@article{AdamKircherSbieraetal.2021, author = {Adam, Pia and Kircher, Stefan and Sbiera, Iuliu and Koehler, Viktoria Florentine and Berg, Elke and Kn{\"o}sel, Thomas and Sandner, Benjamin and Fenske, Wiebke Kristin and Bl{\"a}ker, Hendrik and Smaxwil, Constantin and Zielke, Andreas and Sipos, Bence and Allelein, Stephanie and Schott, Matthias and Dierks, Christine and Spitzweg, Christine and Fassnacht, Martin and Kroiss, Matthias}, title = {FGF-Receptors and PD-L1 in Anaplastic and Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Evaluation of the Preclinical Rationale}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2021.712107}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244653}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Treatment options for poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid carcinoma are unsatisfactory and prognosis is generally poor. Lenvatinib (LEN), a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) 1-4 is approved for advanced radioiodine refractory thyroid carcinoma, but response to single agent is poor in ATC. Recent reports of combining LEN with PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (PEM) are promising. Materials and Methods Primary ATC (n=93) and PDTC (n=47) tissue samples diagnosed 1997-2019 at five German tertiary care centers were assessed for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). FGFR 1-4 mRNA was quantified in 31 ATC and 14 PDTC with RNAscope in-situ hybridization. Normal thyroid tissue (NT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) served as controls. Disease specific survival (DSS) was the primary outcome variable. Results PD-L1 TPS≥50\% was observed in 42\% of ATC and 26\% of PDTC specimens. Mean PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in ATC (TPS 30\%) than in PDTC (5\%; p<0.01) and NT (0\%, p<0.001). 53\% of PDTC samples had PD-L1 expression ≤5\%. FGFR mRNA expression was generally low in all samples but combined FGFR1-4 expression was significantly higher in PDTC and ATC compared to NT (each p<0.001). No impact of PD-L1 and FGFR 1-4 expression was observed on DSS. Conclusion High tumoral expression of PD-L1 in a large proportion of ATCs and a subgroup of PDTCs provides a rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition. FGFR expression is low thyroid tumor cells. The clinically observed synergism of PEM with LEN may be caused by immune modulation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Adam2024, author = {Adam, Pia Sophie}, title = {Expression von PD-L1 und FGFR1-4 beim anaplastischen und gering differenzierten Schilddr{\"u}senkarzinom - Evaluation als pr{\"a}klinische diagnostische Marker}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35939}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-359391}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Background: Treatment options for poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid carcinoma are unsatisfactory and prognosis is generally poor. Lenvatinib (LEN), a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) 1-4 is approved for advanced radioiodine refractory thyroid carcinoma, but response to single agent is poor in ATC. Recent reports of combining LEN with PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (PEM) are promising. Materials and methods: Primary ATC (n=93) and PDTC (n=47) tissue samples diagnosed 1997-2019 at five German tertiary care centers were assessed for PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry using Tumor Proportion Score (TPS). FGFR 1-4 mRNA was quantified in 31 ATC and 14 PDTC with RNAscope in-situ hybridization. Normal thyroid tissue (NT) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) served as controls. Disease specific survival (DSS) was the primary outcome variable. Results: PD-L1 TPS≥50\% was observed in 42\% of ATC and 26\% of PDTC specimens. Mean PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in ATC (TPS 30\%) than in PDTC (5\%; p<0.01) and NT (0\%, p<0.001). 53\% of PDTC samples had PD-L1 expression ≤5\%. FGFR mRNA expression was generally low in all samples but combined FGFR1-4 expression was significantly higher in PDTC and ATC compared to NT (each p<0.001). No impact of PD-L1 and FGFR 1-4 expression was observed on DSS. Conclusion: High tumoral expression of PD-L1 in a large proportion of ATCs and a subgroup of PDTCs provides a rationale for immune checkpoint inhibition. FGFR expression is low thyroid tumor cells. The clinically observed synergism of PEM with LEN may be caused by immune modulation.