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Correia M, Araújo C, Reis H, Mendes S, Martins L. Fracture of a pacemaker lead. Rev Port Cardiol 2010; 29:1641-1642. [PMID: 21265499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
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Santos M, Summavielle T, Teixeira-Castro A, Silva-Fernandes A, Duarte-Silva S, Marques F, Martins L, Dierssen M, Oliveira P, Sousa N, Maciel P. Monoamine deficits in the brain of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 null mice suggest the involvement of the cerebral cortex in early stages of Rett syndrome. Neuroscience 2010; 170:453-67. [PMID: 20633611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). Several neural systems are affected in Rett, resulting in an autonomic dysfunction, a movement disorder with characteristic loss of locomotor abilities and profound cognitive impairments. A deregulation of monoamines has been detected in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of both Rett patients and a Rett syndrome murine model, the Mecp2 knock-out mouse. Our goal was to characterize the onset and progression of motor dysfunction in Mecp2(tm1.1Bird) knock-out mice and the possible neurochemical alterations in different brain regions potentially playing a role in Rett-like pathophysiology, at two different time-points, at weaning (3 weeks old) and in young adults when overt symptoms are observed (8 weeks old). Our results revealed significant age- and region-dependent impairments in these modulatory neurotransmitter systems that correspond well with the motor phenotype observed in these mice. At 3 weeks of age, male Mecp2 knock-out mice exhibited ataxia and delayed motor initiation. At this stage, noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission was mainly altered in the prefrontal and motor cortices, whereas during disease progression the neurochemical changes were also observed in hippocampus and cerebellum. Our data suggest that the deregulation of norepinephrine and serotonin systems in brain regions that participate in motor control are involved in the pathophysiology of Rett syndrome motor phenotypes. Moreover, we highlight the contribution of cortical regions along with the brainstem to be in the origin of the pathology and the role of hippocampus and cerebellum in the progression of the disease rather than in its establishment.
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Pereira S, Pedroso S, Martins L, Santos P, Almeida M, Freitas C, Dias L, Dores J, Almeida R, Castro Henriques A, Teixeira M. Bone Mineral Density After Simultaneous Kidney–Pancreas Transplantation: Four Years Follow-up of 57 Recipients. Transplant Proc 2010; 42:555-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Martins L, Henriques A, Dias L, Almeida M, Pedroso S, Freitas C, Pereira S, Fructuoso M, Dores J, Oliveira F, Almeida R, Cabrita A, Teixeira M. Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation: Complications and Readmissions in 9-Years of Follow-up. Transplant Proc 2010; 42:552-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lima S, Pontes-Arruda A, Martins L, Pinheiro M. Effects of an olive oil-based lipid emulsion (ClinOleic) versus LCT/MCT-based lipid emulsions upon the inflammatory markers of critically ill patients (EPICOS Study). Crit Care 2010. [PMCID: PMC2934046 DOI: 10.1186/cc8794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Jean-Paul A, Chaumeil A, Combes S, Senouf D, Martins L, Deplagne A, Combes N, Boveda S. Atrial Fibrillation Electroanatomical 3D Mapping Optimisation Thanks to a Novel High-density Mapping Catheter – The Inquiry™ AFocus™ II. Eur Cardiol 2010. [DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2010.6.3.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The OneMap™ tool, a new software feature of the EnSite Velocity™ System, and the new Inquiry™ AFocus™ II double loop duodecapolar diagnostic catheter (DDC) were created to provide faster data collection to efficiently deal with complex arrhythmias such as persistent atrial fibrillation ablation (AF). Our study was performed to compare acquisition criteria, time needed to create the maps, number of collected points, relevance of complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFE) mapping and correlation between CFE maps with the new DDC and a 4mm irrigated ablation catheter (ABL), Therapy™ Cool Path™ Duo, using the OneMap tool. Ten patients undergoing persistent AF ablation were enrolled. With the DDC, more points were collected (485±173 versus 183±37) and the time needed to create CFE maps was shorter (12±4 versus 24±2 minutes). There were 39 zones detected with the DDC against 35 with the ABL. The correlation between the maps was 80%; however, four additional regions were detected with the DDC (an 11% increase). In conclusion, the Inquiry AFocus II DDC is a feasible, fast and accurate tool for automatic CFE mapping using OneMap.
