Probing hydrogen spillover in Pd@MIL-101(Cr) with a focus on hydrogen chemisorption.

Palladium nanoparticles can split the dihydrogen bond and produce atomic hydrogen. When the metal nanoparticles are in intimate contact with a hydrogen-atom host, chemisorption of H-atoms by the host has been suggested to occur via the hydrogen spillover mechanism. Metal-organic frameworks were predicted to be able to act as effective chemisorption sites, and increased ambient-temperature hydrogen adsorption was reported on several occasions. The intimate contact was supposedly ensured by the use of a carbon bridge. In this work, we show that it is possible to introduce catalyst palladium particles into MOF's pores and simultaneously ensuring good contact, making the employment of the carbon bridge redundant. The addition of Pd nanoparticles indeed increases the ambient-temperature hydrogen uptake of the framework, but this is found to be solely due to palladium hydride formation. In addition, we show that the hydrogen atoms do not chemisorb on the host framework, which excludes the possibility of hydrogen spillover.

Kinetic investigation of para-nitrophenol reduction with photodeposited platinum nanoparticles onto tunicate cellulose.

Photodeposition is a specific method for depositing metallic co-catalysts onto photocatalysts and was applied for immobilizing platinum nanoparticles onto cellulose, a photocatalytically inactive biopolymer. The obtained Pt@cellulose catalysts show narrow and well-dispersed nanoparticles with average sizes between 2 and 5 nm, whereby loading, size and distribution depend on the preparation conditions. The catalysts were investigated for the hydrogenation of para-nitrophenol via transfer hydrogenation using sodium borohydride as the hydrogen source, and the reaction rate constant was determined using the pseudo-first-order reaction rate law. The Pt@cellulose catalysts are catalytically active with rate constant values k from 0.09 × 10-3 to 0.43 × 10-3 min-1, which were higher than the rate constant of a commercial Pt@Al2O3 catalyst (k = 0.09 × 10-3 min-1). Additionally, the Pt@cellulose catalyst can be used for electrochemical hydrogenation of para-nitrophenol where the hydrogen is electrocatalytically formed. The electrochemical hydrogenation is faster compared to the transfer hydrogenation (k = 0.11 min-1).

Transfusion of intra-operative autologous whole blood: influence on complement activation and interleukin formation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transfusion of autologous whole blood is one available method to reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety of transfusion of intra-operative autologous whole blood by monitoring plasma concentration of laboratory variables and adverse events after transfusion with the Sangvia(®) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical trial was designed as an open, prospective, multi-centre study, and a total of 20 patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasty were included. Systemic blood samples were taken and analysed preoperatively, at transfusion start and end and at 3, 6, 24 and 48 h after the transfusion. RESULTS: Elevated values of complement activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines were seen in the intra-operatively collected blood but the impact on systemic levels were limited with low peak levels, systemic elevations before transfusion and normalization during the study period. Elevated levels of free haemoglobin and potassium were also detected in the intra-operatively collected blood, but systemic values were within reference values after the transfusion. No clinically relevant adverse event occurred during the study. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory mediators and plasma haemoglobin were increased in intra-operatively salvaged and filtered blood compared to circulatory levels. Intra-operative retransfusion of autologous whole blood caused a transient systemic increase that normalized in the early postoperative period. There were no significant adverse events reported in the study. These data suggest that the Sangvia(®) system can be used for intra-operative collection and retransfusion of salvaged blood.

The expression profile of genes encoding tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and their receptor in benign adrenal tumors.

In the process of neoplasia, during which benign adrenal tumors are formed, stimulators of new blood vessel growth as well as growth of tumor cells are cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). We analyzed the expression profile of genes coding: TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1), TNF-R2, IL-6, interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) in sections of adrenocortical tumor tissue, rated on the Weiss point scale, in patients with clinically diagnosed Conn's and Cushing's syndrome, and the usefulness of determining the examined genes as markers differentiating individual clinical units. There was no correlation between the expression of the examined genes and clinical parameters such as age, BMI or blood pressure, both in the entire study group and in individual subgroups. Elevated expression of the genes coding TNF-α, TNF-R2 and IL-6R was observed, whereas genes encoding TNF-R1 and IL-6 showed relatively low expression. The highest statistically significant differences in the expression of the examined genes were observed between IL-6 and IL-6R. High positive correlation was found in the subgroup of patients with Conn's clinical syndrome, between genes encoding both types of receptors for TNF-α, IL-6 and TNF-R2, TNF-α and IL-6 receptor, and between TNF-R2 and IL6-R receptors, which may suggest the mutual influence of these cytokines and their receptors on their own expression.

