts of EPS production by different EPS-producing strains during ayran production. A multifactorial design of response surface methodology was used to model linear, interaction, and quadratic effects of these variables on steady shear rheological properties of ayran samples and in situ EPS production levels. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of ayran samples altered depending on incubation conditions and strain selection. Steady shear tests showed that ayran samples inoculated with EPS+ strains exhibited pseudoplastic flow behavior. Production of ayran with EPS- strain (control sample) resulted in the lowest apparent viscosity values (η50), whereas those produced with the combination of 2 EPS+ strains yielded ayran with notably increased η50 values. We concluded that incubation time was the variable with the greatest effect on η50, consistency coefficient (K), and flow behavior index (n) values. In situ EPS production was also affected by these conditions during ayran fermentation in which strain-specific metabolism conditions were found to be the most important factor for EPS production. In addition, these findings correlated the amount of in situ EPS produced with the rheological properties of ayran. Scanning electron microscopy images of the samples showed differences in structural features, revealing a prominent network strand structure in the ayran samples inoculated with the admixture of 2 EPS-producing strains incubated at 37°C for 3 h. These results provide useful information for large-scale production of ayran by the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Endothelial dysfunction can be detected at early stages of chronic kidney disease. Although endothelial functions improve after successful renal transplantation, renal transplant recipients have still worse endothelial functions compared to healthy subjects. Vitamin D deficiency and high fibroblast growth factor−23 (FGF-23) levels may have a role on endothelial dysfunction in chronic kidney disease patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between endothelial functions, vitamin D, and FGF-23 levels in renal transplant recipients. Methods One hundred nine renal transplant recipients (71 male, 38 female) underwent brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), serum 25-OH vitamin D, and FGF-23 level measurements. Vitamin D and FGF-23 levels were compared between patients with normal and abnormal endothelial functions. Correlations between FMD, vitamin D, and FGF-23 were also investigated. Results Endothelial functions were abnormal in 72.5% of the patients. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 80.7%. Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with endothelial dysfunction compared to patients with normal endothelial functions (12.6 ± 6.6 μg/L vs 17.3 ± 10.0 μg/L respectively, P = .02). FGF-23 levels were not different between the two groups. 25-OH vitamin D levels had a significant positive correlation with amount of FMD (r = 0.218 and P = .02) and were an independent predictor of FMD after adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, transplantation duration, body mass index, mean blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, hemoglobin, and FGF-23 in multivariate regression analysis (beta = 0.194, P = .04). FGF-23 levels were not predictive of FMD in this model (beta: −0.125, P = .197) Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is associated with endothelial dysfunction in renal transplant recipients. Further clinical and experimental studies are necessary to define a causal relationship between the parameters, discover the potential mechanisms, and observe the effect of vitamin D replacement on endothelial functions in renal transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increased allograft mass in living donor kidney transplantation has been recognized as a predictor factor of better short-term allograft function. We evaluated whether donor kidney volume adjusted for recipient body weight is associated with long-term allograft function in living donor kidney transplantation. Methods We analyzed 67 living donors and their recipients who underwent transplantation between 2003 and 2007. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine levels at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years post-transplantation were recorded for all recipients. Transplanted kidney volumes were measured using 3-D helical computed tomography scanning. A transplant kidney volume-recipient body weight (Vol/Wt) ratio was calculated for each donor-recipient pair. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to Vol/Wt ratios: low (<2.16), medium (2.16–2.88), and high (>2.88). Results Vol/Wt ratio significantly correlated with recipient eGFR and serum creatinine levels at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years post-transplantation ( r = .48, P < .0001; r = .46, P < .0001; r = .47, P < .0001; r = .26, P = .037, respectively, for eGFR; r = −.53, P < .0001; r = −.50, P < .0001; r = −.44, P < .0001; r = −.37, P = .003, respectively, for serum creatinine) but not at 5 years ( r = .12, P = .406 for eGFR; r = −.21, P = .110 for serum creatinine). Whereas recipient eGFR increased significantly in a graded fashion among low to high Vol/Wt ratio groups during 1 to 3 years post-transplantation, there was no difference in eGFR values between Vol/Wt ratio groups at 4 and 5 years ( P = .21 and .71, respectively). Conclusion Vol/Wt ratio is not associated with long-term allograft function in living donor kidney transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Velux Stiftung Background Ageing of cardiomyocytes (CM) involves structural and functional adverse remodelling that finally could result in heart failure (HF) insurgence, which incidence rise along with age (1). Current