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Pontes-Arruda A, Martins L, Lima S, Pinheiro M. Impact of multichamber bag parenteral nutrition (OliClinomel) upon inflammatory markers (EPICOS Study). Crit Care 2010. [PMCID: PMC2934467 DOI: 10.1186/cc8792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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58
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Oliveira JT, Santos TC, Martins L, Silva MA, Marques AP, Castro AG, Neves NM, Reis RL. Performance of new gellan gum hydrogels combined with human articular chondrocytes for cartilage regeneration when subcutaneously implanted in nude mice. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2009; 3:493-500. [DOI: 10.1002/term.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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59
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Polonia J, Martins L. A comprehensive review on salt and health and current experience of worldwide salt reduction programmes. J Hum Hypertens 2009; 23:771-2. [DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2009.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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60
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Martins L, Malheiro J, Henriques AC, Dias L, Dores J, Oliveira F, Seca R, Almeida R, Sarmento AM, Cabrita A, Teixeira M. Pancreas-kidney transplantation and the evolution of pancreatic autoantibodies. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:913-5. [PMID: 19376387 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The recurrence or persistence of pancreatic autoantibodies after pancreas-kidney transplantation (PKT) is an intriguing finding. We prospectively analyzed 77 PKTs, searching for risk factors for the expression of these autoimmune markers and their impact on pancreas graft function. Among the 77 PKTs, 24.7% had 0 HLA matches, 20.8% displayed delayed graft function, and 14.3% had acute rejection episodes. Immunosuppression included antithymocyte globulin (ATG), tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and steroids. Sixty-five patients had both grafts functioning as a follow-up of more than 6 months. In 11 patients anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) positivity persists (n = 8) or has recurred (n = 3), 4 of whom show increasing titers. Two patients maintain positive islet cell antibodies (ICA) and anti-GAD antibodies. The 9 patients positive for ICA included 2 who were negative before PKT and 7 who remain positive. The "positive" group (22 patients with positive ICA and/or anti-GAD) did not differ from the global group of 65 functioning PKT in terms of acute rejection episodes, HLA match, and steroid withdrawal. Among the positive patients, there were 2 with borderline glucose levels; however, among the entire "positive" group, the mean fasting glucose, HbA1c, and C-peptide measurements were not significantly different, when compared with the other 65 PKTs. In conclusion, pancreatic autoantibodies may be persistently positive or recur after PKT, despite appropriate immunosuppression. Its impact on long-term pancreas graft survival is unknown. We could not identify risk factors for their expression. An extended follow-up with monitoring and search for other risk factors may be necessary to increase our knowledge in this field.
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Torres R, Martins L, Picoral M, Auzani J, Fernandes T, Torres I, Ferreira M, Andrade C, Belló-Klein A, Cardoso P. The Potential Protective Effect of Low Potassium Dextran against Lipid Peroxidation in a Rat Lung Transplantation Model. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2009; 57:309-11. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Gobert FN, Lamoureux M, Hervé du Penhoat MA, Ricoul M, Boissière A, Touati A, Abel F, Politis MF, Fayard B, Guigner JM, Martins L, Testard I, Sabatier L, Chetioui A. Chromosome aberrations and cell inactivation induced in mammalian cells by ultrasoft X‐rays: correlation with the core ionizations in DNA. Int J Radiat Biol 2009; 80:135-45. [PMID: 15164795 DOI: 10.1080/09553000310001654710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by soft X-rays. To see if the core ionization of DNA atoms is involved in this end-point as much as it appears to be in cell killing. MATERIALS AND METHODS V79 hamster cells were irradiated by synchrotron radiation photons iso-attenuated in the cell (250, 350, 810eV). The morphological chromosome aberrations detected in the first post-irradiation cell division (dicentrics and centric rings) were studied by Giemsa staining. RESULTS The chromosome aberrations at 350eV were, respectively, 2.6 +/- 0.8 and 2.1 +/- 0.8 times more numerous than at 250 and 810eV for the same average dose absorbed by the nucleus. These relative effectivenesses are comparable with the ones already measured for cell killing. Moreover, they roughly vary such as the relative numbers of core ionizations (including in the phosphorus L-shell) produced in DNA and its bound water (water being involved only at 810eV through the oxygen atoms). In particular, they reproduce the characteristic twofold enhancement at 350eV, above the carbon K threshold. CONCLUSIONS Correlations suggest that the core ionization process is likely a common and essential mechanism initiating both chromosome aberration and cell killing end-points at these photon energies.
