Depression,Anxiety, Resilience and Coping Pre and Post Kidney Transplantation – Initial Findings from the Psychiatric Impairments in Kidney Transplantation (PI-KT)-Study

Purpose

Depression/anxiety, impaired Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and coping and resilience structures, are associated with increased mortality/poor outcome in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before (CKD/pre-KT) and after kidney (CKD-T) transplantation. Less is known about prevalence rates of psychiatric symptoms and impaired HRQoL of non-transplanted compared with transplanted patients.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study comparing 101 CKD/pre-KT patients with 151 cadaveric-transplanted (CKD-T) patients, we examined prevalence of depression/anxiety (HADS questionnaire) and coping, resilience and HRQoL (SF-12, Resilience-Scale and FKV-questionnaire).

Results

The prevalence of both depressive and anxiety symptoms was not significantly different between different pre-/and CKD-T patient groups. In CKD-T no significant relations of coping strategies with kidney function were identified. Furthermore, the Resilience Scales for acceptance and competence did not suggest any differences between the CKD/pre-KT and CKD-T subgroup. In the CKD/pre-KT patients, significant correlations were identified between the acceptance subscale and partnership, as well as between the competence subscale and older age/partnership.

Conclusions

Both the CKD/pre-KT and CKD-T patients exhibited notable impairments in the HRQoL which which showed a comparable pattern of results. KT itself does not appear to be the main risk factor for the development of mental impairments.     

Sex Expression in Flowering

Sex expression constitutes a specific aspectof the physiology of flowering and provides agood subject for the study of differentiation.Although most plants are hermaphroditic, quitea number of them are monoecious or dioecious,in which one is faced with the specific problemof sex expression beyond the general problem offlowering. Our earlier work on this subject can be tra-ced back to 1957 (Tsao et al. 1957).Earlier work on potted plants In pot experiments, we have studied the     

Stabilisation of Emissive Charge-Separated States in π-Stacked Donor–acceptor Ensembles

π-Stacking of an electron donor and acceptor minimises reorganisation energy and stabilises charge- separated state.     

The Hepatoprotective Effect of Peroxiredoxin 6 in Ischemia–Reperfusion Kidney Injury

Biophysics - Oxidative stress caused by ischemia–reperfusion kidney injury may play a key role in liver dysfunction. To reduce liver and kidney damage in ischemia–reperfusion kidney...     

New Fluorescent Bichromophoric Probes for the Donor–Donor Energy Migration (DDEM) Studies

Three fluorescent probes were synthesized for studying the excitation energy migration between two identical fluorophores. Each probe has two identical fluorescent groups (dansyl, 7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-4-yl, or fluoresceinyl) linked by the rigid bis-(8-aminooctyl)amide of 4,4"-biphenyldicarbonic acid or flexible dotriacontanedioic acid spacer, which enables the intramolecular energy migration through the distance of 3.2–3.5 nm.     

Sex, Death, and Evolution in Proto- and Metazoa, 1876–1913

In the period 1875–1920, a debate about the generality and applicability of evolutionary theory to all organisms was motivated by work on unicellular ciliates like Paramecium because of their peculiar nuclear dualism and life cycles. The French cytologist Emile Maupas and the German zoologist August Weismann argued in the 1880s about the evolutionary origins and functions of sex (which in the ciliates is not linked to reproduction), and death (which appeared to be the inevitable fate of lineages denied sexual conjugation), an argument rooted in the question of whether the ciliates and their processes where homologous to other cellular organisms. In the beginning of the twentieth century, this question of homology came to be less important as the ciliates were used by the British protozoologist Clifford Dobell and the American zoologist Herbert Spencer Jennings to study evolutionary processes in general rather than problems of development and cytology. For them, homology mattered less than analogy. This story illustrates two partially distinct problems in evolutionary biology: first, the question of whether all living things have common features and origins; and second, whether their history and current nature can be described by identical mechanisms. Where Maupas (contra Weismann) made the ciliates qualitatively the same as all other organisms in order to create a cohesive evolutionary theory for biology, Jennings and Dobell made them qualitatively different in order to achieve the same end. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Sex differences in children’s investment in peers

It is hypothesized from within an evolutionary framework that females should be less invested in peer relations than males. Investment was operationalized as enjoyment in Study 1 and as preference for interaction in Study 2. In the first study, four- and six-year-old children’s enjoyment of peer interaction was observed in 26 groups of same-sex peers. Girls were rated as enjoying their interactions significantly less than boys. In the second study, six- and nine-year-old children were interviewed about the individuals with whom they spend time in their homes and neighborhoods and about the individuals who participate in their favorite activities. The proportion of individuals named by children who were peers was significantly lower for girls than boys both in children’s neighborhoods and in children’s favorite activities. Results strongly support the hypothesis that females and males have evolved differential preferences for interaction with peers.     