}, subject = {Schilddr{\"u}senkrebs}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Adamek2008, author = {Adamek, Anna Katharina}, title = {Einfluss des Immunsystems und der endothelialen NO-Synthase auf den myokardialen isch{\"a}mischen Schaden}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-35795}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Die Entwicklung von therapeutischen Strategien, die den infarktbedingten Untergang des Myokardgewebes minimieren und die Gewebsheilung nach abgelaufenem Myokardinfarkt unterst{\"u}tzen, geh{\"o}rt zu dem Hauptziel in der modernen Kardiologie. Bis jedoch eine spezifische Intervention als Therapieform anerkannt wird, ist ein detailliertes Entschl{\"u}sseln der zellul{\"a}ren und molekularen Mechanismen w{\"a}hrend und nach der Myokardsch{\"a}digung notwendig. Die vorliegende Arbeit besch{\"a}ftigt sich intensiv mit den Vorg{\"a}ngen der Stickstoffmonoxid- (NO) Produktion und der Inflammation nach Okklusion von Kranzarterien. Im ersten Teil der Dissertation steht die endotheliale NO-Synthase-Expression (eNOS) im Mittelpunkt der Untersuchung. eNOS ist als wichtiger Katalysator an der Biosynthese von Stickstoffmonoxid, das als protektiver Faktor f{\"u}r die Gef{\"a}ßhom{\"o}ostase seit Jahren bekannt ist, beteiligt. Ferner besteht experimentell sehr gute Evidenz daf{\"u}r, dass der endothelialen NO-Synthase am Ausmaß des kardialen Isch{\"a}mie-/ Reperfusionsschadens eine entscheidende Rolle zukommt. Folglich wurde mittels der Substanz AVE 9488 versucht, die eNOS-Expression in M{\"a}usen zu steigern und den Effekt auf das Infarktgeschehen n{\"a}her zu betrachten. Die Behandlung mit AVE 9488 erzielte einen signifikant reduzierten Isch{\"a}mie-/Reperfusionsschaden. Bei anschließenden Isch{\"a}mie-/Reperfusionsveruchen mit eNOS defizienten M{\"a}usen war der protektive Effekt wieder aufgehoben. Der Erfolg dieser Substanz wird in der signifikanten Reduktion des oxidativen Stresses vermutet. Ein zus{\"a}tzlicher wichtiger Parameter, der w{\"a}hrend der Isch{\"a}mie/Reperfusion aktiviert wird, ist der Schl{\"u}ssel-Transkriptionsfaktor Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kB). Durch seine Bindung an bestimmte Enhancer und Promotoren reguliert der Faktor die Entz{\"u}ndungsprozesse, indem er die Genexpression proinflammatorischer Marker verst{\"a}rkt. Folglich wurden eine Reduktion der Inflammation sowie ein protektiver Effekt nach erfolgter isch{\"a}mischer Sch{\"a}digung durch Hemmung von NF-kB angenommen. Zur Pr{\"u}fung dieser Hypothese wurden NF-kB-Untereinheit p50 defiziente M{\"a}use (p50 KO) einer Okklusion einer Herzkranzarterie unterzogen. Durch die Hemmung der NF-kB-Aktivierung kam es zu einer signifikanten Reduzierung des Infarktareals im Vergleich zu den entsprechenden Wildtyp-M{\"a}usen. Der große Benefit konnte auf die geringere Einwanderung der neutrophilen Granulozyten in das infarzierte Gebiet zur{\"u}ckgef{\"u}hrt werden. Knochenmarktransplantationsversuche mit p50 KO- und Wildtyp-Knochenmark untermauerten die Beobachtung, dass die beeintr{\"a}chtigte Aktivierung von NF-kB in p50 defizienten Leukozyten protektive Effekte in der Isch{\"a}mie/Reperfusion vermittelt. Die Aktivierung der proinflammatorischen Proteine w{\"a}hrend des linksventrikul{\"a}ren Remodelings nach Myokardinfarkt geh{\"o}rt zum Fokus des dritten Teils dieser Arbeit. Dieser Teil besch{\"a}ftigt sich mit der Frage, inwieweit eine hochdosierte Aspirin-Therapie die linksventrikul{\"a}ren Umbauprozesse g{\"u}nstig beeinflussen kann. Daf{\"u}r wurden M{\"a}use f{\"u}r 4 Wochen mit Placebo oder Aspirin (120 mg/kg pro Tag) mittels osmotischer Mini-Pumpen, die 2 Stunden nach Ligatur der Kranzarterie implantiert wurden, behandelt. In beiden Gruppen kam es zur erwarteten linksventrikul{\"a}ren Dilatation nach Myokardinfarkt, jedoch ohne signifikanten Unterschied zwischen Placebo- und Aspirin-behandelten Tieren. Es kam allerdings zu einer erwarteten Reduktion proinflammatorischer Proteine durch die Aspirin-Therapie. So war die Expression von Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor-alpha; (TNF-alpha) und Interleukin-1ß (IL-ß) in der Aspirin-Gruppe signifikant reduziert. Zusammenfassend l{\"a}sst sich sagen, dass durch die gezielte Beeinflussung bestimmter Faktoren in der Isch{\"a}mie/Reperfusion wie z. B. die Verst{\"a}rkung der eNOS-Expression oder die Hemmung der NF-kB-Aktivierung die Isch{\"a}miesch{\"a}digung signifikant reduziert werden kann.