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Dikmen S, Martins L, Pontes E, Hansen PJ. Genotype effects on body temperature in dairy cows under grazing conditions in a hot climate including evidence for heterosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2009; 53:327-331. [PMID: 19263087 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-009-0218-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We compared diurnal patterns of vaginal temperature in lactating cows under grazing conditions to evaluate genotype effects on body temperature regulation. Genotypes evaluated were Holstein, Jersey, Jersey x Holstein and Swedish Red x Holstein. The comparison of Holstein and Jersey versus Jersey x Holstein provided a test of whether heterosis effects body temperature regulation. Cows were fitted with intravaginal temperature recording devices that measured vaginal temperature every 15 min for 7 days. Vaginal temperature was affected by time of day (P < 0.0001) and genotype x time (P < 0.0001) regardless of whether days in milk and milk yield were used as covariates. Additional analyses indicated that the Swedish Red x Holstein had a different pattern of vaginal temperatures than the other three genotypes (Swedish Red x Holstein vs others x time; P < 0.0001) and that Holstein and Jersey had a different pattern than Jersey x Holstein [(Holstein + Jersey vs Jersey x Holstein) x time, P < 0.0001]. However, Holstein had a similar pattern to Jersey [(Holstein vs Jersey) x time, P > 0.10]. These genotype x time interactions reflect two effects. First, Swedish Red x Holstein had higher vaginal temperatures than the other genotypes in the late morning and afternoon but not after the evening milking. Secondly, Jersey x Holstein had lower vaginal temperatures than other genotypes in the late morning and afternoon and again in the late night and early morning. Results point out that there are effects of specific genotypes and evidence for heterosis on regulation of body temperature of lactating cows maintained under grazing conditions and suggest that genetic improvement for thermotolerance through breed choice or genetic selection is possible.
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Malheiro J, Martins L, Fonseca I, Gomes A, Santos J, Dias L, Dores J, Oliveira F, Seca R, Almeida R, Henriques A, Cabrita A, Teixeira M. Steroid Withdrawal in Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation: A 7-Year Report. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:909-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Schulz V, Kozell K, Biondo PD, Stiles C, Martins L, Tonkin K, Hagen NA. The malignant wound assessment tool: a validation study using a Delphi approach. Palliat Med 2009; 23:266-73. [PMID: 19318462 DOI: 10.1177/0269216309102536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant wounds, caused by the direct invasion of cancer into the skin, occur in cancer patients with primary skin tumours and as cutaneous metastasis in approximately 10% of patients with metastatic internal malignancies. Malignant wounds have a profound impact on patients, family members and health care providers. The assessment of the patient with malignant wounds can be complex and there is no widely accepted, consistent approach. Valid, descriptive survey research methods were used to develop the Malignant Wound Assessment Tool (MWAT). The authors developed two versions of the MWAT: a brief clinical version (MWAT-C) and a more detailed research version (MWAT-R). Domains include clinical wound features, physical effects and emotional and social impacts of the wound. The two tools underwent content and construct validity testing using a Delphi process. An international panel of professionals with clinical or research expertise related to malignant wounds was formed. Panelists participated in two rounds of review for each tool. Development and face validity testing of the MWAT-C and MWAT-R tools through the Delphi process have resulted in tools ready for clinical application and will support clinical and research activities to improve care for patients with this devastating condition.
