Psychological Responses to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Renal Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for an adverse course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), most likely due to immunosuppression and the high level of cardiovascular comorbidity. Many transplant recipients are aware of these facts. The psychological effects of this knowledge, however, remain elusive.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study on 62 renal transplant recipients. Fifty cardiovascular outpatients without immunosuppression and 55 healthy subjects served as control. We performed a focused psychological assessment during the pandemic (April 2020) and compared the data with a time 6 months before. Additionally, an intergroup analysis was performed for the data during the pandemic. The analysis was performed by means of a questionnaire derived from KPD-38. We extracted 5 questions focusing on the parameters "life satisfaction" and perceived "action competence." Life satisfaction score ranged from 2 to 8, and the score for action competence from 5 to 20.

RESULTS

Both life satisfaction and perceived action competence were significantly lower during the pandemic than 6 months before in all the 3 groups (P < .005 each). During the pandemic median levels of life satisfaction did not significantly differ between the 3 groups (transplant recipients 6, interquartile range [IQR] 4-7; cardiovascular patients 5, IQR: 4-6; healthy controls 6, IQR 5-7; Kruskal-Wallis P > .05). In contrast, the perceived action competence was higher in healthy subjects (15, IQR 12-17) than in both renal transplant recipients (13, IQR 10-15) and cardiovascular patients (13, IQR 8-14, Kruskal-Wallis P = .0003).

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has negative effects on life satisfaction and perceived action competence in renal transplant recipients, cardiovascular patients without immunosuppression, and healthy subjects. The effects on life satisfaction in transplant recipients did not differ from nonimmunocompromised patients or healthy controls. In contrast, the feeling of reduced action competence exceeded healthy controls, most likely due to a subjective need for stricter social distancing to avoid infection.

Cytocompatibility Evaluation of a Novel Series of PEG-Functionalized Lactide-Caprolactone Copolymer Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Applications

Although the use of bioresorbable materials in stent production is thought to improve long-term safety compared to their durable counterparts, a recent FDA report on the 2-year follow-up of the first FDA-approved bioresorbable vascular stent showed an increased occurrence of major adverse cardiac events and thrombosis in comparison to the metallic control. In order to overcome the issues of first generation bioresorbable polymers, a series of polyethylene glycol-functionalized poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone copolymers with varying lactide-to-caprolactone content is developed using a novel one-step PEG-functionalization and copolymerization strategy. This approach represents a new facile way toward surface enhancement for cellular interaction, which is shown by screening these materials regarding their cyto- and hemocompatibility in terms of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, platelet adhesion, leucocyte activation and endothelial cell adhesion. By varying the lactide-to-caprolactone polymer composition, it is possible to gradually affect endothelial and platelet adhesion which allows fine-tuning of the biological response based on polymer chemistry. All polymers developed were non-cytotoxic, had acceptable leucocyte activation levels and presented non-hemolytic (<2% hemolysis rate) behavior except for PLCL-PEG 55:45 which presented hemolysis rate of 2.5% ± 0.5. Water contact angles were reduced in the polymers containing PEG functionalization (PLLA-PEG: 69.8° ± 2.3, PCL-PEG: 61.2° ± 7.5) versus those without (PLLA: 79.5° ± 3.2, PCL: 76.4° ± 10.2) while the materials PCL-PEG550, PLCL-PEG550 90:10 and PLCL-PEG550 70:30 demonstrated best endothelial cell adhesion. PLLA-PEG550 and PLCL-PEG550 70:30 presented as best candidates for cardiovascular implant use from a cytocompatibility perspective across the spectrum of testing completed. Altogether, these polymers are excellent innovative materials suited for an application in stent manufacture due to the ease in translation of this one-step synthesis strategy to device production and their excellent in vitro cyto- and hemocompatibility.