}, subject = {Isch{\"a}mie}, language = {de} } @article{AghaiZimmermannKurlbaumetal.2021, author = {Aghai, Fatemeh and Zimmermann, Sebastian and Kurlbaum, Max and Jung, Pius and Pelzer, Theo and Klinker, Hartwig and Isberner, Nora and Scherf-Clavel, Oliver}, title = {Development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay for the simultaneous determination of ten kinase inhibitors in human serum and plasma}, series = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, volume = {413}, journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry}, issn = {1618-2642}, doi = {10.1007/s00216-020-03031-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-231925}, pages = {599-612}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of ten kinase inhibitors (afatinib, axitinib, bosutinib,cabozantinib, dabrafenib, lenvatinib, nilotinib, osimertinib, ruxolitinib, and trametinib) in human serum and plasma for theapplication in daily clinical routine has been developed and validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration andEuropean Medicines Agency validation guidelines for bioanalytical methods. After protein precipitation of plasma samples withacetonitrile, chromatographic separation was performed at ambient temperature using a Waters XBridge® Phenyl 3.5μm(2.1×50 mm) column. The mobile phases consisted of water-methanol (9:1, v/v) with 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate as phase A andmethanol-water (9:1, v/v) with 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate as phase B. Gradient elution was applied at a flow rate of 400μL/min. Analytes were detected and quantified using multiple reaction monitoring in electrospray ionization positive mode. Stableisotopically labeled compounds of each kinase inhibitor were used as internal standards. The acquisition time was 7.0 min perrun. All analytes and internal standards eluted within 3.0 min. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 2-500 ng/mLfor afatinib, axitinib, bosutinib, lenvatinib, ruxolitinib, and trametinib, and 6-1500 ng/mL for cabozantinib, dabrafenib, nilotinib,and osimertinib (coefficients of correlation≥0.99). Validation assays for accuracy and precision, matrix effect, recovery,carryover, and stability were appropriate according to regulatory agencies. The rapid and sensitive assay ensures high throughputand was successfully applied to monitor concentrations of kinase inhibitors in patients.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Aicha2020, author = {Aicha, Diaa}, title = {Hypertrophe obstruktive Kardiomyopathie: Vorhersagewert des ESC-Risikoscore f{\"u}r den pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod bei Patienten nach Alkoholseptumablation}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19364}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193649}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Abstrakt Hypertrophe Kardiomyopathie (HCM) ist eine genetisch bedingte Herzmuskelerkrankung mit einer Pr{\"a}valenz von 0,2 bis 0,6\% und einem SCD-Risiko von 0,5 bis 1\% pro Jahr. HCM ist die h{\"a}ufigste Ursache f{\"u}r pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod in jungem Alter. Seit Jahrzehnten wird bei HCM der optimale Vorhersagescore f{\"u}r SCD untersucht. Der erste validierte SCD-Sore bei HCM wurde im Jahr 2014 in die ESC-Leitlinien integriert. Ziel der Studie: Vergleich des berechneten SCD-Scores bei HCM aus dem Jahr 2014 vor und nach Alkohol- Septum-Ablation (PTSMA) mit dem erreichten Endpunkt (SCD). Methoden: 56 Patienten mit hypertropher obstruktiver Kardiomyopathie (HOCM) und Erst-PTSMA im Jahr 2009 wurden eingeschlossen: Alter 53,9 ± 11,5 Jahre, 7\% positive Familienanamnese f{\"u}r SCD, 9\% ungekl{\"a}rte Synkope im letzten Jahr, 43\% NSVT, maximale LV-Wanddicke 20,2 ± 4,3 mm, maximaler LVOT-Gradient 118 ± 42 mmHg, LA-Durchmesser 45,3 ± 6,4 mm. Ergebnisse: Vor dem ersten PTSMA hatten die HOCM-Patienten einen errechneten SCD-Wert von 4,2 ± 3,2\%, nach PTSMA von 3,2 ± 2,2\%. Wir beobachteten 2 (3,6\%) SCD-F{\"a}lle in 5 Jahren. Die PTSMA f{\"u}hrte zu einer signifikanten Reduktion des errechneten SCD-Scores von 1,0 ± 2,8\%, p <0,05. Diese Reduktion war haupts{\"a}chlich durch die signifikante Reduktion des LVOT-Gradienten (durchschnittlich 54 ± 42 mmHg, p <0,05) zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren. Fazit: PTSMA ist eine etablierte Behandlung zur Verbesserung der Symptome bei HOCM-Patienten ohne Hinweis auf eine h{\"o}here Mortalit{\"a}t nach induziertem Infarkt. Der ESC-SCD-Score ist nur ein Hilfsalgorithmus f{\"u}r die individuelle Entscheidung bez{\"u}glich einer prim{\"a}rprophylaktischen AICD-Implantation.