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Oliveira JT, Martins L, Picciochi R, Malafaya PB, Sousa RA, Neves NM, Mano JF, Reis RL. Gellan gum: A new biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering applications. J Biomed Mater Res A 2009; 93:852-63. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.32574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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67
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Ferreira M, Crespo M, Martins L, Félix A. HPV DNA detection and genotyping in 21 cases of primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina. Mod Pathol 2008; 21:968-72. [PMID: 18500261 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2008.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is rare, and the role of human papilloma virus in its pathogenesis remains unclear. The aims of our study were to determine the distribution of human papilloma virus genotypes in 21 cases of primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina and to correlate human papilloma virus genotype with histological subtypes. Patients' clinical records were reviewed for demographic data and the stage of the disease. Tumors (n=21) were classified according to the World Health Organization criteria. Human papilloma virus genotyping (INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping) was performed in the whole series, and statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's Exact Test and with Student's t-test. The patients' age ranged from 36 to 88 (mean 65) years. Six cases were keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, and 15 cases were non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (seven non-keratinizing not otherwise specified, three basaloid, and five warty types). The median age of patients with keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma was 73.8 years and that of non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma patients was 61.5 years (P=0.08). Human papilloma virus DNA was detected in 17 cases (81%): 13 non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (87%) and four keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (67%) (P=0.31). The human papilloma virus genotypes identified were: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 40, and 58, with human papilloma virus 16 DNA the most prevalent (33%). Invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is frequently associated with human papilloma virus infection, and human papilloma virus 16 is the most common genotype. Although without statistical significance, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma is more frequent in older patients, whereas non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma more frequently affects younger women. All studied histological subtypes are strongly associated with human papilloma virus infection.
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Martins L, Fonseca I, Sousa S, Matos C, Santos J, Dias L, Henriques AC, Sarmento AM, Cabrita A. The influence of HLA mismatches and immunosuppression on kidney graft survival: an analysis of more than 1300 patients. Transplant Proc 2007; 39:2489-93. [PMID: 17954156 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
New immunosuppressive drugs used in kidney transplantation decreased the incidence of acute rejection. It was hypothesized that, with their power, the importance of HLA matching was decreased. To evaluate the influence of HLA matching, immunosuppression, and other possible risk factors, we analyzed data of 1314 consecutive deceased donor kidney transplantation. We divided the patient population into 4 cohorts, according to the era of transplantation: era 1, before 1990, azathioprine (Aza) and cyclosporine (Csa) no microemulsion; era 2, between 1990 and 1995, Csa microemulsion; era 3, between 1996 and 2000, wide use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG); and era 4, after 2000, marked by sirolimus and tacrolimus (TAC) use. Multivariate analysis compared death-censored graft survival. Using as reference the results obtained with 0 HLA mismatches, we verified, during era 1 and era 2, an increased risk of graft loss for all of the subgroups with HLA mismatch >0. However, during era 3 and era 4, the number of HLA mismatches did not influence graft survival. Although acute rejection and delayed graft function, which decreased in the later periods, remained as prognostic factors for graft loss. Considering the immunosuppressive protocol with Csa+Aza+Pred as reference, protocols used after 1995 with Pred+Csa+ATG, with Pred+Csa+MMF, and with Pred+Tac+MMF presented better survival results. Results showed that the significance of HLA matching decreased while the results improved with the new immunosuppressant drugs. These observations support the hypothesis that the weakened importance of HLA matching may be a consequence of the increasing efficacy of the immunosuppression.