Vaccination Against Urinary Tract Infection After Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) increase mortality and reduce graft survival after renal transplantation. Because current prophylactic strategies such as methionine, cranberry juice, and antibiotics fail to sufficiently prevent recurrent infections in a substantial number of patients, there is a clinical need for alternative approaches. The present work describes first experiences with an immunization strategy against bacterial strains after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of an immunization approach against 10 strains of inactivated bacteria (StroVac). A total of 14 renal transplant recipients with 3 or more UTI episodes/year underwent immunization with 3 subcutaneous injections of inactivated bacteria (follow-up 12 months before to 12 months after immunization). These patients were compared to 14 renal transplant patients without immunization who were matched for number of UTIs and time after transplantation (24 months follow-up). We compared the UTI incidence and potential side effects, including development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA).

RESULTS

The immunization significantly decreased the incidence of UTIs from 3.4 ± 1.3 to 0.9 ± 1.0 by 74.9%. The incidence did not change from year 1 to year 2 of the observation period in the control group. Immunization was tolerated well, without any clinical complaints. There were no de novo DSAs in the first year after immunization.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunization against inactivated bacterial strains substantially reduced the incidence of UTIs without eliciting any safety concerns in this small cohort of renal transplant recipients. This strategy may be a helpful expansion of our preventive measures in patients with recurrent UTIs.

The Aquaporin3 Promoter Polymorphism -1431 A/G is Associated with Acute Graft Rejection and Cytomegalovirus Infection in Kidney Recipients Due to Altered Immune Cell Migration

Major complications after kidney transplantation are graft rejection and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which are related to T-cell function, which depends on aquaporin 3 (AQP3) expression. The impact of the AQP3 A(−1431)G promoter polymorphism in kidney transplant recipients was unelucidated and we explored the effect of AQP3 polymorphism on immune cell function and its association with graft rejection and CMV infection in 237 adult patients within 12 months after transplantation. AQP3 promoter polymorphism was molecular and functional characterized. Kaplan–Meier plots evaluated the relationship between genotypes and the incidence of CMV infection and graft rejection. AQP3 A(−1431)G A-allele was associated with enhanced immune cell migration and AQP3 expression in T-cells. The incidences of rejection were 45.4% for the A-allele and 27.1% for G-allele carriers (p = 0.005) and the A-allele was a strong risk factor (hazard ratio (HR): 1.95; 95% CI: 1.216 to 3.127; p = 0.006). The incidences for CMV infection were 21% for A-allele and 35% for G-allele carriers (p = 0.013) and G-allele was an independent risk factor (p = 0.023), with a doubled risk for CMV infection (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.154 to 3.128; p = 0.012). Hence, A-allele confers more resistance against CMV infection, but susceptibility to graft rejection mediated by T-cells. Thus, AQP3-genotype adapted management of immunosuppression and antiviral prophylaxis after kidney transplantation seems prudent.

Should kidney allografts from old donors be allocated only to old recipients?

In several deceased donor kidney allocation systems, organs from elderly donors are allocated primarily to elderly recipients. The Eurotransplant Senior Program (ESP) was implemented in 1999, and since then, especially in Europe, the use of organs from elderly donors has steadily increased. The proportion of ≥60-year-old donors reported to the Collaborative Transplant Study (CTS) by European centers has doubled, from 21% in 2000-2001 to 42% in 2016-2017. Therefore, in the era of organ shortage it is a matter of debate whether kidney organs from elderly donors should only be allocated to elderly recipients or whether <65-year-old recipients can also benefit from these generally as "marginal" categorized organs. To discuss this issue, a European Consensus Meeting was organized by the CTS on April 12, 2018, in Heidelberg, in which 36 experts participated. Based on available evidence, it was unanimously concluded that kidney organs from 65- to 74-year-old donors can also be allocated to 55- to 64-year-old recipients, especially if these organs are from donors with no history of hypertension, no increased creatinine, no cerebrovascular death, and no other reasons for defining a marginal donor, such as diabetes or cancer.

