Effect of TRPV4 Antagonist GSK2798745 on Chlorine Gas-Induced Acute Lung Injury in a Swine Model.

As a regulator of alveolo-capillary barrier integrity, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) antagonism represents a promising strategy for reducing pulmonary edema secondary to chemical inhalation. In an experimental model of acute lung injury induced by exposure of anesthetized swine to chlorine gas by mechanical ventilation, the dose-dependent effects of TRPV4 inhibitor GSK2798745 were evaluated. Pulmonary function and oxygenation were measured hourly; airway responsiveness, wet-to-dry lung weight ratios, airway inflammation, and histopathology were assessed 24 h post-exposure.

Deceased donors as nondirected donors in kidney paired donation.

As proof of concept, we simulate a revised kidney allocation system that includes deceased donor (DD) kidneys as chain-initiating kidneys (DD-CIK) in a kidney paired donation pool (KPDP), and estimate potential increases in number of transplants. We consider chains of length 2 in which the DD-CIK gives to a candidate in the KPDP, and that candidate's incompatible donor donates to theDD waitlist. In simulations, we vary initial pool size, arrival rates of candidate/donor pairs and (living) nondirected donors (NDDs), and delay time from entry to the KPDP until a candidate is eligible to receive a DD-CIK.

KPDGUI: An interactive application for optimization and management of a virtual kidney paired donation program.

Background And Objectives: The aim in kidney paired donation (KPD) is typically to maximize the number of transplants achieved through the exchange of donors in a pool comprising incompatible donor-candidate pairs and non-directed (or altruistic) donors. With many possible options in a KPD pool at any given time, the most appropriate set of exchanges cannot be determined by simple inspection. In practice, computer algorithms are used to determine the optimal set of exchanges to pursue.

An efficient algorithm to enumerate sets with fallbacks in a kidney paired donation program.

Kidney paired donation is a partial solution to overcoming biological incompatibility preventing kidney transplants. A kidney paired donation (KPD) program consists of altruistic or non-directed donors (NDDs) and pairs, each of which comprises a candidate in need of a kidney transplant and her/his willing but incompatible donor. Potential transplants from NDDs or donors in pairs to compatible candidates in other pairs are determined by computer assessment, though various situations involving either the donor, candidate, or proposed transplant may lead to a potential transplant failing to proceed.

Valuing Sets of Potential Transplants in a Kidney Paired Donation Network.

In kidney paired donation (KPD), incompatible donor-candidate pairs and non-directed (also known as altruistic) donors are pooled together with the aim of maximizing the total utility of transplants realized via donor exchanges. We consider a setting in which disjoint sets of potential transplants are selected at regular intervals, with fallback options available within each proposed set in the case of individual donor, candidate or match failure. We develop methods for calculating the expected utility for such sets under a realistic probability model for the KPD.

A Look-Ahead Strategy for Non-Directed Donors in Kidney Paired Donation.

While there is a growing need for kidney transplants to treat end stage kidney disease, the supply of transplantable kidneys is in serious shortage. Kidney paired donation (KPD) programs serve as platforms for candidates with willing but incompatible donors to assess the possibility of exchanging donors, thus opening up new transplant opportunities for these candidates. In recent years, non-directed (or altruistic) donors (NDDs) have been incorporated into KPD programs beginning chains of transplants that benefit many candidates.

A Kidney Graft Survival Calculator that Accounts for Mismatches in Age, Sex, HLA, and Body Size.

Background And Objectives: Outcomes for transplants from living unrelated donors are of particular interest in kidney paired donation (KPD) programs where exchanges can be arranged between incompatible donor-recipient pairs or chains created from nondirected/altruistic donors.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: Using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data, we analyzed 232,705 recipients of kidney-alone transplants from 1998 to 2012. Graft failure rates were estimated using Cox models for recipients of kidney transplants from living unrelated, living related, and deceased donors.

General Practitioner Preferences in Managing Care of Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong neurological disorder requiring care in a variety of settings. The purpose of this study is to describe preferences of general practitioners (GPs) with regards to providing care for MS patients.

Methods: A stratified sample of 900 GPs in the province of Quebec were sent a questionnaire, with 266 returning completed questionnaires.