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Bazzaoui M, Martins J, Machnikova E, Bazzaoui E, Martins L. Polypyrrole films electrosynthesized on stainless steel grid from saccharinate aqueous solution and its behaviour toward acetone vapor. Eur Polym J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2007.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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70
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Golbert L, Kolling JHG, Leitão AH, Martins L, Kimura ET, Maia AL. H-RAS gene expression in human multinodular goiter. Histol Histopathol 2007; 22:409-16. [PMID: 17290351 DOI: 10.14670/hh-22.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The RAS protooncogene has an important, although not yet established role in thyroid neoplasia. In this study, we evaluated the H-RAS mRNA and protein levels in human samples of nontoxic and toxic multinodular goiter samples, according to serum TSH levels. The mean of H-RAS mRNA levels in nodules of nontoxic nodular goiter were significantly increased compared to nonnodular tissue (1.49+/-1.21 vs. 0.94+/-0.81 AU, P=0.016). Nine of the 18 specimens (50%) of nontoxic multinodular goiter exhibited increased levels of H-RAS mRNA. The increased H-RAS mRNA levels were paralleled by inRAcreased H-Ras protein levels in about 90% of the cases. Interestingly, no differences were observed in H-RAS expression between nodules and adjacent nonnodular tissue in toxic nodular goiters (0.58+/-0.27 vs. 0.58+/-0.20 AU, P=0.88). None of the 10 samples from toxic multinodular goiters exhibited overexpression of H-RAS. The H-RAS expression was positively correlated with thyroglobulin expression (r2=0.51; P=0.04). In conclusion, we demonstrated increased levels of H-RAS mRNA and protein in samples of nontoxic multinodular goiter, indicating that it might be involved in goiter pathogenesis. In contrast, H-RAS overexpression was not detected in any of the samples of toxic multinodular goiter, suggesting different mechanisms for cell proliferation in nodular goiter according to thyroid status.
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Bazzaoui M, Martins J, Bazzaoui E, Martins L, Machnikova E. Sweet aqueous solution for electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole part 1B: On copper and its alloys. Electrochim Acta 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2006.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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72
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Pedroso S, Martins L, Fonseca I, Dias L, Henriques AC, Sarmento AM, Cabrita A. Impact of hepatitis C virus on renal transplantation: association with poor survival. Transplant Proc 2006; 38:1890-4. [PMID: 16908314 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Data concerning the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the long-term outcome of patient and allograft survival are conflicting. We performed a retrospective study including all renal transplant recipients who underwent the procedure at our center between July 1983 and December 2004. We compared HCV-positive (n = 155) versus HCV-negative (n = 1044) recipients for the prevalence of anti-HCV, patient/donor characteristics, and graft/patient survival. The prevalence of HCV-positive patients was 12%. The anti-HCV positive recipients displayed a longer time on dialysis (P < .001), more blood transfusions prior to transplant (P < .001), and a higher number of previous transplants (P < .001). There were no differences in the incidence of acute rejection between the two groups. Patient (P = .006) and graft survival (P = .012) were significantly lower in the HCV-positive than the HCV-negative group. Graft survival censored for patient death with a functioning kidney did not differ significantly between HCV-positive and HCV-negative recipients (P = .083). Death from infectious causes was significantly higher among the HCV-positive group (P = .014). We concluded that HCV infection had a significant detrimental impact on patient and renal allograft prognosis. Death from infectious causes was significantly more frequent among HCV-positive than the non-HCV population.
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Silva R, Lu J, Wu Y, Martins L, Almeida OFX, Sousa N. Mapping cellular gains and losses in the postnatal dentate gyrus: Implications for psychiatric disorders. Exp Neurol 2006; 200:321-31. [PMID: 16624303 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2006.02.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2005] [Revised: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenesis and apoptosis occur contemporaneously in the postnatal hippocampal dentate gyrus and have been implicated in mood and cognitive disorders. Particularly, neurogenesis correlates with the manifestation of antidepressant effects, but its quantitative and topographical relationship with concomitant cell death has not been investigated. Accordingly, we applied stereological measurements to obtain synchronized topographical maps of these two events in rats aged 1 and 3 months under basal conditions; the two ages were chosen to represent neuro-developmental windows during which cell proliferation and death are occurring at peak and relatively steady levels, respectively. Our analysis shows that apoptotic cells are evenly distributed throughout the dentate gyrus, although the incidence of apoptosis decreased gradient-wise from the tip of the suprapyramidal layer and was highest in the external third of the granule cell layer. Interestingly, apoptosis was higher in the left hippocampus. In addition, we confirm previous less stringent studies demonstrating that neurogenesis occurs differentially in the dorsal-ventral axis of the hippocampus and in suprapyramidal-infrapyramidal blades of the dentate gyrus. These results raise intriguing new questions regarding the coordinated regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis and apoptosis since the two processes apparently share common regulatory factors. In addition, these findings open questions with respect to the functional significance of topographical gradients in neurogenesis and apoptosis in the context of the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases and the reported dependence on the efficacy of therapeutic agents on the generation of new hippocampal neurons.