On Donor–Acceptor Relations and Growth Correlation in Shoot Development of the Pedunculate Oak Germling

We studied the first cycle of shoot growth of the Quercus robur L. germlings in which the donor–acceptor relations were changed by removing a part of cotyledons, growing in darkness, or removing growing leaf blades. In all cases, the greatest changes in growth and growth correlations were observed in the shoot upper metameres carrying leaf blades and the least, in lower metameres preformed in the acorn embryo. The removal of growing leaves changed the rhythm of shoot growth.     

Renal cell cancer in Israel: Sex and ethnic differences in incidence and mortality, 1980–2004

Background: The causes of renal cell cancer (RCC) remain largely unexplained. While the incidence is generally higher in men than in women, little has been reported on ethnic differences. We examine trends in RCC incidence and mortality rates among Israeli Arab and Jewish populations and compared with the rates in other countries. Methods: Age-adjusted RCC incidence and mortality rates in Israel, during 1980–2004, were calculated by sex and population group, using the National Cancer Registry. They were compared with the United States based on the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] program and the IARC database for international comparisons. Results: While RCC incidence rates in Israel are similar to the United States and the European average, the rates are significantly higher among Israeli Jews than Arabs. Men are affected more than women. Incidence rates over the last 24 years have increased among all men and Jewish women, but not among Arab women. Among men, the incidence rate ratio for Jews to Arabs declined from 3.96 in 1980–1982 to 2.34 in 2001–2004, whereas for women there was no change. The mortality rates were higher among Jews than Arab and among men than women. There were no significant change in the mortality rates and rate ratios. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate marked ethnic differences in RCC in Israel. The lower incidence among Arabs stands in contrast to the higher prevalence of potential risk factors for RCC in this population group. Genetic factors, diet and other lifestyle factors could play protective roles.     

Testosterone-“Regulon” in the Mouse Kidney

Proximal tubule cells of the mouse kidney (metanephros) are normally extremely responsive to testosterone and its intracellular metabolites. The X-linked Tfm mutation recovered by Lyon and Hawkes seems to represent an i^s (repressor noninducible) mutation of the regulatory locus.     

Donor atom preferences in substitution reactions of trans-platinum mononucleobase compounds: Implications for DNA–protein selectivity

The competitive reactions of mononucleobase cations SP-4-2-[PtCl(9-EtGua)(NH₃)(quinoline)]⁺, 1, and trans-[PtCl(9-EtGua)(pyridine)₂]⁺, 2, with 5′-guanosine monophosphate (5′-GMP) and N-Acetylmethionine (N-AcMet) were studied by ¹H NMR Spectroscopy. The results confirmed the previously observed kinetic selectivity for sulfur over nitrogen binding. The symmetric bis(pyridine) complex reacted faster than the ammine/quinoline moiety – the estimated half-times for reaction with 5′-GMP and N-AcMet were, respectively, 7.4 and 2.3 h for 1 and 4.90 and <0.75 h for 2. Thus modification of the planar amine can enhance sulfur selectivity – based on the observed rates a S/N selectivity ratio of 3.2 is obtained for 1 but >6.5 for 2. Applications of these findings were extended to study the reaction of 1 and 2 with Ubiquitin. One principal adduct corresponding to chloride displacement is observed for both species and in this case little difference in rate is observed. The likely binding site is the unique methionine residue. The percentage of platinum-bound ubiquitin is higher for 1 and 2 than the parent dichlorides trans-[PtCl₂(NH₃)(quinoline)] and trans-[PtCl₂(pyridine)₂]. The results suggest that systematic ligand modification can modulate sulfur donor specificity and suggest possible structural features for design of platinum-based bifunctional DNA–protein cross-linking agents, rather than the DNA–DNA cross-linking principally adopted by the anticancer drug cisplatin and congeners.     

Sex in flies: what 'body--mind' dichotomy?

Sexual behavior in Drosophila results from interactions of multiple neural and genetic pathways. Male-specific fruitless (fruM) is a major component inducing male behaviors, but recent work indicates key roles for other sex-specific and sex-non-specific components. Notably, male-like courtship by retained (retn) mutant females reveals an intrinsic pathway for male behavior independent of fruM, while behavioral differences between males and females with equal levels of fruM expression indicate involvement of another sex-specific component. Indeed, sex-specific products of doublesex (dsxF and dsxM), that control sexual differentiation of the body, also contribute to sexual behavior and neural development of both sexes. In addition, the single product of the dissatisfaction (dsf) gene is needed for appropriate behavior in both sexes, implying additional complexities and levels of control. The genetic mechanisms controlling sexual behavior are similar to those controlling body sexual development, suggesting biological advantages of modifying an intermediate intrinsic pathway in generation of two substantially different behavioral or morphological states.     