Assessment of the Learning Process After Introducing a New Liver Transplantation Procedure in a Center With Extensive Experience in Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LTx) is one of the most complex transplant procedures. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the learning process can be observed after the introduction of LTx in a center with extensive previous experience in renal transplantation. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 264 primary LTx procedures performed with the piggyback technique (2005-2016). The procedures were divided into 4 equal groups. The characteristics of the recipients, data related to the surgery, and the postoperative course and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in surgical time and in the anhepatic phase duration between Group 1 and the other groups (median surgical time was 455 minutes vs 415 minutes, 410 minutes and 387 minutes, respectively, P < .05; median anhepatic phase duration was 75 min vs 60 min, 62 min, 60 min, respectively, P < .05). There was a decrease in the number of transfused blood units (median in Group 1 of 6 packs vs 3 packs in Group 4, P < .05) and a decrease in blood recovered from the operating field using the Cell Saver system (median in Group 1 of 1570 mL vs 1057 mL, 1123 mL, and 1045 mL, respectively, P < .05). A significant reduction in the number of hemorrhages was found (1.5% in Group 4 vs 13.6%, 10.6%, and 7.6% in the other groups P < .05). The remaining studied parameters were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive previous transplantation experience affected the lack of typical features of the learning process.

Influence of Experience Acquired by a Liver Transplantation Center on Extension of Donor Acceptance Criteria.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LTx) is the only effective treatment for end-stage liver failure. Due to the ongoing lack of organs available for transplantation, there is a tendency to extend liver donor selection criteria. The aim of the study was to determine whether extension of donor acceptance criteria with increasing experience in LTx occurred at our transplant center. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 288 donors harvested between 2005 and 2016. The donors were divided chronologically into 4 equally sized groups. They were assessed in subsequent groups according to sex, age, height, body mass index (BMI), cause of death, amount of days spent in the intensive care unit, number of episodes of cardiac arrest before organ removal, and results of laboratory and virologic tests. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the age of accepted donors was observed between group 2 and group 4 (median 40 vs 45 years, P < .05). There was a significant increase in the acceptance of anti-HBc-positive donors (0% in group 1 vs 7% in group 4). The remaining parameters did not show statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Experience acquired by our transplant center during the period of analysis did not lead to extension of liver donor acceptance criteria. Statistically significant differences for liver donor age and virologic profile (anti-HBc) between groups were observed; however, overall analysis did not confirm a clear tendency to extend liver donor acceptance criteria at this center.

Recipient-Related Preoperative and Intraoperative Risk Factors for Primary Graft Dysfunction After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a multifactorial syndrome related to the most adverse outcomes after liver transplantation. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is recognized as the predominant cause of this complication. PGD may be subdivided into early allograft dysfunction, diagnosed by the presence of a serum bilirubin level ≥10 mg/dL (171 µmol/L), International Normalized Ratio ≥1.6, or alanine and aspartate transaminase levels ≥2000 IU/L on the seventh postoperative day; and primary nonfunction, defined as either a need for retransplantation or patient death within the first 7 days. We aimed to determine the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for PGD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 109 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between 2012 and 2016. Analysis included inter alia: biochemical parameters, morphology, blood transfusions, as well as intraoperative fluctuations of blood pressure. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of patients were diagnosed with PGD. Using logistic regression and multivariate and receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve analysis, a preoperative neutrophils level above 4030/µL (OR = 4.03, P = .012) and decrease of the mean arterial pressure after reperfusion were recognized as the major independent PGD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: A high preoperative neutrophils level may be a novel recipient-related risk factor for PGD. A decrease of the arterial blood pressure after graft reperfusion may influence the development of PGD.