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Martins L, Pedroso S, Henriques AC, Dias L, Sarmento AM, Seca R, Oliveira F, Dores J, Lhamas A, Coelho T, Ribeiro A, Esteves S, Pereira R, Almeida R, Amil M, Cabrita A, Teixeira M. Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation: Five-Year Results From a Single Center. Transplant Proc 2006; 38:1929-32. [PMID: 16908326 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.06.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We report the 5-year results of our simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) program, started on May 2, 2000. Forty-two SPKT were performed on 42 type I diabetic patients with chronic renal failure. The procedure was performed with enteric diversion and vascular anastomosis to the iliac vessels. Immunosuppressive protocol included antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. The 24 women and 18 men had a mean age of 33.5 +/- 6.3 years and mean 22.8 +/- 14.2 years time of diabetes evolution. Forty patients had been on dialysis for 34.3 +/- 24.1 months, and two were preemptive transplantations. Acute rejection episodes were treated in eight patients (19.1%): in three cases they affected both organs; in two only the kidney was affected; and the other three were pancreas graft rejections. The incidence of postoperative complications requiring re-operation was 42.9%, mostly pancreas graft related. Two patients died, one due to cardiovascular disease; the other was transplant related. Three kidney grafts were lost, and the causes were immunologic, thrombosis, and patient death. Pancreas graft loss occurred in seven patients: thrombosis (n = 3); infection (n = 3); immunologic (n = 1). The patients with surviving grafts were doing well, with normal kidney and pancreas function: serum creatinine = 0.89 +/- 0.15 mg/dL; fasting blood glucose = 79 +/- 16 mg/dL; HbA1c = 4.7 +/- 1.1%. The 1-year patient, kidney, and pancreas survival rates were 97.3%, 94.6%, and 83.8% and 5-year values, 91.7%, 89.2%, and 78.7%, respectively. In conclusion, these results are similar to the most recent UNOS/IPTR reports, leading us to consider our experience with SPKT very positive.
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Pedroso S, Martins L, Fonseca I, Dias L, Henriques AC, Sarmento AM, Cabrita A. Renal Transplantation in Patients Over 60 Years of Age: A Single-Center Experience. Transplant Proc 2006; 38:1885-9. [PMID: 16908313 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2006.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) increases with advancing age. In most countries renal transplant recipients are getting older, too. Transplantation must be considered for ESRD patients older than 60 years; however, there are few data regarding outcomes in this population. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of recipients aged > or =60 years (n = 43) who underwent primary or repeated grafts from August 1988 to December 2004. We then compared recipient and donor characteristics as well as graft and patient survivals with recipients aged 18 to 59 years (n = 1058) who were transplanted during the same time. Donor age tended to be higher among the oldest recipient group (P < .001). Mean follow-up was significantly shorter in the group aged > or =60 years (P < .001), as our institution only recently has frequently accepted patients > or =60 years. Older recipients showed more frequent delayed graft function (P = .007), longer initial hospitalization (P = .005), and a significantly lower incidence of posttransplant acute rejection episodes (P = .015). Patient (P = .057), graft (P = .407), and death-censored graft (P = .649) survivals were not different between the two groups. Seven recipients aged > or =60 years died; the main cause of which was cardiovascular in origin. The loss of organs (n = 11) in the older patients was mainly due to death with a functioning kidney (54.5%). Our results confirm that renal transplant must be considered in selected patients older than 60 years as patient and graft survivals are similar to those of younger patients.
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