}, subject = {HCM}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Albert2021, author = {Albert, Judith}, title = {Longitudinale Ver{\"a}nderungen der kardialen Funktion und Struktur nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation aufgrund systolischer Herzinsuffizienz: Prognostische Bedeutung, Pr{\"a}diktoren und assoziierte laborchemische und echokardiographische Ver{\"a}nderungen einer Normalisierung der linksventrikul{\"a}ren systolischen Funktion}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23059}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230592}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Der Krankheitsverlauf der Herzinsuffizienz ist variabel. Typischerweise treten dabei wiederholte Episoden akuter kardialer Dekompensationen auf. Prospektive Untersuchungen zu longitudinalen Ver{\"a}nderungen der linksventrikul{\"a}ren Ejektionsfraktion (LVEF) nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation, sowie assoziierter echokardiographischer, laborchemischer und klinischer Parameter fehlten bisher. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es deshalb, die H{\"a}ufigkeit einer Verbesserung bzw. Normalisierung der LVEF innerhalb von sechs Monaten nach einer Hospitalisierung aufgrund akuter kardialer Dekompensation mit systolischer Herzinsuffizienz (LVEF vor Entlassung aus dem Krankenhaus ≤40\%), sowie begleitende Ver{\"a}nderungen in Biomarkerspiegeln und echokardiographischen Parametern, zu beschreiben, deren prognostische Relevanz zu untersuchen und m{\"o}gliche Pr{\"a}diktoren zu ermitteln. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zeigen, dass in den folgenden 6 Monaten nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation variable LVEF-Verl{\"a}ufe zu erwarten sind. Mehr als 50\% der Patienten erleben ein reverses Remodelling und wechseln dadurch die LVEF-basierte Herzinsuffizienz-Kategorie. LVEF-Verbesserungen sind mit komplexen kardialen, extrakardialen und klinischen Ver{\"a}nderungen - im Sinne eines systemischen reversen Remodellings - assoziiert und gehen mit einer verbesserten Langzeitprognose einher. Verschiedene Pr{\"a}diktoren erlauben, nach akuter kardialer Dekompensation den Verlauf bereits bei Krankenhausentlassung abzusch{\"a}tzen und damit personalisierte Behandlungsstrategien f{\"u}r den einzelnen Patienten zu etablieren.}, subject = {Herzinsuffizienz}, language = {de} } @article{AlbertLeziusStoerketal.2021, author = {Albert, Judith and Lezius, Susanne and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Morbach, Caroline and G{\"u}der, G{\"u}lmisal and Frantz, Stefan and Wegscheider, Karl and Ertl, Georg and Angermann, Christiane E.}, title = {Trajectories of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Acute Decompensation for Systolic Heart Failure: Concomitant Echocardiographic and Systemic Changes, Predictors, and Impact on Clinical Outcomes}, series = {Journal of the American Heart Association}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of the American Heart Association}, doi = {10.1161/JAHA.120.017822}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230210}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Prospective longitudinal follow-up of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) trajectories after acute cardiac decompensation of heart failure is lacking. We investigated changes in LVEF and covariates at 6-months' follow-up in patients with a predischarge LVEF ≤40\%, and determined predictors and prognostic implications of LVEF changes through 18-months' follow-up. Methods and Results Interdisciplinary Network Heart Failure program participants (n=633) were categorized into subgroups based on LVEF at 6-months' follow-up: normalized LVEF (>50\%; heart failure with normalized ejection fraction, n=147); midrange LVEF (41\%-50\%; heart failure with midrange ejection fraction, n=195), or persistently reduced LVEF (≤40\%; heart failure with persistently reduced LVEF , n=291). All received guideline-directed medical therapies. At 6-months' follow-up, compared with patients with heart failure with persistently reduced LVEF, heart failure with normalized LVEF or heart failure with midrange LVEF subgroups showed greater reductions in LV end-diastolic/end-systolic diameters (both P<0.001), and left atrial systolic diameter (P=0.002), more increased septal/posterior end-diastolic wall-thickness (both P<0.001), and significantly greater improvement in diastolic function, biomarkers, symptoms, and health status. Heart failure duration <1 year, female sex, higher predischarge blood pressure, and baseline LVEF were independent predictors of LVEF improvement. Mortality