Activated Polyhydroxyalkanoate Meshes Prevent Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Development in Regenerative Medicine Applications

Regenerative medicine has become an extremely valuable tool offering an alternative to conventional therapies for the repair and regeneration of tissues. The re-establishment of tissue and organ functions can be carried out by tissue engineering strategies or by using medical devices such as implants. However, with any material being implanted inside the human body, one of the conundrums that remains is the ease with which these materials can get contaminated by bacteria. Bacterial adhesion leads to the formation of mature, alive and complex three-dimensional biofilm structures, further infection of surrounding tissues and consequent development of complicated chronic infections. Hence, novel tissue engineering strategies delivering biofilm-targeted therapies, while at the same time allowing tissue formation are highly relevant. In this study our aim was to develop surface modified polyhydroxyalkanoate-based fiber meshes with enhanced bacterial anti-adhesive and juvenile biofilm disrupting properties for tissue regeneration purposes. Using reactive and amphiphilic star-shaped macromolecules as an additive to a polyhydroxyalkanoate spinning solution, a synthetic antimicrobial peptide, Amhelin, with strong bactericidal and anti-biofilm properties, and Dispersin B, an enzyme promoting the disruption of exopolysaccharides found in the biofilm matrix, were covalently conjugated to the fibers by addition to the solution before the spinning process. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the most problematic pathogens responsible for tissue-related infections. The initial antibacterial screening showed that Amhelin proved to be strongly bactericidal at 12 μg/ml and caused >50% reductions of biofilm formation at 6 μg/ml, while Dispersin B was found to disperse >70% of pre-formed biofilms at 3 μg/ml. Regarding the cytotoxicity of the agents toward L929 murine fibroblasts, a CC50 of 140 and 115 μg/ml was measured for Amhelin and Dispersin B, respectively. Optimization of the electrospinning process resulted in aligned fibers. Surface activated fibers with Amhelin and Dispersin B resulted in 83% reduction of adhered bacteria on the surface of the fibers. Additionally, the materials developed were found to be cytocompatible toward L929 murine fibroblasts. The strategy reported in this preliminary study suggests an alternative approach to prevent bacterial adhesion and, in turn biofilm formation, in materials used in regenerative medicine applications such as tissue engineering.

Consensus on definition and severity grading of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

The incidence of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation varies considerably in the literature. This is partly because a universally accepted definition has not been established. This study aimed to propose an acceptable definition and severity grading system for lymphatic complications based on their management strategy.

METHODS

Relevant literature published in MEDLINE and Web of Science was searched systematically. A consensus for definition and a severity grading was then sought between 20 high-volume transplant centres.

RESULTS

Lymphorrhoea/lymphocele was defined in 32 of 87 included studies. Sixty-three articles explained how lymphatic complications were managed, but none graded their severity. The proposed definition of lymphorrhoea was leakage of more than 50 ml fluid (not urine, blood or pus) per day from the drain, or the drain site after removal of the drain, for more than 1 week after kidney transplantation. The proposed definition of lymphocele was a fluid collection of any size near to the transplanted kidney, after urinoma, haematoma and abscess have been excluded. Grade A lymphatic complications have a minor and/or non-invasive impact on the clinical management of the patient; grade B complications require non-surgical intervention; and grade C complications require invasive surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

A clear definition and severity grading for lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation was agreed. The proposed definitions should allow better comparisons between studies.

Response of Human Macrophages to Clinically Applied Wound Dressings Loaded With Silver

