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Screening male kidney transplant candidates for prostate cancer may do more harm than good

Researchers have found that screening male kidney transplant candidates for prostate cancer does not prolong their survival and may even delay receiving a transplant. Elevated PSA levels detected through screening were associated with a reduced likelihood of receiving a transplant regardless of the patient's age or PSA level.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 22, 2015

Racial disparities exist in access to home dialysis among us patients with kidney failure

A study reveals racial and ethnic differences in US patients with kidney failure accessing home dialysis, with potential factors including lack of availability, insurance barriers, and provider bias. The findings highlight the need to ensure equitable access to different dialysis modalities to improve health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 10, 2015

How cold -- and a bacterium -- fight obesity

Researchers at Université de Genève found that cold exposure alters microbiota composition, leading to increased brown fat activation, improved insulin sensitivity, and weight loss. The discovery highlights the key role of Akkermansia muciniphila in regulating nutrient absorption and may lead to new anti-obesity treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateDec 3, 2015

The road to successful uterus transplantation to restore fertility

Swedish clinicians have successfully performed live births after uterus transplantation, paving the way for new treatments. The long research journey of the Swedish uterus transplant project has led to preliminary results that offer hope for women who lack a functional uterus.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMay 18, 2015

Use of direct-antiviral agents helps overcome hepatitis C recurrence in liver transplant patients

A new study presented at The International Liver Congress 2015 showed high rates of sustained virologic response and good tolerance when using sofosbuvir and daclatasvir-based regimens in patients with recurrent hepatitis C. These results support the use of interferon-free regimens in managing liver transplant patients infected with HCV.

New evidence supports success of fecal transplants in treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

Research demonstrates dynamic nature of fecal microbiota in FMT donors and recipients, with healthy changes sustained for up to 21 weeks after transplant. The study's findings have implications for the regulation of treatment and could influence the use of fecal transplants for a range of diseases associated with microbial imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 9, 2015

Lung transplant patients in the UK fare better than publicly insured Americans

A study found that UK patients with cystic fibrosis who received transplants had better survival rates than publicly insured Americans. The research suggests that a single-payer national health care system can provide complex, coordinated and expansive care with long-term outcomes similar to those achieved by private insurance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateMar 24, 2015

Root hydraulic conductance linked to trees' post-transplant recovery

Researchers found that fine root hydraulic conductance is related to transplant recovery in two Quercus species, with spring transplanting optimal for Quercus bicolor. The study suggests that understanding tree roots' behavior can inform better decisions regarding transplant timing and improve post-transplant recovery.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateJan 14, 2015

UCLA researchers develop new tool to predict postoperative liver cancer recurrence after transplant

A novel nomogram was developed by UCLA researchers to accurately calculate the risk of disease recurrence in liver cancer patients after a liver transplant. The tool uses pre-transplant radiologic information, blood biomarkers, and pathological characteristics to predict recurrence rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 13, 2015

Genes identify transplant rejection

A new study published in PLOS Medicine has developed a 17-gene set to analyze peripheral blood samples and determine which patients are at risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The test, called kSORT, was found to be highly accurate and clinically applicable, with an area under the curve of 0.93.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 11, 2014

Frailty increases kidney transplant recipients' risk of dying prematurely

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that frailty significantly increases the risk of premature death in kidney transplant recipients. The study analyzed data from 537 patients and found that those who were classified as frail had a mortality rate twice that of non-frail patients.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateOct 30, 2014

How are hybridized species affecting wildlife?

Researchers found that hybridization can lead to increased genetic diversity in wild populations, but natural selection can ultimately remove adaptive advantages. The study suggests that hybridized populations may not be as affected by human-mediated hybridization with domesticated species.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateSep 15, 2014

Study finds shortcomings in doctor-patient discussions about transplantation

A study of dialysis patients found that clinicians' reported discussions about transplantation did not increase patients' likelihood of being listed, despite patient-reported discussions being associated with a nearly 3-fold increased chance. The findings suggest the need for improved patient communication and informed consent.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 28, 2014