Search

The growing number of organ donors in the United States, from 14,011 in 2012 to 21,374 in 2022, highlights progress in addressing the critical issue of organ shortages. However, the demand remains high, with 17 patients dying daily while on the waiting list. As of August 2023, over 103,544 individuals are awaiting transplants, predominantly for kidneys (85.7%). To expand the donor pool, the inclusion of elderly donors, including those with a history of malignancies, is increasingly considered. In 2022, 7% of all donors were aged 65 and above, despite the complexities their medical histories may introduce, particularly the risk of donor-transmitted cancer (DTC). This review examines the challenges and potential benefits of using donors with known malignancy histories, balancing the risks of DTC against the urgency for transplants. A critical analysis is presented on current knowledge and the decision-making processes that consider cancer types, stages, and patient survival outcomes. The goal is to identify missed opportunities and improve strategies for safe and effective organ transplantation from this donor demographic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective blood transfusion services rely heavily on comprehending the distribution of blood antigens among populations. Saudi Arabia's unique genetic and evolutionary influences require thorough comprehension of these antigen frequencies as they are crucial for patient care. This systematic analysis aimed to explore the frequencies of Rh and Kell blood group antigens across various regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods: An exhaustive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on studies from 2019 through 2024 that report Rh and Kell blood antigen frequencies within the Saudi population. Results: Analysis of seven selected studies provided data from locales including Samtah, Jazan, Hail, Riyadh, the Eastern region, Taif City, and Najran. The DCcee (R1r) Rh phenotype was the most prevalent throughout these regions. However, the frequencies of individual Rh (D, C, E, c, e) and Kell (K) antigens demonstrated regional variability. Notably, the K antigen was found to be less common in Jazan compared to other regions. The observed variations in antigen frequencies suggest that factors beyond geography may influence the distribution of Rh and Kell blood groups. Comprehending these findings is critical for enhancing blood transfusion services, including refining donor recruitment strategies, managing blood inventory, and developing personalized transfusion protocols. Additionally, understanding similarities and variations is essential for managing pregnancies affected by Rh incompatibility and improving care for patients with conditions like sickle cell disease that require frequent transfusions. Further investigation is needed to explore the underlying causes of regional similarities or variations. Conclusions: Further studies are necessary to investigate the genetic and environmental factors influencing the regional similarity and differences in blood group antigen frequencies. Expanding the scope of data collection throughout Saudi Arabia is also imperative to provide a comprehensive understanding that supports optimal transfusion practices and enhanced healthcare outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic require an understanding of patients' knowledge and perceptions that influence their behaviour. Our study assessed knowledge of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients and donors, hitherto unevaluated. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 325 kidney transplant recipients and 172 donors between 1 May 2020 and 30 June 2020. The survey questionnaire assessed knowledge levels of COVID-19, sociodemographic data, health status, psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and precautionary behaviours during the pandemic. Results: The mean COVID-19 knowledge score of the study population was 7.5 (standard deviation: 2.2) out of 10. The mean score was significantly higher among kidney recipients compared to kidney donors (7.9 [1.9] vs. 6.7 [2.6]; P <0.001). Younger age (21-49 vs. =50 years) and higher education (diploma and higher vs. secondary and lower) were associated with significantly higher knowledge scores in donors, but not among recipients (P-interactions =0.01). In both kidney recipients and donors, financial concerns and/or social isolation were associated with lower knowledge levels. Conclusions: Concerted efforts are needed to improve COVID-19 knowledge in kidney transplant recipients and donors, particularly older donors, donors with lower education and patients with financial concerns or feelings of social isolation. Intensive patient education may mitigate the impact of education levels on COVID-19 knowledge levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis review article highlights the importance of novel charge transfer (CT) sensing approach for the detection of ions which are crucial from environmental and biological point of view. The importance, principles of charge transfer, ion sensing, its different types, and its basic process will all be covered here. The strategy has been reported with enormous sensitivity and fast signaling response owing to the fact that strong electronic connection communication exists between donor (D) and acceptor (A) part. Important discoveries made since 2010 will be examined. Herein, we will showcase the binding constants, conditions employed for sensing, and limit of detection of crucial ions via CT based sensors that researchers have bough forth for real-time applications. Additionally, the focus will be on the mechanistic aspects and signaling response as a result of the interaction between ion and sensor molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acibadem Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Acibadem University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Six