Limitations of plasmid vaccines to complex viruses: selected myxoma virus antigens as DNA vaccines were not protective.

Myxoma virus, a poxvirus of the genus Leporipoxvirus, is the causative agent of the disease myxomatosis which is highly lethal in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Current vaccines to protect against myxomatosis are either attenuated live strains of the virus or the antigenically related rabbit fibroma virus. We examined the immune response of outbred domestic rabbits to the individual myxoma virus antigens M055R, M073R, M115L and M121R, delivered as DNA vaccines co-expressing rabbit interleukin-2 or interleukin-4.

Localized cutaneous posttransplant Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorder.

Localized cutaneous posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation. Biopsies demonstrate diffuse dermal proliferations of atypical lymphocytes with variable Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein-1 expression. Extracutaneous involvement is absent.

Magnitude and impact of abnormal mineral metabolism in hemodialysis patients in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS).

Background: Mineral metabolism has emerged as an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients, independent of bone and muscle concerns. Several expert panels have issued management guidelines for mineral metabolism.

Methods: The state of mineral metabolism (serum parathyroid hormone [PTH], phosphorus, calcium, and calcium-phosphorus product) was described for representative samples of patients and facilities from 7 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States) participating in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS I, 1996-2001; DOPPS II, 2002-2004).

Determinants of native arteriovenous fistula blood flow.

Background: Determinants of native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) placement have been well studied. Little is known on whether these factors impact on subsequent blood flow (Qa) in the mature AVF.

Methods: Arteriovenous fistula Qa and cardiac index (CI) were determined by ultrasound dilution.

Erythropoietic agents, iron and hemoglobin--What happens beyond the trial setting: observational data from the ANZDATA registry.

Background: The issues surrounding anemia management in patients receiving dialysis therapy are complex and widely debated. Although numerous trials have been published, clinical practice patterns may differ, particularly in the presence of uncertainty about the optimal management of anemia in this setting.

Methods: We examined data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) regarding use of erythropoietic agents (EA), hemoglobin, and ferritin concentrations and transferrin saturation in 8476 prevalent dialysis patients in Australia and New Zealand during the 6 months preceding March 31, 2001.

Anemia management and outcomes from 12 countries in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS).

Background: Anemia is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: Data collected from nationally representative samples of HD patients (n = 11,041) in 2002 to 2003 were used to describe current anemia management for long-term HD patients at 309 dialysis units in 12 countries. Analyses of associations and outcomes were adjusted for demographics, 15 comorbid classes, laboratory values, country, and facility clustering.

Atherosclerosis and folic acid supplementation trial in chronic renal failure: baseline results.

Background: Atherosclerosis and Folic Acid Supplementation Trial (ASFAST) is a randomized placebo controlled trial assessing whether high-dose folic acid can reduce cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis progression in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Here we report the baseline results and compare indices of arterial structure (carotid intima-medial thickness (IMT)) and function (systemic arterial compliance (SAC)), pressure augmentation index (AI(x)) and pulse wave velocity (PWV a-f and PWV f-d)) to age- and sex-matched controls.

Methods: Three hundred and fifteen subjects with CRF (serum creatinine > or = 0.

Expression of rabbit IL-4 by recombinant myxoma viruses enhances virulence and overcomes genetic resistance to myxomatosis.

Rabbit IL-4 was expressed in the virulent standard laboratory strain (SLS) and the attenuated Uriarra (Ur) strain of myxoma virus with the aim of creating a Th2 cytokine environment and inhibiting the development of an antiviral cell-mediated response to myxomatosis in infected rabbits. This allowed testing of a model for genetic resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits that have undergone 50 years of natural selection for resistance to myxomatosis. Expression of IL-4 significantly enhanced virulence of both virulent and attenuated virus strains in susceptible (laboratory) and resistant (wild) rabbits.

The three-dimensional organization of telomeres in the nucleus of mammalian cells.

Background: The observation of multiple genetic markers in situ by optical microscopy and their relevance to the study of three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal organization in the nucleus have been greatly developed in the last decade. These methods are important in cancer research because cancer is characterized by multiple alterations that affect the modulation of gene expression and the stability of the genome. It is, therefore, essential to analyze the 3D genome organization of the interphase nucleus in both normal and cancer cells.

Arterial function after successful renal transplantation.

Background: Renal transplantation is increasingly the preferred method of renal replacement therapy. Cardiovascular disease is the major barrier to long-term survival for transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to determine whether the increased arterial stiffness of patients with chronic renal failure is improved after successful renal transplantation.

Seasonal modifications in blood pressure are mainly related to interdialytic body weight gain in dialysis patients.

Background: Longitudinal studies in dialysis patients have identified seasonal variations in blood pressure that may follow climatic parameters such as external temperature and humidity. We aimed to assess the participation of interdialytic body weight gain variations in the seasonal profile of blood pressure.

