Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Organ Transplantation Among Cyprus Residents.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplantation was one of the greatest achievements of medical science during the 20th century. Knowledge, education, and culture all play prominent roles in transplantation because of the complexity of the process from donation to transplantation. PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to determine and analyze the knowledge and attitudes about organ donation and transplantation among the general population in Limassol, Cyprus. METHODS: A quantitative research approach was followed, and a questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was completed by adults from the general population in Limassol. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred adults out of the 1,346 adults who were contacted responded to the survey (response rate: 89%) and were included as participants. Of the participants, 93.4% (p < .05) considered organ donation to be lifesaving, 57% expressed interest (and 39.8% expressed disinterest) in becoming organ donors, 80.6% (p < .05) expressed awareness of there being a waiting list for people in need of organ transplantation, 50.4% agreed that brain death must be confirmed before organ removal for transplantation, and 47% recalled having been informed about organ donation through the media, with 31.5% stating that they had never been informed about organ donation. CONCLUSIONS: The participants demonstrated limited awareness regarding the organ donation system in Cyprus. Furthermore, a significant percentage stated that they lacked a source for obtaining related information. The Cypriot society should be informed and encouraged to participate in organ donation to increase the rate of organ transplantation.

Large bronchogenic cyst compressing the left atrium.

Bronchogenic cysts are listed among the less common mediastinal tumours and either remain unnoticed and are randomly found or they are manifested with respiratory or thoracic symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnoea, haemoptysis and recurrent thoracic infections. More severe symptoms (e.g. sepsis, compression) are rare. We present a case of a male patient with progressive dyspnoea on exertion attributed to a large bronchogenic cyst.

Transulnar compared with transradial artery approach as a default strategy for coronary procedures: a randomized trial. The Transulnar or Transradial Instead of Coronary Transfemoral Angiographies Study (the AURA of ARTEMIS Study).

BACKGROUND: The ulnar artery is rarely selected for coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention despite the expanding use of the transradial approach. We aimed to establish noninferiority of a default transulnar relative to transradial approach in terms of feasibility and safety. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group study involving 902 patients at 5 sites eligible to undergo diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either transradial approach (reference intervention) or transulnar approach (experimental intervention) regardless of the Allen test results. The primary end point was a composite of cross-over to another arterial access, major adverse cardiovascular events, and major vascular events of the arm at 60 days. The study was prematurely terminated after the first interim analysis because of inferiority of the transulnar approach. Although the difference in the primary end point became inconclusive after adjustment for operator clustering (24.30%; 99.99% confidence interval [CI], -7.98% to 56.58%; P=0.03 at α=0.0001), need for cross-over in the transulnar group remained inferior to transradial access site with a difference of 26.34% (95% CI, 11.96%-40.69%; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of higher cross-over rates, a first-line transulnar strategy was proven inferior to the transradial approach for coronary procedures. At present, the transulnar route should not be regarded as an acceptable alternative to the transradial access site.

A propensity score-based comparison of flat panel digital detector fluoroscopy versus digital cinefluoroscopy for coronary artery calcium detection.

INTRODUCTION: Detection of coronary artery calcification (CAC) allows for a refined prediction of cardiovascular risk beyond global risk assessment algorithms. Newer-generation, high-resolution, flat-panel digital detector (FPDD) fluoroscopic systems may provide higher CAC detection rates compared with older fluoroscopic devices. METHODS: We compared the CAC detection rates of two fluoroscopic techniques in two different cohorts of asymptomatic individuals, analyzed within a two-decade time interval. RESULTS: FPDD detected CAC more frequently than the older fluoroscopy device, in the more recent and the older patient cohort of individuals, respectively. After propensity score matching to account for differences in age and risk factor prevalence, the adjusted rates of CAC detection remained higher in favor of FPDD (37.7% vs. 23.7%, p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The ability of newer cine-fluoroscopic systems to identify CAC in a larger number of asymptomatic, intermediate-risk individuals may have implications for further risk stratification, management of risk factors and long-term prognosis.

Premature atherosclerosis in non-transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia intermedia.

OBJECTIVES: ß-Thalassemias are inherited hemolytic anemias with a broad phenotype and an increased rate of vascular complications despite a near absence of coronary artery disease. METHODS: We investigated the presence of endothelial dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis in non-transfusion-dependent patients with ß-thalassemia intermedia (ß-TI) by means of flow-mediated (FMD) and flow-independent (FID) brachial artery dilatation and carotid artery intima-media thickness. RESULTS: In 20 nondiabetic young adults with ß-TI, FMD (6.6 ± 3.7 vs. 10.3 ± 3.1%; p = 0.002) and FID (14.0 ± 4.7 vs. 18.0 ± 5.6%; p = 0.02) were both lower relative to the values in 20 matched control subjects, whereas the intima-media thickness was increased (0.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.46 ± 0.07 mm; p = 0.049). Fibrin generation, soluble endothelial activation markers, and proinflammatory proteins were higher in the patient group, while the plasma cholesterol level was lower. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate premature atherosclerosis among patients with ß-TI; this is in accord with the high incidence of noncoronary vascular episodes in ß-TI.

