Synthesis of O-spiro-C-aryl glycosides using organocatalysis.

An organocatalysis strategy has been developed toward the synthesis of O-spiro-C-aryl glycosides with different configurations in the sugar part. This strategy has been extended to the synthesis of the Papulacandin class of compounds.

Hypertension and hyperparathyroidism are associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients on hemodialysis.

Conflicting data for association between left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and secondary hyperparathyroidism has been reported previously among dialysis patients. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of hyperparathyroidism and hypertension with LVH. Charts of 130 patients on hemodialysis for at least six months were reviewed.

Early sirolimus therapy in renal transplant recipients at high risk: is it justified?

Background: We studied early sirolimus (SRL) therapy in renal transplant recipients at high risk after administration of antithymocyte globulin or interleukin-2 receptor blockade induction.

Patients And Methods: In 45 patients, SRL therapy was started within 1 month after transplantation. The primary indications for conversion of treatment from calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs)-mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-steroid to SRL-MMF-steroid were biopsy-proved rejection (after treatment), CNI toxicity, CNI elimination, and acute tubular necrosis.

Long-term follow-up of 100 high-risk renal transplant recipients converted from calcineurin inhibitors to sirolimus: a single center experience.

While conversion of stable renal transplant recipients (RTR) from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to sirolimus (SRL) is safe and effective, it is still under investigation for recent, high-risk cases. We studied the long-term effects of conversion of high-risk subjects maintained on a CNI, mycophenolate mofetil, plus steroid regimen to SRL, mycophenolate mofetil, plus steroid on graft and patient outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the first 100 RTR converted to SRL treatment over approximately 5 years.

Low levels of Th1-type cytokines and increased levels of Th2-type cytokines in kidney transplant recipients with active cytomegalovirus infection.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major complication after kidney transplantation. It is clear that Th1 and Th2 cell subsets are of major importance in determining the class of immunoprotective function in infectious diseases. Given the strong influence exerted by Th1- and Th2-type immunity on the outcome of infections, we felt it important to elucidate the levels of Th1- and Th2-type cytokines to CMV-related antigens in kidney recipients and to identify antigens that play an essential role in preventing the development of CMV infection and/or disease.