1,008 research outputs found
Defining best practice for microarray analyses in nutrigenomic studies
No full textMicroarrays represent a powerful tool for studies of diet-gene interactions. Their use is, however, associated with a number of technical challenges and potential pitfalls. The cost of microarrays continues to drop but is still comparatively high. This, coupled with the complex logistical issues associated with performing nutritional microarray studies, often means that compromises have to be made in the number and type of samples analysed. Additionally, technical variations between array platforms and analytical procedures will almost inevitably lead to differences in the transcriptional responses observed. Consequently, conflicting data may be produced, important effects may be missed and/or false leads generated (e.g. apparent patterns of differential gene regulation that ultimately prove to be incorrect or not significant). This is likely to be particularly true in the field of nutrition, in which we expect that many dietary bioactive agents at nutritionally relevant concentrations will elicit subtle changes in gene transcription that may be critically important in biological terms but will be difficult to detect reliably. Thus, great care should always be taken in designing and executing microarray studies. This article seeks to provide an overview of both the main practical and theoretical considerations in microarray use that represent potential sources of technical variation and error. Wherever possible, recommendations are made on what we propose to be the best approach. The overall aims are to provide a basic framework of advice for researchers who are new to the use of microarrays and to promote a discussion of standardisation and best practice in the field. © The Authors 2005
Simple Peritoneal Sclerosis and Sclerosing Peritonitis: Related or Distinct Entities?
No full textAimThe etiopathogenesis of sclerosing peritonitis is still debated, with some sustaining that it is a rare form of progression of simple peritoneal sclerosis and others that it is a primitive form. The aim of the present research was to clarify this question.Material and Methods438 peritoneal biopsies from 253 patients were re-examined. 174 were obtained prior to peritoneal dialysis and 224 after various periods of dialysis. Forty biopsies were from peritoneal dialysis patients who developed sclerosing peritonitis. Peritoneal morphology was studied for signs of transition from simple sclerosis to sclerosing peritonitis.ResultsEvidence was found sustaining the hypothesis that simple sclerosis to sclerosing peritonitis patients have distinct pathologies.ConclusionsThe results confirm previous observations, excluding the existence of any type of relation between simple peritoneal sclerosis to sclerosing peritonitis.</jats:sec
Sclerosing peritonitis: A nosological entity
No full textThe peritoneal histology of 224 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients without sclerosing peritonitis (SP) and of 39 PD patients with SP was evaluated. Of the 224 patients, 180 showed simple sclerosis (SS). In these subjects, slight thickness of sclerosis (10-70 mu m), slight parvicellular infiltration (5/180), slight arterial thickening with no vessel occlusion (19/180), and slight tissue calcification (1/180) were observed. In the 39 patients with SP, striking histological changes versus SS were detected: thickness of scierosis 250 - 4000 mu m, p < 0.01; inflammation 39/39, p < 0.01 (parvicellular infiltration 36/39, p < 0.01; microabscesses 15/39, p < 0.05; giant cells 38/39, p < 0.01; granulation tissue 38/39, p < 0.01); arterial alterations 39/39, p < 0.01 (thickening 39/39, p < 0.01; occlusion 39/39, p < 0.01; calcification 26/39, p < 0.01; ossification 9/39, p < 0.01); tissue calcification 12/39, p < 0.01 (with ossification 4/39, with bone marrow 2/39). The thickness of sclerosis in SS was higher in parietai (30 - 70 mu m) than in visceral peritoneum (10 - 40 mu m, p < 0.05); in SP it was higher in visceral (600 - 4000 mu m) than in parietal peritoneum (250 - 2000 mu m, p < 0.05). These striking differences suggest consideration of SS and SP as two separate nosological entities. Differences in frequency, animal models, etiology, and clinical impact seem to confirm this hypothesis, showing that SP is notjust the evolution of SS
Excellent long-term results in de novo renal transplant recipients treated with proliferation signal inhibitors and reduced calcineurin inhibitors exposure.
No full textBACKGROUND:
A new class of immunosuppressants, proliferation signal inhibitors (PSI)--sirolimus and everolimus--has the potential to prevent chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). This retrospective analysis reports a 6-year practice using PSI at a single center, comparing a regimen based on reduced-dose calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and PSI versus full-dose CNI and mycophenolic acid (MPA).
METHODS:
The study population included 70 patients (group A) who received de novo PSI therapy in combination with reduced dose of CNI, standard steroids, and basiliximab induction, and 216 patients (group B) with full-dose CNI, MPA, steroids, and basiliximab induction.
RESULTS:
No statistically significant differences were recorded in the baseline donor and recipient characteristics. A difference was observed in cold ischemia time, which could represent a bias for the analysis. No differences were recorded in actuarial patient survival, delayed graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejection rates, and renal function analysis. A significant difference was recorded in the actuarial graft survival rate at years 2, 3, and 4 (P< .01), as well as overall graft survival rates (P= .025).
DISCUSSION:
The reduction of cold preservation time seemed to be an important factor to improve both short- and long-term renal function. This regimen revealed a long-term trend toward better renal function and graft survival. The use of PSI with reduced doses of CNI seems to be indicated for suboptimal grafts, especially when a reduced quality of the kidney is associated with prolonged cold ischemia time
Characterization of monoaminergic receptors in hypothalamic nuclei mediating feeding behavior in rats.
No full text
Infective endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus involving three cardiac valves. A case study.
No full textPMID: 1456425
Videothoracoscopic obliteration of pleuroperitoneal fistula in continuous peritoneal dialysis
No full textHydrothorax during peritoneal dialysis is a very tedious complication. Many authors have described techniques of performing diagnosis and therapeutic procedures to take care of these complications. We describe a method to perform diagnosis and therapy by videothoracoscopy. Videothoracoscopy permits identification and closure of the tiny flaws in the diaphragm
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