and event-free survival rates were lower in patients with heart failure with normalized LVEF (P=0.002). Overall, LVEF increased further at 18-months' follow-up (P<0.001), while LV end-diastolic diameter decreased (P=0.048). However, LVEF worsened (P=0.002) and LV end-diastolic diameter increased (P=0.047) in patients with heart failure with normalized LVEF hospitalized between 6-months' follow-up and 18-months' follow-up. Conclusions Six-month survivors of acute cardiac decompensation for systolic heart failure showed variable LVEF trajectories, with >50\% showing improvements by ≥1 LVEF category. LVEF changes correlated with various parameters, suggesting multilevel reverse remodeling, were predictable from several baseline characteristics, and were associated with clinical outcomes at 18-months' follow-up. Repeat hospitalizations were associated with attenuation of reverse remodeling."}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Albrecht2024, author = {Albrecht, Jacqueline}, title = {Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz und ihrer Komorbidit{\"a}ten Hypertonie und Diabetes mellitus auf Morphologie und Histologie des Hippocampus am Mausmodell}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-35256}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-352568}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wurden die Auswirkungen der Herzinsuffizienz und ihrer Komorbidit{\"a}ten Hypertonie und Diabetes mellitus auf Morphologie und Histologie des Hippocampus am Mausmodell untersucht.}, subject = {Herzinsuffizienz}, language = {de} } @article{AllignolSchumacherWanneretal.2011, author = {Allignol, Arthur and Schumacher, Martin and Wanner, Christoph and Drechsler, Christiane and Beyersmann, Jan}, title = {Understanding competing risks: a simulation point of view}, series = {BMC Medical Research Methodology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Medical Research Methodology}, number = {86}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2288-11-86}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-142811}, pages = {1-13}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Competing risks methodology allows for an event-specific analysis of the single components of composite time-to-event endpoints. A key feature of competing risks is that there are as many hazards as there are competing risks. This is not always well accounted for in the applied literature. Methods: We advocate a simulation point of view for understanding competing risks. The hazards are envisaged as momentary event forces. They jointly determine the event time. Their relative magnitude determines the event type. 'Empirical simulations' using data from a recent study on cardiovascular events in diabetes patients illustrate subsequent interpretation. The method avoids concerns on identifiability and plausibility known from the latent failure time approach. Results: The 'empirical simulations' served as a proof of concept. Additionally manipulating baseline hazards and treatment effects illustrated both scenarios that require greater care for interpretation and how the simulation point of view aids the interpretation. The simulation algorithm applied to real data also provides for a general tool for study planning. Conclusions: There are as many hazards as there are competing risks. All of them should be analysed. This includes estimation of baseline hazards. Study planning must equally account for these aspects.}, language = {en} } @article{AltieriDiDatoModicaetal.2020, author = {Altieri, Barbara and Di Dato, Carla and Modica, Roberta and Bottiglieri, Filomena and Di Sarno, Antonella and Pittaway, James F.H. and Martini, Chiara and Faggiano, Antongiulio and Colao, Annamaria}, title = {Bone metabolism and vitamin D implication in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors}, series = {Nutrients}, volume = {12}, journal = {Nutrients}, number = {4}, issn = {2072-6643}, doi = {10.3390/nu12041021}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-203823}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Patients affected by gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) have an increased risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis, as several factors impact on bone metabolism in these patients. In fact, besides the direct effect of bone metastasis, bone health can be affected by hormone hypersecretion (including serotonin, cortisol, and parathyroid hormone-related protein), specific microRNAs, nutritional status (which in turn could be affected by medical and surgical