Prevalence of contraindications and conditions for precaution for prasugrel administration in a real world acute coronary syndrome population.

The prevalence of prasugrel contraindications and specific conditions requiring precaution for its use in a real world acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population is not known. We performed a prospective descriptive study in 1016 consecutive moderate to high risk ACS patients. In 646 patients (63.6%) subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention, analysis of absolute contraindications (history of stroke/transient ischemic attack or active bleeding), relative contraindications and specific conditions (age ≥ 75 years and/or weight < 60 kg) for prasugrel theoretical administration was performed. In 242 (37.5%) patients there was at least one absolute or relative contraindication or specific condition requiring attention for its use. Overall, 23.1% of patients in our cohort had a prior stroke/transient ischemic attack and/or specific condition to be considered for prasugrel administration. Specifically, the prevalence of stroke/TIA was 3.6%, the prevalence of patients ≥75 years 20% and the prevalence of patients weighing <60 kg 2.2%. Among patients ≥75 years old, 63 (9.8%) had diabetes mellitus or previous myocardial infarction, consisting a high risk subgroup that might benefit from prasugrel administration. In a real world ACS population a relatively high proportion of patients have a potential contraindication for prasugrel administration or necessitate special attention for its use.

Angiographic estimation of atherosclerotic disease burden in a coronary artery fed by collaterals: a potential pitfall in decision for revascularization.

Despite the remarkable advances in revascularization strategies made during the last decade, a significant proportion of patients are excluded from either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting because of unsuitable coronary anatomy. Diffuse severe coronary artery disease, small vessel caliber, chronic total occlusions, or extremely calcified vessels are frequent reasons for deferring revascularization with either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting. We present a case concerning a middle-aged asymptomatic patient who was treated successfully with percutaneous coronary intervention due to a chronic total occlusion lesion of the left anterior descending artery. Coronary angiography is an inadequate method for the estimation of the burden of atherosclerotic disease in an artery fed by collaterals. Assessment of any residual antegrade flow, and ipsilateral and contralateral collateral filling of the segments distal to the occlusion with invasive or noninvasive techniques, could affect the appropriate decision-making by physicians.

Plasma levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) are increased in patients with ß-thalassemia.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. We investigated the plasma levels of Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass as a function of plasma lipid levels, LDL subclass profile, and oxidative stress in patients with ß-thalassemia. Thirty-five patients with ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) and 25 patients with ß-thalassemia intermedia (ß-TI) participated in the study. Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass were measured in total plasma, in apolipoprotein (apo)B-depleted plasma (HDL-Lp-PLA(2)), and in LDL subclasses. Lp-PLA(2) activity produced and secreted from peripheral blood monocytes in culture was also determined. Patients with ß-thalassemia are characterized by a predominance of small-dense LDL particles, increased oxidative stress, and very high plasma levels of Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity, despite low LDL-cholesterol levels. A significant positive correlation between plasma Lp-PLA(2) activity or mass and 8-isoprostane (8-epiPGF2a) and ferritin levels as well as intima-media thickness (IMT) values was observed. An increase in secreted and cell-associated Lp-PLA(2) activity from monocytes in culture was observed in both patient groups. The HDL-Lp-PLA(2) activity and mass as well as the ratio of HDL-Lp-PLA(2)/plasma Lp-PLA(2) were significantly higher in both patient groups compared with the control group. In conclusion, patients with ß-thalassemia exhibit high plasma Lp-PLA(2) levels, attributed to increased enzyme secretion from monocytes/macrophages and to the predominance of sdLDL particles in plasma. Plasma Lp-PLA(2) is correlated with carotid IMT, suggesting that this enzyme may be implicated in premature carotid atherosclerosis observed in ß-thalassemia.

High throughput screening of mutants of oat that are defective in triterpene synthesis.