Are the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire used in distal radial fractures truly valid and reliable?

OBJECTIVES: The patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire are patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used for clinical and research purposes. Methodological high-quality clinimetric studies that determine the measurement properties of these PROMs when used in patients with a distal radial fracture are lacking. This study aimed to validate the PRWE and DASH in Dutch patients with a displaced distal radial fracture (DRF). METHODS: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for test-retest reliability, between PROMs completed twice with a two-week interval at six to eight months after DRF. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's α for the dimensions found in the factor analysis. The measurement error was expressed by the smallest detectable change (SDC). A semi-structured interview was conducted between eight and 12 weeks after DRF to assess the content validity. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients (mean age 58 years (sd 15)), 74% female, completed PROMs at a mean time of six months (sd 1) post-fracture. One overall meaningful dimension was found for the PRWE and the DASH. Internal consistency was excellent for both PROMs (Cronbach's α 0.96 (PRWE) and 0.97 (DASH)). Test-retest reliability was good for the PRWE (ICC 0.87) and excellent for the DASH (ICC 0.91). The SDC was 20 for the PRWE and 14 for the DASH. No floor or ceiling effects were found. The content validity was good for both questionnaires. CONCLUSION: The PRWE and DASH are valid and reliable PROMs in assessing function and disability in Dutch patients with a displaced DRF. However, due to the high SDC, the PRWE and DASH are less useful for individual patients with a distal radial fracture in clinical practice.Cite this article: Y. V. Kleinlugtenbelt, R. G. Krol, M. Bhandari, J. C. Goslings, R. W. Poolman, V. A. B. Scholtes. Are the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire used in distal radial fractures truly valid and reliable? Bone Joint Res 2018;7:36-45. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2017-0081.R1.

Results of Transplantation of Kidneys Procured From Donors After Brain Death Aged 60 Years and Older.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze results of transplantation of kidneys procured from donors after brain death aged 60 years and older (hereafter denoted by "≥60") compared to kidneys procured from donors after brain death aged 40-59 years (hereafter denoted by "40-59") in medium-term follow-up period, and to assess factors that affect recipient and kidney graft survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 92 transplant recipients of kidneys procured from donors after brain death ≥60 were enrolled into the study. The control group were 363 recipients of kidneys procured from donors after brain death 40-59. RESULTS: Mean values of serum creatinine were higher in recipients of kidneys procured from donors after brain death ≥60 compared to control after 3 years: 168.2 ± 57.5 (n = 59) vs 147.9 ± 65.7 (n = 294), P < .05; and after 5 years: 196.2 ± 95.3 (n = 38) vs 157.3 ± 80.0 µmol/L (n = 211), P < .01. Restricted mean recipient survival time was 56.4 (95% confidence interval: 55.0-57.8) and 52.0 (48.0-56.1) months, P < .05; and kidney graft survival time was 51.6 (49.6-53.5) and 43.9 (39.0-48.9) months, P < .01 in recipients who received kidneys from donors after brain death 40-59 and from donors after brain death ≥60 respectively. In Cox regression, donor death due to cardiovascular disease proved to be the factor increasing risk of kidney graft loss (hazard ratio 1.553, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The survival and function of kidneys procured from donors after brain death ≥60 at medium-term follow-up remain worse compared to kidneys procured from donors after brain death 40-59, and the donor dependent risk factor of kidney graft loss is cardiovascular disease, which caused donor death.

Comparison of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Concentration in Porcine Kidneys Removed From Living Donors After Cardiac and Brain Death.