treatments), and vitamin D deficiency. In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a hereditary syndrome associated with NET occurrence, bone damage may carry other consequences. Osteoporosis may negatively impact on the quality of life of these patients and can increment the cost of medical care since these patients usually live with their disease for a long time. However, recommendations suggesting screening to assess bone health in GEP-NET patients are missing. The aim of this review is to critically analyze evidence on the mechanisms that could have a potential impact on bone health in patients affected by GEP-NET, focusing on vitamin D and its role in GEP-NET, as well as on factors associated with MEN1 that could have an impact on bone homeostasis.}, language = {en} } @article{AltieriLaSalviaModicaetal.2023, author = {Altieri, Barbara and La Salvia, Anna and Modica, Roberta and Marciello, Francesca and Mercier, Olaf and Filosso, Pier Luigi and de Latour, Bertrand Richard and Giuffrida, Dario and Campione, Severo and Guggino, Gianluca and Fadel, Elie and Papotti, Mauro and Colao, Annamaria and Scoazec, Jean-Yves and Baudin, Eric and Faggiano, Antongiulio}, title = {Recurrence-free survival in early and locally advanced large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung after complete tumor resection}, series = {Journal of Personalized Medicine}, volume = {13}, journal = {Journal of Personalized Medicine}, number = {2}, issn = {2075-4426}, doi = {10.3390/jpm13020330}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-304000}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background: Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare subtype of lung cancer with poor clinical outcomes. Data on recurrence-free survival (RFS) in early and locally advanced pure LCNEC after complete resection (R0) are lacking. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes in this subgroup of patients and to identify potential prognostic markers. Methods: Retrospective multicenter study including patients with pure LCNEC stage I-III and R0 resection. Clinicopathological characteristics, RFS, and disease-specific survival (DSS) were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: 39 patients (M:F = 26:13), with a median age of 64 years (44-83), were included. Lobectomy (69.2\%), bilobectomy (5.1\%), pneumonectomy (18\%), and wedge resection (7.7\%) were performed mostly associated with lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant therapy included platinum-based chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in 58.9\% of cases. After a median follow-up of 44 (4-169) months, the median RFS was 39 months with 1-, 2- and 5-year RFS rates of 60.0\%, 54.6\%, and 44.9\%, respectively. Median DSS was 72 months with a 1-, 2- and 5-year rate of 86.8, 75.9, and 57.4\%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, age (cut-off 65 years old) and pN status were independent prognostic factors for both RFS (HR = 4.19, 95\%CI = 1.46-12.07, p = 0.008 and HR = 13.56, 95\%CI 2.45-74.89, p = 0.003, respectively) and DSS (HR = 9.30, 95\%CI 2.23-38.83, p = 0.002 and HR = 11.88, 95\%CI 2.28-61.84, p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: After R0 resection of LCNEC, half of the patients recurred mostly within the first two years of follow-up. Age and lymph node metastasis could help to stratify patients for adjuvant therapy.}, language = {en} } @article{AltieriSbieraDellaCasaetal.2017, author = {Altieri, Barbara and Sbiera, Silviu and Della Casa, Silvia and Weigand, Isabel and Wild, Vanessa and Steinhauer, Sonja and Fadda, Guido and Kocot, Arkadius and Bekteshi, Michaela and Mambretti, Egle M. and Rosenwald, Andreas and Pontecorvi, Alfredo and Fassnacht, Martin and Ronchi, Cristina L.}, title = {Livin/BIRC7 expression as malignancy marker in adrenocortical tumors}, series = {Oncotarget}, volume = {8}, journal = {Oncotarget}, number = {6}, doi = {10.18632/oncotarget.14067}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-171887}, pages = {9323-9338}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Livin/BIRC7 is a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins family, which are involved in tumor development through the inhibition of caspases. Aim was to investigate the expression of livin and other members of its pathway in adrenocortical tumors and in the adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cell line NCI-H295R. The mRNA expression of livin, its isoforms α and β, XIAP, CASP3 and DIABLO was evaluated by qRT-PCR in 82 fresh-frozen adrenal tissues (34 ACC, 25 adenomas = ACA, 23 normal adrenal glands = NAG). Livin protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 270 paraffin-embedded tissues (192 ACC, 58 ACA, 20 NAG). Livin, CASP3 and cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated in NCI-H295R after induction of livin overexpression. Relative livin mRNA expression was significantly higher in ACC than in ACA and NAG (0.060 ± 0.116 vs 0.004 ± 0.014 and 0.002 ± 0.009, respectively, p < 0.01), being consistently higher in tumors than in adjacent NAG and isoform β more expressed than α. No significant differences in CASP3, XIAP and DIABLO levels were found among these groups. In immunohistochemistry, livin was localized in both cytoplasm and nuclei. The ratio between cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was significantly higher in ACC (1.51 ± 0.66) than in ACA (0.80 ± 0.35) and NAG (0.88 ± 0.27; p < 0.0001). No significant correlations were observed between livin expression and histopathological parameters or clinical outcome. In NCI-H295R cells, the livin overexpression slightly reduced the activation of CASP3, but did not correlate with cell viability. In conclusion, livin is specifically over-expressed in ACC, suggesting that it might be involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis and represent a new molecular marker of malignancy.}, language = {en} } @article{AltieriSbieraHerterichetal.2020, author = {Altieri, Barbara and Sbiera, Silviu and Herterich, Sabine and De Francia, Silvia and Della Casa, Silvia and Calabrese, Anna and Pontecorvi, Alfredo and Quinkler, Marcus and Kienitz, Tina and Mannelli, Massimo and Canu, Letizia and Angelousi, Anna and Chortis, Vasileios and Kroiss, Matthias and Terzolo, Massimo and Fassnacht, Martin and Ronchi, Cristina L.}, title = {Effects of Germline CYP2W1*6 and CYP2B6*6 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Mitotane Treatment in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Multicenter ENSAT Study}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {12}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {2}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers12020359}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200565}, pages = {359}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Mitotane is the only approved drug for advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and no biomarkers are available to predict attainment of therapeutic plasma concentrations and clinical response. Aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of cytochrome P450(CYP)2W1 and CYP2B6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as biomarkers. A multicenter cohort study including 182 ACC patients (F/M = 121/61) treated with mitotane monotherapy after radical resection (group A, n = 103) or in not completely resectable, recurrent or advanced disease (group B, n = 79) was performed. CYP2W1*2, CYP2W1*6, CYP2B6*6 and CYP2B6 rs4803419 were genotyped in germline DNA. Mitotane blood levels were measured regularly. Response to therapy was evaluated as time to progression (TTP) and disease control rate (DCR). Among investigated SNPs, CYP2W1*6 and CYP2B6*6 correlated with mitotane treatment only in group B. Patients with CYP2W1*6 (n = 21) achieved less frequently therapeutic mitotane levels (>14 mg/L) than those with wild type (WT) allele (76.2\% vs 51.7\%, p = 0.051) and experienced shorter TTP (HR = 2.10, p = 0.019) and lower DCR (chi-square = 6.948, p = 0.008). By contrast, 55\% of patients with CYP2B6*6 vs. 28.2\% WT (p = 0.016) achieved therapeutic range. Combined, a higher rate of patients with CYP2W1*6WT+CYP2B6*6 (60.6\%) achieved mitotane therapeutic range (p = 0.034). In not completely resectable, recurrent or advanced ACC, CYP2W1*6 SNP was associated with a reduced probability to reach mitotane therapeutic range and lower response rates, whereas CYP2B6*6 correlated with higher mitotane levels. The association of these SNPs may predict individual response to mitotane.