The triterpenes are a large and diverse group of plant natural products that have important functions in plant protection and food quality, and a range of pharmaceutical and other applications. Like sterols, they are synthesised from mevalonate via the isoprenoid pathway, the two pathways diverging after 2,3-oxidosqualene. During triterpene synthesis 2,3-oxidosqualene is cyclised to one of a number of potential products, the most common of these being the pentacyclic triterpene beta-amyrin. Plants often produce complex mixtures of conjugated triterpene glycosides which may be derived from a single triterpene skeleton. The delineation, functional analysis and exploitation of triterpene pathways in plants therefore represent a substantial challenge. Here we have carried out high throughput screening to identify mutants of diploid oat (Avena strigosa) that are blocked in the early steps of triterpene synthesis. We also show that mutants that are affected in the first committed step in synthesis of beta-amyrin-derived triterpenes, and so are unable to cyclise 2,3-oxidosqualene to beta-amyrin (sad1 mutants), accumulate elevated levels of primary sterols. The major differences were in Delta-7-campesterol and Delta-7-avenasterol, which both increased several fold relative to wild-type levels. This is presumably due to accumulation of squalene and 2,3-oxidosqualene and consequent feedback into the sterol pathway, and is consistent with previous reports in which specific oxidosqualene cyclase inhibitors and elicitors of triterpene biosynthesis were shown to have inverse effects on the flux through the sterol and triterpene pathways.

Sad3 and sad4 are required for saponin biosynthesis and root development in oat.

Avenacins are antimicrobial triterpene glycosides that are produced by oat (Avena) roots. These compounds confer broad-spectrum resistance to soil pathogens. Avenacin A-1, the major avenacin produced by oats, is strongly UV fluorescent and accumulates in root epidermal cells. We previously defined nine loci required for avenacin synthesis, eight of which are clustered. Mutants affected at seven of these (including Saponin-deficient1 [Sad1], the gene for the first committed enzyme in the pathway) have normal root morphology but reduced root fluorescence. In this study, we focus on mutations at the other two loci, Sad3 (also within the gene cluster) and Sad4 (unlinked), which result in stunted root growth, membrane trafficking defects in the root epidermis, and root hair deficiency. While sad3 and sad4 mutants both accumulate the same intermediate, monodeglucosyl avenacin A-1, the effect on avenacin A-1 glucosylation in sad4 mutants is only partial. sad1/sad1 sad3/sad3 and sad1/sad1 sad4/sad4 double mutants have normal root morphology, implying that the accumulation of incompletely glucosylated avenacin A-1 disrupts membrane trafficking and causes degeneration of the epidermis, with consequential effects on root hair formation. Various lines of evidence indicate that these effects are dosage-dependent. The significance of these data for the evolution and maintenance of the avenacin gene cluster is discussed.

Reactive oxygen species produced by NADPH oxidase regulate plant cell growth.

Cell expansion is a central process in plant morphogenesis, and the elongation of roots and root hairs is essential for uptake of minerals and water from the soil. Ca2+ influx from the extracellular store is required for (and sets the rates of) cell elongation in roots. Arabidopsis thaliana rhd2 mutants are defective in Ca2+ uptake and consequently cell expansion is compromised--rhd2 mutants have short root hairs and stunted roots. To determine the regulation of Ca2+ acquisition in growing root cells we show here that RHD2 is an NADPH oxidase, a protein that transfers electrons from NADPH to an electron acceptor leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We show that ROS accumulate in growing wild-type (WT) root hairs but their levels are markedly decreased in rhd2 mutants. Blocking the activity of the NADPH oxidase with diphenylene iodonium (DPI) inhibits ROS formation and phenocopies Rhd2-. Treatment of rhd2 roots with ROS partly suppresses the mutant phenotype and stimulates the activity of plasma membrane hyperpolarization-activated Ca2+ channels, the predominant root Ca2+ acquisition system. This indicates that NADPH oxidases control development by making ROS that regulate plant cell expansion through the activation of Ca2+ channels.

SCHIZORIZA controls an asymmetric cell division and restricts epidermal identity in the Arabidopsis root.

The primary root of Arabidopsis has a simple cellular organisation. The fixed radial cell pattern results from stereotypical cell divisions that occur in the meristem. Here we describe the characterisation of schizoriza (scz), a mutant with defective radial patterning. In scz mutants, the subepidermal layer (ground tissue) develops root hairs. Root hairs normally only form on epidermal cells of wild-type plants. Moreover, extra periclinal divisions (new wall parallel to surface of the root) occur in the scz root resulting in the formation of supernumerary layers in the ground tissue. Both scarecrow (scr) and short root (shr) suppress the extra periclinal divisions characteristic of scz mutant roots. This results in the formation of a single layered ground tissue in the double mutants. Cells of this layer develop root hairs, indicating that mis-specification of the ground tissue in scz mutants is uncoupled to the cell division defect. This suggests that during the development of the ground tissue SCZ has two distinct roles: (1) it acts as a suppressor of epidermal fate in the ground tissue, and (2) it is required to repress periclinal divisions in the meristem. It may act in the same pathway as SCR and SHR.