The aim of this paper was to describe the differences in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in porcine kidneys removed from living donors (group I), donors after prior induction of brain death by brain herniation (group II), and donors after cardiopulmonary arrest (group III). The groups consisted of 6 animals which underwent dual renal removal procedures; kidneys were rinsed, stored for 24 hours at 4°C and rinsed again. Renal specimens (4g) were collected before and after perfusion (time 0 and 1), after 12 hours (time 2), and after reperfusion (time 3). A Western blot was used to evaluate VEGF concentration in collected tissues homogenates. Additionally, the levels of VEGF, interleukin 1ß, tumor necrosis factor α, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Directly after the removal procedure, no significant differences in VEGF levels (IOD) were observed depending on the donor (moderate levels were observed in all groups: 1.51 in group I, 1.48 in group II, and 1.35 in group III). As a consequence of perfusion and 12 hours of storage, a stable concentration in groups I and III was observed with a gradual increase of VEGF levels in group II (1.23, 2.08, and 1.67 in the respective groups at time 1; 1.49, 2.12, and 1.63 in the respective groups at time 2). After the following 12 hours, a statistically significant (P < .05) higher level of VEGF was observed in group II (2.34) in comparison to groups I and III (1.58 and 1.81, respectively). In group I, a correlation between VEGF concentration and IL-1ß was observed, while in group II there was correlation between VEGF and eNOS levels.

Regulation of human lung fibroblast glycosaminoglycan production by recombinant interferons, tumor necrosis factor, and lymphotoxin.

Mononuclear cells may be important regulators of fibroblast glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis. However, the soluble factors mediating these effects, the importance of intercytokine interactions in this regulation and the mechanisms of these alterations remain poorly understood. We analyzed the effect of recombinant (r) tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lymphotoxin (LT), and gamma, alpha, and beta 1 interferons (INF-gamma, -alpha and -beta 1), alone and in combination, on GAG production by normal human lung fibroblasts. rTNF, rLT, and rINF-gamma each stimulated fibroblast GAG production. In addition, rIFN-gamma synergized with rTNF and rLT to further augment GAG biosynthesis. In contrast, IFN-alpha A, -alpha D, and -beta 1 neither stimulated fibroblast GAG production nor interacted with rTNF or rLT to regulate GAG biosynthesis. The effects of the stimulatory cytokines and cytokine combinations were dose dependent and were abrogated by the respective monoclonal antibodies. In addition, these cytokines did not cause an alteration in the distribution of GAG between the fibroblast cell layer and supernatant. However, the stimulation was at least partially specific for particular GAG moieties with hyaluronic acid biosynthesis being markedly augmented without a comparable increase in the production of sulfated GAGs. Fibroblast prostaglandin production did not mediate these alterations since indomethacin did not decrease the stimulatory effects of the cytokines. In contrast, protein and mRNA synthesis appeared to play a role since the stimulatory effects of the cytokines were abrogated by cyclohexamide and actinomycin D, respectively. In addition, the cytokines and cytokine combinations increased cellular hyaluronate synthetase activity in proportion to their effects on hyaluronic acid suggesting that induction of this enzyme(s) is important in this stimulatory process. These studies demonstrate that IFN-gamma, TNF, and LT are important stimulators of fibroblast GAG biosynthesis, that interactions between these cytokines may be important in this regulatory process, that these cytokines predominantly stimulate hyaluronic acid production and that this effect may be mediated by stimulation of fibroblast hyaluronate synthetase activity.

Analysis of coagulation parameters in the early period after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic diatheses observed in patients with chronic renal failure result from platelet defects, vessel wall damage, and deficiency of II, VII, IX, and X clotting factors. In contrast, increased levels of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, as well as decreased plasma fibrinolytic activity, may lead to thrombotic complications in nephrotic syndrome. Successful kidney transplantation may reverse these disturbances. The aim of the study was to analyze plasma coagulation parameters in the early postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 40 patients who received cadaveric kidney grafts in 2005 and 2006 for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer concentrations as well as antithrombin III and protein C and S activities. Blood was collected before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 7, and 14. RESULTS: The APTT, PT, and fibrinogen values did not differ before and after transplantation. The activity of antithrombin III pretransplantation was 80.9% +/- 19.3%, increasing to 114.2% +/- 25.5% on postoperative day 14. The activities of protein C and S pretransplantation were 115.1% +/- 32.2% and 120.2% +/- 51.6%, respectively, increasing to 150.2% +/- 56.6% and 139.5% +/- 35.4%, respectively, on postoperative day 14. D-dimer concentrations increased from 252.3 +/- 312.0 ng/mL before transplantation to 951.5 +/- 1170.8 and 739.1 +/- 1049.8 ng/mL on postoperative days 7 and 14, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation increased plasma clotting inhibitor activity in the early postoperative period. The high level of D-dimer observed postoperatively suggested increased thrombotic processes in these patients.