Wound infections constitute an increasing clinical problem worldwide. To reverse this trend, several wound dressings with antimicrobial properties have been developed. Considering the increasing presence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, product developers have been focusing their efforts in introducing antibiotic-free antibacterial wound dressings to the market, with silver being the most commonly incorporated antimicrobial agent. In this scenario, gaining information about the microbial and eukaryotic cells' response to these dressings is needed for a proper selection of antimicrobial dressings for the different cases of infected wounds. In particular, one insufficiently explored parameter is the effect of the dressings on the immunomodulation of macrophages, the main immune cell population participating in the repair process, because of their pivotal role in the transition of the inflammation to the proliferation phase of wound healing. In this work, three different clinically applied antimicrobial, silver impregnated wound dressings were selected: Atrauman® Ag, Biatain® Alginate Ag and PolyMem WIC Silver® Non-adhesive. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (disk diffusion and broth dilution), cell viability evaluation (CellTiter-Blue®) and experiments to determine macrophage polarization (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA and glucose uptake) were performed after 24 h of incubation. Among all products tested, Biatain® Alginate Ag induced the most evident bactericidal effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, followed by PolyMem WIC Silver® Non-adhesive, but did not show good cytocompatibility in vitro. On the other hand, Atrauman® Ag showed excellent cytocompatibility on L929 fibroblasts, HaCaT keratinocytes and THP-1 derived macrophages, but no significant antimicrobial activity was observed. Overall, it was confirmed that macrophages initiate, in fact, an alteration of their metabolism and phenotype in response to wound dressings of different composition in a short period of contact (24 h). M0 resting state macrophages common response to all silver-containing dressings used in this study was to increase the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β, which indicates an acquisition of M2-like macrophages characteristics.

Impact of donor cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation-a retrospective study

Previous cardiac arrest in brain-dead donors has been discussed as a potential risk factor in pancreas transplantation (PT), leading to a higher rate of organ refusal. This study aimed to assess the impact of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in brain-dead donors on pancreas transplant outcome. A total of 518 type 1 diabetics underwent primary simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation at our center between 1994 and 2018. Patients were divided into groups, depending on whether their donor had been resuscitated or not. A total of 91 (17.6%) post-CPR donors had been accepted for transplantation (mean duration of cardiac arrest, 19.4 ± 15.6 min). Those donors were younger (P < 0.001), had lower pancreas donor risk index (PDRI, P = 0.003), and had higher serum creatinine levels (P = 0.021). With a median follow-up of 167 months (IQR 82-229), both groups demonstrated comparable short- and long-term patient and graft survival. The resuscitation time (<20 min vs. ≥20 min) also showed no impact, with similar survival rates for both groups. A multivariable Cox regression analysis suggested no statistically significant association between donor CPR and patient or graft survival. Our results indicate that post-CPR brain-dead donors are suitable for PT without increasing the risk of complications.

Outcome of Kidney Transplantation Using Organs From Brain-dead Donors Older Than 75 Years

PURPOSE

We investigated whether older donor kidneys aged >75 years have acceptable long-term function and if recipients can benefit sufficiently from the transplantation.

METHODS

This single-center study retrospectively analyzed patient data from 217 deceased donor kidney transplants performed between 1998 and 2014 as part of the Eurotransplant Senior Program, where the organ donors were ≥65 years old. Depending on donor age, the groups "older donors" (OD; n = 161) and "very old donors" (VOD; n = 56) received transplants from donors aged 65 to 75 years and >75 years, respectively. Donor and recipient clinical characteristics, delayed graft function, estimated glomerular filtration rate, 1-year rejection rate, patient and graft survival, and postoperative complications were investigated.

RESULTS

Comparing VOD group vs OD group, the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year graft survival rates were 80.4% vs 76.4%, 62.5% vs 65.8%, and 42.6% vs 57.3%, respectively. Patient survival rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 89.3% vs 88.2%, 71.4% vs 78.2%, and 57.5% vs 71.8%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups (graft survival P = .107; patient survival P = .126). Kidney graft function after 1, 2, and 3 years was significantly better in the OD group than in the VOD group. No differences were found regarding postoperative complications, rejection rate, and delayed graft function.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of selected kidney-grafts from donors >75 years resulted in acceptable outcomes after kidney transplantation and could expand the donor pool. In contrast to the high mortality rate during dialysis, recipients in both groups benefited from transplantation.