medical therapies for HF may not always be tolerated in elder patients(2). Having shown that cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) secrete nanoparticles named exosomes (EXO) enriched of cardioprotective factors(3,4), we are exploring EXO's capacity to ameliorate senescence-derived modification into CMs. However, human models of in vitro cardiac aging are currently missing(5). Aim This study exploits CMs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) as an in vitro model for cardiac senescence, that will be used as platform to characterize mechanisms involved in cardiac ageing and to test protective effect of CPC-derived EXO. Methods Patient-derived CPCs were reprogrammed into hiPSCs and subsequently expanded and differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Senescence-like phenotype was induced by short exposure (3 hours) to doxorubicin (DOX) at sub-lethal concentration (0.2 µM), followed by washing and medium change. Following DOX exposure, cells were exposed to EXO, derived from the purification of conditioned culture media of CPCs using an ultracentrifugation-based isolation method and quantified and sized using a NTA counter. Senescence induction was highlighted by protein and gene expression analysis and senescence-associated b-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assay.Electrical activity of hiPSC-CMs was evaluated recording extracellular field potentials through multi-microelectrode arrays (MEA) and by single cell patch clamp. Metabolic features were analysed with western blot, real time RT-PCR and specific biochemical assays. Results DOX treatment in hiPSC-CMs induced senescence, as confirmed by activation of p21 and p16 pathways and increasing of SA-β-gal staining as compared to untreated cells (CTR). Biochemical and gene expression analysis revealed an increased ROS production and a reduction in mitochondrial potential, which drives a strong decrease in the ATP/AMP ratios. Real Time PCR analysis reveal an increased transcription of molecules related to the senescence associated secretory phenotype in DOX-CMs. Moreover, DOX-CMs showed impaired Ca++ handling, prolonged multicellular QTc and single cell APD, with increased APD variability and delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) incidence in comparison to CTR. EXO treatment mitigated the senescent phenotype induced by DOX, as shown by a decreased ROS induction, higher mitochondrial potential which drives a restored ATP/AMP ratio. Furthermore, DOX-induced QTc prolongation was prevented by EXO treatment. Conclusion Our hiPSC-CMs based cellular model recapitulates the phenotype of aged CMs in terms of senescence markers, electrical and metabolic proprieties. CPC-derived EXOs limit age-related modifications, highlighting the cardioprotective role of small molecules released by EXO. Open in new tab Download slide Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The proposed mechanism by which nephron underdosing contributes to graft failure is hyperfiltration damage leading to proteinuria and nephron loss. We evaluated whether proteinuria had an impact on the relationship between graft size and outcome in living donor kidney transplantation. Methods: We analyzed 69 living donors and their recipients who underwent transplantation between 2003 and 2007. Transplanted kidney volumes were measured by 3-D helical computed tomography scanning. A transplant kidney volume-recipient body weight (Vol/Wt) ratio was calculated for each donor-recipient pair. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to Vol/Wt ratios: low (<2.0), medium (2.0–2.7) and high (>2.7). Results: Recipient glomerular filtration rate (GFR) positively correlated with Vol/Wt ratio at 6, 12, and 24 months posttransplantation (r = .49, P < .001; r = .47, P < .001; r = .42, P < .001, respectively). Mean GFR increased significantly in graded fashion from low to high Vol/Wt ratio groups at 6, 12, and 24 months posttransplantation. Proteinuria did not differ between the three groups during 24 months after transplantation. Upon multivariate analysis, donor age, recipient age, and Vol/Wt ratio showed significant impacts on graft function. Conclusion: Vol/Wt ratio displayed a significant independent effect on graft function in living donor kidney transplantation. This close association did not appear to be related to the degree of proteinuria during 24 months. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:In this study, we hypothesized that dietary salt intake may be related with inflammation and albuminuria independently from blood pressure (BP) in non-diabetic hypertensive patients.SUBJECTS/METHODS:A total of 224 patients with primary hypertension were included in the study. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, 24-h urine sodium and albumin excretion were measured in all patients. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to the level of 24-h urinary sodium excretion: low-salt-intake group (n=76, mean urine sodium: 111.7±29.1 mmol/24 h), medium-salt-intake group (n=77, mean urine sodium: 166.1±16.3 mmol/24 h) and high-salt-intake group (n=71, mean urine sodium: 263.6±68.3 mmol/24 h).RESULTS:Systolic and diastolic BP measurements of patients were similar in the three salt-intake groups. CRP and urinary albumin levels were significantly higher in high-salt-intake group compared with medium- and low-salt-intake groups (P=0.0003 and P=0.001, respectively). CRP was positively correlated with 24-h urinary sodium excretion (r=0.28, P=0.0008) and albuminuria, whereas albuminuria was positively correlated with 24-h urinary sodium excretion (r=0.21, P=0.0002). Multiple regression analysis revealed that urinary sodium excretion was an independent predictor of both CRP and albuminuria.CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that high