A Sex Chromosome piRNA Promotes Robust Dosage Compensation and Sex Determination in C. elegans

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Should Children Be Given Priority in Kidney Allocation?

Kidneys for transplantation are scarce, and many countries give priority to children in allocating them. This paper explains and criticizes the paediatric priority. We set out the relevant ethical principles of allocation, such as utility and severity, and the relevant facts to do with such matters as sensitization and child development. We argue that the facts and principles do not support and sometimes conflict with the priority given to children. We next consider various views on how age or the status of children should affect allocation. Again, these views do not support priority to children in its current form. Since distinctions based on age ought to be positively justified, the failure of all these attempts at justification implies that the priority to children is ethically mistaken. Finally, the paper points to evidence that the paediatric priority reduces the overall supply of kidneys, at least in the United States. Paediatric priority is a real-world policy that seems discriminatory, in some places probably reduces the supply of organs, has no robust official defence, and is unsupported by mainstream ethical principles. Consequently, it should be ended.     

Failure-to-Thrive Syndrome Associated with Tumor Formation by Madin–Darby Canine Kidney Cells in Newborn Nude Mice

Tumors that formed in newborn nude mice that were inoculated with 10⁷ Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were associated with a failure-to-thrive (FTT) syndrome consisting of growth retardation, lethargy, weakness, and dehydration. Scoliosis developed in 41% of affected pups. Pups were symptomatic by week 2; severely affected pups became moribund and required euthanasia within 3 to 4 wk. Mice with FTT were classified into categories of mild, moderate, and severe disease by comparing their weight with that of age-matched normal nude mice. The MDCK-induced tumors were adenocarcinomas that invaded adjacent muscle, connective tissue, and bone; 6 of the 26 pups examined had lung metastases. The induction of FTT did not correlate with cell-line aggressiveness as estimated by histopathology or the efficiency of tumor formation (tumor-forming dose 50% endpoint range = 10^2.8 to 10^7.5); however, tumor invasion of the paravertebral muscles likely contributed to the scoliosis noted. In contrast to the effect of MDCK cells, tumor formation observed in newborn mice inoculated with highly tumorigenic, human-tumor–derived cell lines was not associated with FTT development. We suggest that tumor formation and FTT are characteristics of these MDCK cell inocula and that FTT represents a new syndrome that may be similar to the cachexia that develops in humans with cancer or other diseases.Abbreviations: FTT, failure-to-thrive; MDCK, Madin–Darby canine kidney; TPD₅₀, tumor-producing dose log₁₀ 50% endpointThe Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line was established in 1958 from the kidney of a cocker spaniel.^6,16 Since 1962, this cell line has been an important reagent for the isolation and study of influenza viruses^8,22,31 and, more recently, for the development and manufacture of influenza virus vaccines.^3,7,19 MDCK cells are polarized, epithelial cells that exhibit properties of renal tubular epithelium and have been used as in vitro models to evaluate renal tubular functions.^24,36 Due to their apparent lack of expression of a tumorigenic phenotype in rodents,²⁵ MDCK cells have also been used to study neoplastic processes including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition^23,27,28 and to assess the effects of viral oncogenes and chemical carcinogens on their phenotype.^13,32The results of studies that evaluate the ability of MDCK cells to form tumors in vivo have varied. Early studies found that these cells could produce tumors in chicken embryos but not in mature BALB/c nude mice.¹⁴ In contrast, MDCK cells formed progressively growing adenocarcinomas in newborn BALB/c nude mice, but tumor growth ceased as the pups approached maturity.²⁵ More recently, 2 different sublines of MDCK cells developed by independent groups were shown to be tumorigenic in athymic nude mice; but the incidence of tumor formation did not correlate with cell dose.^33-35As an initial approach to the study of neoplastic development in cells in culture, we evaluated the ability of MDCK cells to form tumors in athymic nude mice. We previously described the tumor-forming capacity of MDCK cells from different lots obtained from ATCC.²¹ That study revealed that MDCK cells from each of these lots formed tumors efficiently in adult and newborn nude mice, but the capacity of the cells to form tumors differed from lot to lot. During the initial experiments on MDCK cell tumor-forming efficiency in newborn nude mice, we observed what appeared to be a syndrome whose symptoms included tumor formation and disrupted growth leading to a failure-to-thrive (FTT) condition manifested by morbidity that required euthanasia of those pups most severely affected. During the study on the development of FTT, we found that the FTT syndrome occurred in newborn nude mice inoculated with 3 different sublines of MDCK cells. The current report describes an FTT syndrome associated with the formation of tumors by 10⁷ MDCK cells in newborn, athymic, nude mice.