The Aquaporin 5 -1364A/C Promoter Polymorphism Is Associated With Cytomegalovirus Infection Risk in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: The aquaporin 5 (AQP5) −1364A/C promoter single nucleotide polymorphism affects key mechanisms of inflammation and immune cell migration. Thus, it could be involved in the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus infection. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that the AQP5 promoter −1364A/C polymorphism is associated with the risk of cytomegalovirus infection in kidney transplantation recipients.

Methods: We included 259 adult patients who received a kidney transplant from 2007 and 2014 in this observational study. Patients were genotyped for the AQP5 promoter −1364A/C single nucleotide polymorphism and followed up for 12 months after transplantation. Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable proportional hazard analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between genotypes and the incidence of cytomegalovirus infection.

Results: The incidences of cytomegalovirus infection within 12 months after kidney transplantation were 22.9% for the AA genotypes (43/188) and 42.3% for the AC/CC genotypes (30/71; p = 0.002). Furthermore, multivariable COX regression revealed the C-allele of the AQP5 −1364A/C polymorphism to be a strong and independent risk factor for cytomegalovirus infection. In this analysis, AC/CC subjects demonstrated a more than 2-fold increased risk for cytomegalovirus infection within the first year after kidney transplantation (hazard ratio: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.40–3.73; p = 0.001) compared to that in individuals with homozygous AA genotypes.

Conclusions: With respect to opportunistic cytomegalovirus infections (attributable to immunosuppression after kidney transplantation), the C-allele of the AQP5 −1364A/C promoter polymorphism is independently associated with an increased 12-months infection risk. These findings emphasize the importance of genetic variations as additional risk factors of cytomegalovirus infection after solid organ transplantations and might also facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

Macrophage immunomodulation: An indispensable tool to evaluate the performance of wound dressing biomaterials

A major burden of the healthcare system resides in providing proper medical treatment for all types of chronic wounds, which are usually treated with dressings to induce a faster regeneration. Hence, to reduce healing time and improve the patient's quality of life, it is extremely important to select the most appropriate constituent material for a specific wound dressing. A wide range of wound dressings exist but their mechanisms of action are poorly explored, especially concerning the immunomodulatory effects that occur from the interactions between immune cells and the biomaterial. Tissue-resident and monocyte-derived recruited macrophages are key regulators of wound repair. These phagocytic immune cells exert specific functions during the different stages of wound healing. The recognition of the substantial role of macrophages in the outcome of the wound healing process requires specific understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of commercially available or newly developed wound dressings. For a precise intervention, it is necessary to obtain more knowledge on macrophage polarization in different phases of wound healing in the presence of the dressings. The main purpose of this review is to collect clinical cases in which macrophage immunomodulation was taken into consideration as an indicator of the performances of novel or mainstream wound dressing materials, including those provided with antimicrobial properties.

Intensive blood pressure control is associated with improved patient and graft survival after renal transplantation

Based on data of the SPRINT trial, American hypertension guidelines recently reduced the blood pressure goal from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg for subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD), whereas European guidelines recommend a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130-139 mmHg. The present analysis investigates whether a SBP < 130 mmHg is associated with an additional benefit in renal transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective analysis of 815 renal transplant recipients who were stratified according to mean office SBP values < 130 mmHg, 130-139 mmHg or ≥140 mmHg. Patient and graft survival was defined as composite endpoint, follow-up was limited to 120 months. Mean SBP of the follow-up was significantly associated with the composite endpoint (n = 218) with better survival for a SBP < 130 mmHg and 130-139 mmHg compared to ≥140 mmHg (p < 0.001). The differences in the combined endpoint remained significant in Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender and eGFR (p = 0.007, HR = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.41-0.53), but not for graft survival alone. Renal transplant recipients with SBP < 130 mmHg had a lower mortality than those with the conservative blood pressure goal <140 mmHg. These data suggest that the new AHA BP targets are safe for renal transplant recipients and - with all limitations of a retrospective analysis - might even be associated with improved outcome.

Success of kidney transplantations from deceased donors with acute kidney injury

Background

The acceptance of organs from deceased donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) varies considerably, with uncertain outcomes. The current organ shortage has led to increased use of marginal donor organs.