salt intake is associated with enhanced inflammation and target organ damage reflected by increased albuminuria in treated hypertensive patients independent of any BP effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Doppler ultrasonography (USG) is an useful, noninvasive diagnostic tool for the management and follow-up of the transplanted kidney. However, it is believed that the value of Doppler USG is limited to discrimination of acute rejection episodes. We tested whether early Doppler USG findings were predictive of 1-month and 1-year allograft functions in noncomplicated renal transplant recipients (RTRs).Patients and methods: Resistive index (RI) and pulsatile index (PI) values obtained by doppler USG within the first week of transplantation were correlated with allograft function at 1 month and 1 year in 45 (10 women, 35 men, mean age: 27 years) noncomplicated cases. Patients with complications during the first posttransplant year were not included.Results: There was a negative correlation between both RI and PI with creatinine clearance values at 1 month and at 1 year posttransplant. There was a significant decline in allograft function among cases with either RI ≥ 0.7 or PI ≥ 1.1. Patients with impaired allograft function have higher RI and PI values.Conclusion: Renal allograft survival is influenced by many factors. However, no reliable simple parameter has been identified to predict long-term outcome. Doppler USG performed during the early transplantation period with calculation of RI and PI may have a predictive value to forecast early and long-term outcomes of noncomplicated kidney transplants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: A number of experimental studies have suggested that cyclosporine (CsA) toxicity induces cardiac modifications which may cause diastolic dysfunction over the course of time. Doppler echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) could consistently detect diastolic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess diastolic dysfunction using C2 monitoring of CsA exposure in stable renal transplant patients. Patients and Methods: Seventy-eight kidney recipients including 42 men and 36 women of overall mean age of 52 ± 9 years were obtained in 47 living and in 31 cases from cadaveric donations over 12 or more months after transplantation using cases from CsA, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroid. C2 levels were measured by an enzyme multi-immune assay technique. The patients underwent conventional and Doppler echocardiography with TDI. Results: The patients were divided into 2 groups according to C2 levels less than 500 μg/L (group 1, n = 40) versus greater than 500 μg/L (group 2, n = 38). The demographic parameters, serum creatinine and lipid levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, number and type of antihypertensive medications, and conventional echocardiographic parameters did not differ significantly between the groups. However, group 1 patients showed significantly higher isovolumic relaxation time (109 ± 27 vs 86 ± 14 ms), early diastolic deceleration time (189 ± 52 vs 137 ± 59 ms), and lower values of E velocity (56 ± 32 vs 92 ± 27 cm/s) and E/A ratios (0.81 ± 0.23 vs 1.15 ± 0.46) than group 2. TDI studies revealed significantly lower E′/A′ (0.76 ± 0.25 vs 1.09 ± 0.32, P < .05) in group 1 versus group 2. Conclusion: The data suggested that the higher C2 levels may induce diastolic dysfunction in the hearts of kidney recipients without impairment of contractile performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Doppler ultrasonography is routinely used by many clinicians during long-term follow-up to identify high-risk patients without diagnosing the exact cause of graft dysfunction. Despite a number of studies showing a correlation between intrarenal resistive index (RI) and renal function in patients with kidney diseases, correlations between RI and renal histopathologic characteristics have not been sufficiently evaluated in renal transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to examine this relationship in grafted kidneys. Patients and Methods: The intrarenal RI was retrospectively compared with biopsy findings in 28 kidney recipients. All renal biopsy specimens were reviewed by light microscopy and immunofluorescence staining. For glomerulosclerosis, we considered the percentage of glomeruli showing this change; for interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy and interstitial infiltration, we graded abnormalities according to the methods of Kliem et al (Kidney Int 49:666, 1996). Results: The percentage of globally sclerosed glomeruli was significantly greater among patients with RI values higher than 0.75 than below this level (23% vs 47%; P = .022). Patients with grade 1 interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (n = 14) showed lower RI values (0.68 ± 0.03 vs 0.74 ± 0.06; P = .047) than those with grade 3 fibrosis (n = 12). Similarly, lower RI values (0.66 ± 0.02 vs 0.73 ± 0.05; P = .014) were observed among patients with grade 1 (n = 13) compared with grade 3 interstitial infiltration (n = 13). Conclusion: RI seemed to provide a prognostic marker for the graft rather than yielding an exact diagnosis of renal graft dysfunction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

B TYPE: b Abstract Publication B TOPIC: b Diffuse Lung Disease B PURPOSE: b Analyze the natural history of AATD subjects identified during the twenty-five years' experience of the Referral Center of Spedali Civili, Brescia (Italy). Among non-index cases, family history for AATD was the most common cause of diagnosis (70%). Our final data regarding natural history of AATD will let clinicians better understand the prognosis of AATD, supporting them to make the better medical decision. [Extracted from the article]