Methods: Ninety-nine stable patients (40 F/59 M), 52.

Vascular access practice patterns in the New Zealand hemodialysis population.

Background: Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) prevalence varies significantly among different populations and countries. Physician practice patterns may have a strong influence on access type. We assessed differences in vascular access practice patterns across all treating centers in New Zealand.

Historical controlled trial of OKT3 versus basiliximab induction therapy in simultaneous pancreas-renal transplantation.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant recipients are at high immunological risk of rejection. Antibody induction is beneficial but lymphocyte-depleting therapy is associated with a high incidence of side-effects. We performed a historical controlled trial to compare OKT3 versus anti-CD25 antibody (basiliximab) induction therapy with regard to patient, kidney and pancreas survival, as well as to examine for any differences in acute rejection, graft function, and infective complications.

Cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients: a comparison of risk factors and cardioprotective therapy between 1996 and 2001.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality in dialysis patients. Aspirin, beta-blockers, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce CVD mortality in the general population, as may angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and usage rates of cardioprotective agents in end-stage renal failure are unknown.

Sequence mapping of the Californian MSW strain of Myxoma virus.

Partial sequence mapping of the MSW Californian strain of Myxoma virus was performed by cloning EcoRI and SalI restriction fragments of viral DNA and sequencing the ends of these. In this way, regions of 74 MSW open reading frames were sequenced and mapped onto the complete genome sequences of the related leporipoxviruses South American Myxoma virus and Rabbit fibroma virus to form a partial map of the MSW strain. In general, gene locations and sequences were conserved between the three viruses.

Treatment for lupus nephritis.

Background: Lupus nephritis is the renal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - a disease mainly affecting young women with substantial morbidity and mortality. It is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria I - VI based on histology. WHO Class IV is a diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis which has the worst prognosis without treatment, with a reported 17% five year survival in the era 1953-1969.

Immune response in rabbit ovaries following infection of a recombinant myxoma virus expressing rabbit zona pellucida protein B.

In this study, we investigated the autoimmune response in rabbit ovaries following infection with a recombinant myxoma virus expressing rabbit zona pellucida protein B (MV-ZPB). A specific IgG antibody response to ZPB was elicited in the serum of infected rabbits and the antibody strongly bound to the zona pellucida of oocytes in secondary and tertiary follicles. T cell infiltration in the ovary was detected in a small proportion of the infected rabbits.

Treatment of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: In this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we assess the benefits and harm of current treatments for diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN).

Methods: The Cochrane Controlled Trial Registry, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for RCTs of treatment for DPLN. All available RCTs of patients with biopsy-proven DPLN were included, and data were extracted for overall mortality, end-stage renal disease, doubling of serum creatinine level, relapse, major infection, herpes zoster infection, ovarian failure, malignancy, and bladder toxicity.

Vascular access and all-cause mortality: a propensity score analysis.

The native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access because of its longevity and its lower rates of infection and intervention. Recent studies suggest that the AVF may offer a survival advantage. Because these data were derived from observational studies, they are prone to potential bias.

Time and exercise improve phosphate removal in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Control of serum phosphate remains a difficult clinical issue in most hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study examines 2 nonpharmacological approaches to improving phosphate control in HD patients.

Methods: First, 9 stable HD patients underwent dialysis in random fashion for either 4 hours 3 times weekly or 5 hours 3 times weekly.

Effects of early and late intervention with epoetin alpha on left ventricular mass among patients with chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or 4): results of a randomized clinical trial.

It is not known whether prevention of anemia among patients with chronic kidney disease would affect the development or progression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. A randomized controlled trial was performed with 155 patients with chronic kidney disease (creatinine clearance, 15 to 50 ml/min), with entry hemoglobin concentrations ([Hb]) of 110 to 120 g/L (female patients) or 110 to 130 g/L (male patients). Patients were monitored for 2 yr or until they required dialysis; the patients were randomized to receive epoetin alpha as necessary to maintain [Hb] between 120 and 130 g/L (group A) or between 90 and 100 g/L (group B).

Parathyroid hormone: an early predictor of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Objective: To determine whether there is a correlation between the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) soon after thyroidectomy and the development of hypocalcemia.

Study Design: Prospective series of 40 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy or completion thyroidectomy between January 2001 and October 2002.

Method: Ionized calcium was measured before surgery and at 1, 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery.

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of intramuscular vitamin B12 for the treatment of hyperhomocysteinaemia in dialysis patients.

Background: Plasma homocysteine is elevated in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Folic acid has been shown to partially reduce homocysteine levels in dialysis patients. It is not known whether vitamin B12 reduces homocysteine independent of folic acid in patients who are not vitamin B12 deficient.