Material/Methods

This retrospective, single-center study included 642 patients who underwent kidney allograft transplantation between 2005 and 2016. The recipients were categorized into 3 groups: AKI-1 (n=214), comprising donors with a peak serum creatinine (SCr) level of 1.1–2.0 mg/dl; AKI-2 (n=89), comprising donors with a peak SCr level >2 mg/dl; and non-AKI (n=339), comprising donors with normal kidney function (SCr <1.1 mg/dl).

Results

The cumulative survival rates for patients and grafts did not significantly differ among the AKI-1, AKI-2, and non-AKI groups at the 1-year (91.6%/79.4%, 92.1%/83.1%, 95.3%/88.5%, respectively) and 5-year assessments (79.4%/67.8%, 86.8%/71.7%, 80.5%/71.1%, respectively). These findings were corroborated by mean SCr values and estimated glomerular filtration rates at the 1-year (2.08±1.7/51.16±23.45, 2.01±1.52/56.46±23.63, 1.81±1.13/ 55.44±23.26 mg/dl, respectively) and 5-year assessments (1.91±1.28/51.06±24.65, 1.74±0.66/57.44±31.21, 1.7±0.88/ 58.56±26.04 mg/dl, respectively). The incidence of delayed graft function in each group was 29.9%, 44.9%, and 28.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation from donors with AKI, although associated with a higher rate of delayed graft function, results in good long-term transplant survival and reliable kidney functionality after 5 years. The inclusion of donors with AKI may widely extend the pool of available organs; however, careful donor selection is necessary.

Effects of late cyclosporine withdrawal on renal graft function and survival

OBJECTIVE

Attempts to discontinue calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) early after renal transplantation without conversion to an alternative immunosuppressive have failed due to high rates of acute rejection. Data on "late" CNI withdrawal are lacking so far.

DESIGN AND METHOD

We carried out a matched case-control study on the effects of CNI withdrawal on graft loss and mortality in 90 patients (1500 screened) with advanced graft dysfunction (serum creatinine > 3.5 mg/dl) and a cyclosporine-based triple immunosuppressive regimen at the Charité University Hospital, Berlin.

RESULTS

Cyclosporine was withdrawn at a mean of 54.0 ± 32.8 months post-transplant in 45 subjects. Whereas estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) did not significantly differ between the groups at this time (12.4 ± 2.7 vs. 14.7 ± 8.9 in the control group, p = 0.08), it was significantly higher in subjects undergoing withdrawal after 120 months (Δ 4.1 ml/min; p < 0.001). In a Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender and eGFR, patients with CNI withdrawal showed better survival rates for the combined endpoint death/graft loss (hazard ratio, HR [95% confidence interval]: 0.19 [0.12-0.33], p = 0.001) compared to matched controls. The survival benefit was significant for the endpoints death (p = 0.01) and graft loss (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CNI withdrawal was associated with improved survival rates in patients with advanced graft dysfunction in this retrospective analysis.

The impact of blood pressure variability and pulse pressure on graft survival and mortality after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure variability and pulse pressure are strong and independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. So far, there are no data on the impact of blood pressure variability on mortality and graft survival after renal transplantation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 877 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 1997 and 2011 in two transplant centers in Germany (Berlin and Bochum) with a follow-up of 12-266 months. Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability over the first 12 months after transplantation (3 visits) and during the first 120 months after transplantation (7 visits) was calculated as the coefficient of variation (CV = standard deviation (SD)/mean blood pressure). Patient and graft survival was defined as composite endpoint.

RESULTS

Cumulative survival was significantly higher for those patients with lower systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure within both the first 12 months and the 120 months posttransplant. After adjustment of data for gender, age, body mass index, and coronary artery disease, the cumulative incidence of the combined endpoint did not significantly differ between patients with lower vs higher CV (12 months CV hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) = 0.90 (0.66-1.23), P = 0.51; 120 months CV HR (95% CI) = 0.92 (0.67-1.26), P = 0.60). A lower systolic blood pressure remained highly predictive for better survival in adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSION

Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability is not associated with mortality or graft loss after kidney transplantation in this retrospective analysis. In analogy to the general population, however, there is an inverse relationship of survival and pulse pressure as a marker of arterial stiffness.