Did volume of lymphocele after kidney transplantation determine the choice of treatment modality?

INTRODUCTION: Lymphocele is a lymph collection that forms after surgery following injury to lymph nodes and vessels. The aim of the study was to perform a retrospective analysis of different treatment modalities of lymphocele in patients after kidney transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A lymphocele located in renal graft area was observed in 25 of 386 transplanted patients (6.5%). Mean patient age was 45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 40 to 50) years. Mean observation time was 35 (95% CI, 27 to 43) months. RESULTS: Mean time from transplantation to diagnosis of lymphocele was 29 days (range, 4 to 127). In 13 patients (54.2%), the lymphocele was symptomatic, requiring initial treatment by repeated needle aspirations or percutaneous drainage. Among 7 patients with persistence of the lesion treatment by sclerotherapy with doxycycline, povidone-iodine, and/or ethanol was successful in 4 cases who showed maximal lymphocele volume of 500 mL. Three other patients, namely, volumes of 120, 874, and 2298 mL were referred for surgery; in two cases, internal marsupialization was performed and in one case external drainage was necessary due to abscess formation. Mean time from the diagnosis to recovery in patients requiring surgical treatment was 15 (range, 8 to 24) weeks. Eleven patients with asymptomatic lymphoceles (mean volume 45 mL; range, 8 to 140) were monitored to resolution after a mean of 4 (range, 1 to 11) weeks. CONCLUSION: All lymphoceles with the maximal volume exceeding 140 mL were clinically symptomatic. Initial percutaneous drainage with or without sclerotherapy was an effective method of treatment. Punctures, drainage, and sclerotherapy were not effective in patients with lymphoceles (>500 mL).

The intrarenal vascular resistance parameters measured by duplex Doppler ultrasound shortly after kidney transplantation in patients with immediate, slow, and delayed graft function.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of pulsatility (PI) and resistive (RI) indexes by duplex Doppler ultrasound shortly after kidney transplantation reflects the exacerbation of interstitial edema. The aim of study was to characterize factors that influence PI and RI in patients with immediate (IGF), slow (SGF), or delayed (DGF) kidney graft function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PI and RI were measured in 200 transplanted patients at 2 to 4 days postoperatively. We excluded patients with acute rejection episodes within the first month. IGF, which was defined as serum creatinine <264 micromol/L at 3 days, SGF, which was defined as creatinine >264 micromol/L by day 3 with a maximum of one dialysis, and DGF, which was defined as more than 1 dialysis were observed in 33.3%, 41.5%, and 25.2% of patients, respectively. The examined donor parameters were age, hypotensive episodes, catecholamine infusion, central venous pressure, and glomerular filtration rate. The recipient factors were age, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. Additionally cold ischemia time (CIT), HLA mismatch, and PRA were analyzed. RESULTS: The lowest PI and RI values were observed among patients with IGF (PI 1.37 [1.28 to 1.46]; RI 0.72 [0.69 to 0.74]); moderate values in SGF (PI 1.65 [1.52 to 1.78]; RI 0.78 [0.76 to 0.80]) and the highest values in DGF (PI 2.09 [1.83 to 2.35]; RI 0.83 [0.80 to 0.86]) differences that were highly significant. Hypotensive episodes and catecholamine infusion in the preharvest period had essential impacts on PI or RI values in the early posttransplant period. There was no significant correlation between PI or RI values and CIT. A slower ATN resolution was observed in DGF patients with higher PI values. CONCLUSION: Ischemic injury, which occurred mainly prior to organ harvesting, played a dominant role determining intrarenal resistance in the early posttransplant period.

Surgical treatment of urological complications after kidney transplantation.