new charge transfer complexes have been synthesized. • The complex structures exhibited a variety of morphologies. • The optimal stoichiometric ratio of donor to acceptor was confirmed to be 1:1. • C N and N H in the donor and COOH in the acceptor played a key role. Six new charge-transfer complexes using ofloxacin (OFL) and sulfamethazine (SMR) as electron donors and coumaric acid (COA), cinnamic acid (CNA), and salicylic acid (SAA) as acceptors via equimolar mixture have been synthesized. The experiment used UV–vis spectroscopy to determine the formation of the complex in methanol through the presence of a new broad absorption band with a maximum wavelength in the 200–400 nm range. The molecular composition of the charge-transfer complexes was determined by the spectrophotometric titration method and found to be 1:1 (donor: acceptor). These complexes have been characterized by infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the FTIR spectra, the CT complexes showed a wavelength shift compared to the reactants. The complexes exhibited various morphologies by SEM, including spherical particles, short rods, and flattened shapes. Additionally, quantum chemical calculations at the DFT/B3LYP level of theory investigated the complexes' steady-state structures, energies, and charge densities. The intermolecular binding energies was negative, indicating that the reactions of the six complexes proceeded spontaneously. There was strong van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds between the donor and acceptor, which contributed to the complexes' strong molecular stability. The C N and N H groups in the donor molecule, and the -COOH group in the acceptor molecule, played key roles in the complexation process. DFT calculation results were appropriate to support our experimental results. This study highlights the molecular mechanisms of donor and acceptor action in charge-transfer interactions, providing a theoretical basis for the synthesis of antibiotic complexes and the removal of antibiotics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we incorporated nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) in lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) and explored the relationship between fluorescence quenching efficiency and detection sensitivity to improve sensitivity of NSET-LFIA system. We developed nine gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with absorption spectrum in the range of 520–605 nm as acceptors and quantum dot microspheres (QDMs) with emission spectrum of 530, 570, and 610 nm as donors. By analyzing the overlap integral area, fluorescence quenching efficiency, and detection sensitivity of 27 donor-acceptor pairs, we observed that the larger overlap integral area led to higher fluorescence quenching efficiency and detection sensitivity. A maximum fluorescence quenching efficiency of 91.0% was obtained from the combination of GNPs at 605 nm and QDMs at 610 nm, achieving the highest detection sensitivity. We developed NSET-LFIA for the detection of T2 toxin with a limit of detection of 0.04 ng/mL, which was 10-times higher than that obtained via conventional GNP-LFIA. NSET-LFIA represents a versatile, ultrasensitive and valuable screening tool for small molecules in real samples. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting future kidney allograft function is challenging. Novel biomarkers, such as urinary Dickkopf-3 (uDKK3), may help guide donor selection and improve allograft outcomes. In this prospective multicenter pilot trial, we investigated whether donor uDKK3 reflects organ quality and is associated with future allograft function. We measured uDKK3/crea ratios (uDKK3/crea) from 95 deceased and 46 living kidney donors. Prenephrectomy uDKK3/crea levels were 100× higher in deceased than in living donors (9888 pg/mg vs 113 pg/mg; P < .001). Among deceased donor transplantations, recipients were stratified by their corresponding uDKK3/crea donor levels ranging below (group A, n = 68) or above (group B, n = 65) median. The primary end point of best estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within the first 3 months after kidney transplantation was superior in group A (56.3 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) than that in group B (44.2 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; P = .0139). Second, the composite clinical end point consisting of death, allograft failure or eGFR decline >50% occurred less frequent in group A. By mixed linear regression modeling, donor uDKK3/crea remained an independent predictor of eGFR after transplantation, with a slope of -4.282 mL/min/1.73 m 2 per logarithmic increase in donor uDKK3/crea. In summary, uDKK3 may serve as a noninvasive, donor-dependent biomarker for assessing organ quality and future allograft function., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors of this manuscript have conflicts of interest to disclose as described by the American Journal of Transplantation. J.de Fallois is a member of the European Reference Network for Rare Kidney Diseases (ERKNet). A. Günzel received a doctoral stipend from the RES. C. Daniel receives funding from German Research Foundation (DFG; TR374 project number C2). K. Amann receives funding from German Research Foundation (DFG; TR374 project number C2). J. Halbritter receives funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG; project number HA 6908/4-1, HA 6908/7-1, and HA 6908/8-1) and is a member of the European Reference Network for Rare Kidney Diseases (ERKNet). Other authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to disclose as described by the American Journal of Transplantation., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite unintended consequences and ongoing need for revision, the 2018 adult heart transplant policy revision continues to have a favorable impact as evidenced by increased transplant rates, decreased waitlist mortality, and more rapid transplant in higher acuity patients. In 2023, the total number of heart transplants in the United States increased 101.1% since 2012, reaching a record 4,599, of which 4,092 were performed in adults. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, 424 more adult heart transplants were performed, the largest annual increase this decade. Concurrently, the prevalence of heart donors after circulatory death increased to 14.0% in 2023. Candidates listed at adult statuses 1 and 2 underwent transplant more quickly (2,225.8 and 1,088.1 transplants per 100 patient-years, respectively). In 2023, adult waitlist mortality reached a low: 8.5 deaths per 100 patient-years. Multiorgan transplants (heart-liver and heart-kidney) in adults continue to increase, achieving comparable survival to that of heart transplant alone. Adults with congenital heart disease had the lowest pretransplant mortality of all diagnoses but also the lowest posttransplant survival, 76.1% at 5 years, emphasizing the need for consensus on best practices. In pediatric heart transplant, heart transplants increased 36.3% and new listings increased 34.0%, but the transplant rate decreased 14.9% resulting in increased waiting times. High-urgency listings increased, with 83.6% of heart transplants performed for status 1A. Pediatric waitlist mortality has declined 53.4% since 2012, but remains substantial: 11.7 deaths per 100 patient-years. In 2023, 5-year posttransplant survival was 80.3% in adult recipients and 84.4% in pediatric recipients., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To expand knowledge on physical outcomes and psychosocial experiences of oocyte donors after donation across 3 age cohorts., Design: Cross-sectional mixed-methods survey., Patients: A total of 363 participants (ages: 22-71 years, M = 38.8) recruited from Donor Sibling Registry and Facebook groups donated an average of 3.3 times, with 77.1% using nonidentified donation. Most were White (92.8%) and over half (59%) were married at the time of survey. Average length of time from initial donation to study participation was 13.75 years., Exposure: Previous oocyte donation., Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported physical outcomes and psychological experiences after donation., Results: Most donors (89.5%) completing the online survey (N = 363) reported a positive overall experience. Self-reported physical outcomes, including changes to menstrual cycles, ovulation, or fertility, were reported by 21% of participants after donation. Many (41.4%) reported procedural pain, and 10.5% reported ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Anxiety (25.8%) and depression (23.2%) were the most common self-reported diagnoses. Validated measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Bank V1.0 Depression, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Bank V1.0 Anxiety) were used to assess mild or greater anxiety and depression (25.1% and 17.6%, respectively; t-score ≥55). Participants screened clinically significant rates of alcohol/drug misuse (11.5%; ≥2 Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener-Adapted to Include Drugs), with 50% of those reporting depressive symptoms. Anonymity was the most common qualitative response for reported emotional distress (17%) and regret (20%). Most participants (94.3%) reported no contact by clinics for medical updates after donation, despite 25% reporting they had changes in their health to communicate. Participants' open-ended responses detailed the 3 most important concerns: improved communication with clinics; desire for less anonymity; and more information on long-term donor health outcomes., Conclusion: Most participants felt their oocyte donation experience was positive despite reported pain, menstrual cycle changes, and emotional distress. Depression and anxiety were the most common self-reported diagnoses. Depression rated higher than the national prevalence. Elevated Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener-Adapted to Include Drugs was associated with depression, indicating the importance of screening oocyte donors for mental health and drug/alcohol misuse. Concerns included lack of communication after procedure and lack of information provided on long-term health outcomes. Clinicians can incorporate these findings when counseling this population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Interests K.A. reports funding from University of Illinois Chicago’s Seth and Denise Rosen Memorial Research Award for the submitted work; Corresponding Secretary for the Illinois Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives. M.D.K. reports funding for A Pilot study of time-restricted eating among pregnant females with severe obesity, MPI, R01 DK136085 and Feasibility of oral lactoferrin to prevent iron deficiency anemia in obese pregnancy, MPI, R34 HL155481; honoraria for Koenig, M.D. & Crooks, N. (2022). Obstetric experiences of young Black mothers: and intersectional perspective. Virtual presentation: ACNM Diversity and Inclusion Conference, August 8, 2022; travel support Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) National Convention 2024; Chair, Safety and Monitoring Committee Feasibility and Pilot Testing of the TELL Toll Among Gamete and Embryo Donation Recipient, 2021–2022; Board of Directors, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) outside the submitted work. C.L.P. has nothing to disclose. A.S. has nothing to disclose. S.S. has nothing to disclose. W.K. has nothing to disclose. P.E.H. reports funding from University of Illinois at Chicago’s Seth and Denise Rosen Memorial Research Award for the submitted work; Honoraria for speaking at the 2022 Midwest Reproductive Symposium International and the 2024 The Donor Egg Meeting; being an American Society for Reproductive Medicine Nurses Professional Group Executive Board Member outside the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)