Surface patterning of a novel PEG-functionalized poly-l-lactide polymer to improve its biocompatibility: Applications to bioresorbable vascular stents

Today, research in the field of bioresorbable vascular stents (BVS) not only focusses on a new material being nontoxic but also tries to enhance its biocompatibility in terms of endothelialization potential and hemocompatibility. To this end, we used picosecond laser ablation technology as a single‐step and contactless method for surface microstructuring of a bioresorbable polymer which can be utilized in stent manufacture. The method works on all materials via fast material removal, can be easily adapted for micropatterning of tubular or more complex sample shapes and scaled up by means of micropatterning of metal molds for manufacturing. Here, picosecond laser ablation was applied to a bioresorbable, biologically inactive and polyethylene glycol‐modified poly‐l‐lactide polymer (PEGylated PLLA) to generate parallel microgrooves with varying geometries. The different patterns were thoroughly evaluated by a series of cyto‐ and hemocompatibility tests revealing that all surfaces were non‐toxic and non‐hemolytic. More importantly, patterns with 20 to 25 µm wide and 6 to 7 µm deep grooves significantly enhanced endothelial cell adhesion in comparison to samples with smaller grooves. Here, human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells were found to align along the groove direction, which is thought to encourage endothelialization of intraluminal surfaces of BVS. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 00B: 000–000, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 624–634, 2019.

Duodenocolostomy as Treatment of Ileus in Short Bowel Syndrome: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 68

Final Diagnosis: Short bowel syndrome • small bowel obstruction

Symptoms: Inablility to sustain oral nutrition

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Duodenocolostomy

Specialty: Surgery

Pancreas Donor Risk Index but Not Pre-Procurement Pancreas Allocation Suitability Score Predicts Pancreas Graft Survival: A Cohort Study from a Large German Pancreas Transplantation Center

Background

The pre-procurement pancreas allocation suitability score (P-PASS) was introduced to support clinical decision-making and ultimately expand the currently insufficient pancreas donor pool. The pancreas donor risk index (PDRI) can be used at the time of organ offering to predict one-year graft survival. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the validity of the PDRI and P-PASS in a large German transplant center.

Material/Methods

From 2002 to 2015, we performed 327 pancreas transplantations at our center. P-PASS and PDRI were calculated for 322 patients. To evaluate the pancreas graft survival, the patient cohort was divided into 2 P-PASS (<17, n=115 and ≥17, n=207) and 3 PDRI groups (<1, n=87; 1–1.5, n=133; and >1.5, n=102). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed. We also examined differences regarding early pancreas graft failure for both scores using the chi-square test.

Results

The PDRI was associated with pancreas graft survival in the univariate analysis (p=0.023). In the multivariate analysis, a PDRI >1.5 was associated with significantly decreased graft survival (hazard ratio=1.792, 95% confidence interval=1.10–2.90, p=0.018). The P-PASS showed no significant association (p=0.081) with pancreas graft survival in the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. There were significantly more early pancreas graft losses in the P-PASS ≥17 group (p=0.025).

Conclusions

Our results showed an association between P-PASS ≥17 and early pancreas graft failure. However, this does not apply to long-term pancreas graft survival; the PDRI proved to be a better tool for this, and PDRI values >1.5 were associated with significantly worse outcomes after pancreas transplantation.