Urological complications after kidney transplantation develop in 2.5% to 14.1% of recipients. The aim of the study was to analyze postoperative urological complications that required surgical treatment. Thirty-three urological complications developed in 30 among 321 patients (9.3%). Complications were divided into two groups: I, related to urine retention (60.6%); and II, related to urine leakage (39.4%). For 70% of group I, in patients a double pigtail ureteral stent was inserted; for 53.8% of group II, a vesicoureteric reanastomosis was performed. Good urine outflow was achieved in 90.0% of patients. Total early graft loss was 20% of patients. Urological complications related to stenosis or leakage can be treated with ureteral stent insertion or vesicoureteral reanastomosis. Hemorrhage or infection coexisting with a urological complication increased the risk of early graft loss. Long-term graft survival among patients after successful treatment of urological complications was similar to that of patients without them.

Simultaneous transabdominal bilateral nephrectomy in potential kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral nephrectomy of potential kidney graft recipients is indicated for patients with recurrent infections in the polycystic kidneys or chronic pyelonephritis resulting from vesicoureteric reflux. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of complications after simultaneous bilateral transperitoneal nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty hemodialysis patients (age 28 to 55 years) were referred for simultaneous bilateral nephrectomy between 1996 and 2004. Among the 18 patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, 11 experienced recurrent cysts or urinary tract infections and two, episodes of disabling flank pain. Five patients with extremely enlarged kidneys were asymptomatic. Two patients presented vesicoureteric reflux with chronic pyelonephritis. In all cases the kidneys were removed transperitoneally via a transverse or midline incision. RESULTS: Although no fatal outcome was recorded, three patients required brief hospitalizations in the intensive care unit. The only intraoperative complication was spleen injury in five patients. Surgical postoperative complications developed in nine patients (45%) including: extended drainage and delayed wound healing (n = 4), postoperative hernia (n = 3), prolonged abdominal pain (n = 3), perihepatic hematoma (n = 2), stress duodenal ulceration (n = 1), and subileus (n = 1). Five patients displayed thrombosis of their dialysis access, probably as a consequence of low blood pressure. After surgery 15 patients were placed on the waiting list and 10, successfully transplanted. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous transabdominal bilateral nephrectomy was associated with a high risk of postoperative complications, but may save the suffering associated with a repeated operation in potential kidney graft recipients who have an indication for bilateral nephrectomy.

Early donor lymph node procurement and local HLA typing reduce cold ischemia time and risk of acute tubular necrosis in cadaveric kidney transplantation.

Prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) is one of the most common causes of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) with consequent delayed graft function after kidney transplantation. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of early donor lymph nodes (LN) procurement in combination with local or central HLA typing on CIT, on donor-recipient HLA mismatches, and on the early results of grafts. Two hundred six cadaveric procedures were performed from 2001 to 2004 including 86 cases out of 119 recipients who were matched locally and 60 cases out of 87 recipients who were matched centrally, wherein LN were obtained before kidney harvest. CIT was significantly shorter when LN were obtained before kidney harvesting both in local (13.6 vs 20.6 hours) and central (20.1 vs 27.7 hours) matching (both P < .001). ATN frequency was significantly lower in patients with LN obtained earlier (27.9%) when matched locally versus (35.0%) when matched centrally. Kidney graft function estimated at 12 months was similar in both groups. CIT longer than 19.5 hours predicted ATN occurrence with 57.7% sensitivity and 66.4% specificity. Local matching resulted in shortening CIT compared to central matching (15.5 vs 22.4 hours); however, the mismatch in HLA class I and HLA class II were significantly worse (HLA A + B 2.76 vs 2.45, HLA DR 1.21 vs 0.82). These discrepancies did not significantly influence the frequency of ATN (36.1% vs 40.0%) or the kidney graft function at 12 months.

Donation and Transplantation of Kidneys Harvested From Deceased Donors Over the Age of 60 Years in the Upper Silesia Region.