Validation of in vitro assays in three-dimensional human dermal constructs

Three-dimensional cell culture systems are urgently needed for cytocompatibility testing of biomaterials. This work aimed at the development of three-dimensional in vitro dermal skin models and their optimization for cytocompatibility evaluation. Initially “murine in vitro dermal construct” based on L929 cells was generated, leading to the development of “human in vitro dermal construct” consisting of normal human dermal fibroblasts in rat tail tendon collagen type I. To assess the viability of the cells, different assays CellTiter-Blue^®, RealTime-Glo^™ MT, and CellTiter-Glo^® (Promega) were evaluated to optimize the best-suited assay to the respective cell type and three-dimensional system. Z-stack imaging (Live/Dead and Phalloidin/DAPI-Promokine) was performed to visualize normal human dermal fibroblasts inside matrix revealing filopodia-like morphology and a uniform distribution of normal human dermal fibroblasts in matrix. CellTiter-Glo was found to be the optimal cell viability assay among those analyzed. CellTiter-Blue reagent affected the cell morphology of normal human dermal fibroblasts (unlike L929), suggesting an interference with cell biological activity, resulting in less reliable viability data. On the other hand, RealTime-Glo provided a linear signal only with a very low cell density, which made this assay unsuitable for this system. CellTiter-Glo adapted to three-dimensional dermal construct by optimizing the “shaking time” to enhance the reagent penetration and maximum adenosine triphosphate release, indicating 2.4 times higher viability value by shaking for 60 min than for 5 min. In addition, viability results showed that cells were viable inside the matrix. This model would be further advanced with more layers of skin to make a full thickness model.

Serum Uric Acid and Arterial Function After Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND Hyperuricemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic allograft nephropathy after renal transplantation. It has recently been demonstrated that treatment of asymptomatic hyperuricemia is associated with improved patient and graft survival; although, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The present study investigated the association of serum uric acid (SUA) and systemic arterial function after renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, arterial function was analyzed in 54 renal transplant recipients by means of pulse wave analysis. Different measurement techniques were combined providing data on pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, small and large artery elasticity, and total peripheral vascular resistance. RESULTS The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 87.0%, and 33.3% of renal transplant recipients received SUA lowering medication. The median SUA concentration was 7.4 mg/dL. There was no significant difference in all the aforementioned parameters in patients with a SUA <7.4 versus >7.4 mg/dL (p>0.05 each) and no significant differences between hyperuricemic patients with versus without SUA lowering medication. Linear regression analysis between SUA and both pulse wave velocity and augmentation index showed no significant association (p>0.05 each). This finding remained consistent after adjustment of data for age, time on dialysis, time since transplantation, and systolic blood (partial correlation analysis, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Neither the concentration of SUA nor the pharmacological treatment of hyperuricemia had measurable effects on arterial stiffness. Thus, the beneficial effects of SUA lowering treatment on patient and graft survival cannot be explained by direct effects on arterial function in the study population.

Blood-based detection of RAS mutations to guide anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer patients: concordance of results from circulating tumor DNA and tissue-based RAS testing

An accurate blood‐based RAS mutation assay to determine eligibility of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients for anti‐EGFR therapy would benefit clinical practice by better informing decisions to administer treatment independent of tissue availability. The objective of this study was to determine the level of concordance between plasma and tissue RAS mutation status in patients with mCRC to gauge whether blood‐based RAS mutation testing is a viable alternative to standard‐of‐care RAS tumor testing. RAS testing was performed on plasma samples from newly diagnosed metastatic patients, or from recurrent mCRC patients using the highly sensitive digital PCR technology, BEAMing (beads, emulsions, amplification, and magnetics), and compared with DNA sequencing data of respective FFPE (formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded) tumor samples. Discordant tissue RAS results were re‐examined by BEAMing, if possible. The prevalence of RAS mutations detected in plasma (51%) vs. tumor (53%) was similar, in accord with the known prevalence of RAS mutations observed in mCRC patient populations. The positive agreement between plasma and tumor RAS results was 90.4% (47/52), the negative agreement was 93.5% (43/46), and the overall agreement (concordance) was 91.8% (90/98). The high concordance of plasma and tissue results demonstrates that blood‐based RAS mutation testing is a viable alternative to tissue‐based RAS testing.