BACKGROUND: Population aging and shortage of organs for transplantation result in increasing numbers of kidneys retrieved from elderly donors. The aim of this study was to analyze donation of kidneys from donors after brain death (DBD) over the age of 60 years (≥60), comorbidities that affect decisions on retrieval, and early results of kidney transplantation. METHODS: Ninety-six potential DBD ≥60 and 309 aged 40-59 years (40-59) reported in Upper Silesia, Poland, from 2004 to 2013 were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: DBD >60 presented a higher rate of coexisting hypertension (53% vs 34%), limb ischemia (10% vs 1%), and past stroke (6% vs 1%) compared with DBD 40-59 (P < .05), but no differences were observed in serum creatinine concentration (85 vs 84 µmol/L), coexisting coronary disease (14% vs 6%), or diabetes (10% vs 4%). The decision of withdrawal from retrieval was more frequent in DBD ≥60 (16% vs 7%; P < .05). Twelve months after kidney transplantation, serum creatinine concentration was higher in recipients of kidneys from DBD ≥60 compared with DBD 40-59 (169 vs 138 µmol/L; P < .001). The survivals of recipients (93% vs 95%) and kidney grafts (90% vs 93%) as well as rates of proteinuria >1.0 g/24 h (6% vs 2%) did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A higher rate of comorbidities in potential kidney DBD ≥60 results in a lower retrieval rate in these donors. The function of kidneys harvested from DBD ≥60 12 months after transplantation is worse than those from DBD 40-59, but still acceptable.

Past Cardiovascular Episodes Deteriorate Quality of Life of Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and End-stage Kidney Disease After Kidney or Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial influence of kidney (KTx) or simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with end-stage kidney disease caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus was confirmed in many studies. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence QOL of patients in long-term follow-up after SPK or KTx. METHODS: Twenty-seven SPK and 26 KTx patients with good function of transplanted organs at least 1 year after transplantation were enrolled into the analysis. To estimate QOL of the recipients the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form was applied. RESULTS: Within the whole analyzed group, the necessity of exogenous insulin administration correlated (P < .05) with symptom/problem list (γ = -0.35), effects of kidney disease (-0.38), cognitive function (-0.47), sleep (-0.42), overall health (-0.47), physical functioning (-0.61), role-physical (-0.32), pain (-0.50), general health (-0.32), emotional well-being (-0.31), role-emotional (-0.36), social function (-0.33), energy/fatigue (-0.44), and the SF-12 physical composite (-0.44). History of cardiovascular episode correlated (P < .05) with symptom/problem list (γ = -0.59), effects of kidney disease (-0.46), burden of kidney disease (-0.56), sleep (-0.54), social support (-0.51), physical functioning (-0.55), role-physical (-0.70), pain (-0.60), general health (-0.57), emotional well-being (-0.45), role-emotional (-0.95), social function (-0.58), energy/fatigue (-0.59), SF-12 physical composite (-0.45), and SF-12 mental composite (-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous insulin administration and history of cardiovascular episode are the most important factors influencing QOL in patients after SPK or KTx, particularly worsening its physical components.

Long-Term Outcomes of Kidney and Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation in Recipients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Silesian Experience.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation (KTx) markedly reduces mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The outstanding issue is whether transplantation should be limited only to KTx, with further insulinotherapy, or combined with pancreas transplantation in patients with ESKD/T1DM. The goal of this study was to compare the results of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKTx) and deceased donor KTx and to identify factors affecting patient and kidney graft survival in patients with ESKD/T1DM. METHODS: Eighty-seven deceased donor KTx and 66 SPKTx operated on in the Silesia region of Poland between 1998 and 2013 were included in the retrospective analysis. RESULTS: During the mean 6.7 ± 3.6 years of follow-up, fewer cardiovascular episodes were observed in SPKTx recipients than in KTx recipients (1.5% vs 12.6%; P < .05). Five-year patient survival (80.7% in SPKTx vs 77.5% in KTx) and kidney graft survival (66.1% in SPKTx vs 70.4% in KTx) did not differ between study groups. There were no differences in patient survival (log-rank test, P = .99) or kidney graft survival (P = .99) based on Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis failed to identify factors explaining patient and kidney graft survival. Five-year pancreas graft survival was 58.9%. SPKTx recipients had significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rates during the 7-year posttransplant period and less frequently developed proteinuria (6.1% vs 23%; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Pancreas transplantation reduced cardiovascular risk and prevented the development of proteinuria but did not improve patient and kidney graft survival in recipients with T1DM in the 7-year follow-up period.