}, language = {en} } @article{AndelovicWinterJakobetal.2021, author = {Andelovic, Kristina and Winter, Patrick and Jakob, Peter Michael and Bauer, Wolfgang Rudolf and Herold, Volker and Zernecke, Alma}, title = {Evaluation of plaque characteristics and inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging}, series = {Biomedicines}, volume = {9}, journal = {Biomedicines}, number = {2}, issn = {2227-9059}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines9020185}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228839}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of large and medium-sized arteries, characterized by the growth of atherosclerotic lesions (plaques). These plaques often develop at inner curvatures of arteries, branchpoints, and bifurcations, where the endothelial wall shear stress is low and oscillatory. In conjunction with other processes such as lipid deposition, biomechanical factors lead to local vascular inflammation and plaque growth. There is also evidence that low and oscillatory shear stress contribute to arterial remodeling, entailing a loss in arterial elasticity and, therefore, an increased pulse-wave velocity. Although altered shear stress profiles, elasticity and inflammation are closely intertwined and critical for plaque growth, preclinical and clinical investigations for atherosclerosis mostly focus on the investigation of one of these parameters only due to the experimental limitations. However, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be a potent tool which can be used to provide insights into a large range of biological parameters in one experimental session. It enables the evaluation of the dynamic process of atherosclerotic lesion formation without the need for harmful radiation. Flow-sensitive MRI provides the assessment of hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress and pulse wave velocity which may replace invasive and radiation-based techniques for imaging of the vascular function and the characterization of early plaque development. In combination with inflammation imaging, the analyses and correlations of these parameters could not only significantly advance basic preclinical investigations of atherosclerotic lesion formation and progression, but also the diagnostic clinical evaluation for early identification of high-risk plaques, which are prone to rupture. In this review, we summarize the key applications of magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of plaque characteristics through flow sensitive and morphological measurements. The simultaneous measurements of functional and structural parameters will further preclinical research on atherosclerosis and has the potential to fundamentally improve the detection of inflammation and vulnerable plaques in patients.}, language = {en} } @article{AndelovicWinterKampfetal.2021, author = {Andelovic, Kristina and Winter, Patrick and Kampf, Thomas and Xu, Anton and Jakob, Peter Michael and Herold, Volker and Bauer, Wolfgang Rudolf and Zernecke, Alma}, title = {2D Projection Maps of WSS and OSI Reveal Distinct Spatiotemporal Changes in Hemodynamics in the Murine Aorta during Ageing and Atherosclerosis}, series = {Biomedicines}, volume = {9}, journal = {Biomedicines}, number = {12}, issn = {2227-9059}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines9121856}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252164}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Growth, ageing and atherosclerotic plaque development alter the biomechanical forces acting on the vessel wall. However, monitoring the detailed local changes in wall shear stress (WSS) at distinct sites of the murine aortic arch over time has been challenging. Here, we studied the temporal and spatial changes in flow, WSS, oscillatory shear index (OSI) and elastic properties of healthy wildtype (WT, n = 5) and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe\(^{-/-}\), n = 6) mice during ageing and atherosclerosis using high-resolution 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spatially resolved 2D projection maps of WSS and OSI of the complete aortic arch were generated, allowing the pixel-wise statistical analysis of inter- and intragroup hemodynamic changes over time and local correlations between WSS, pulse wave velocity (PWV), plaque and vessel wall characteristics. The study revealed converse differences of local hemodynamic profiles in healthy WT and atherosclerotic Apoe\(^{-/-}\) mice, and we identified the circumferential WSS as potential marker of plaque size and composition in advanced atherosclerosis and the radial strain as a potential marker for vascular elasticity. Two-dimensional (2D) projection maps of WSS and OSI, including statistical analysis provide a powerful tool to monitor local aortic hemodynamics during ageing and atherosclerosis. The correlation of spatially resolved hemodynamics and plaque characteristics could significantly improve our understanding of the impact of hemodynamics on atherosclerosis, which may be key to understand plaque progression towards vulnerability.}, language = {en} } @article{AnkenbrandLohrSchloetelburgetal.2021, author = {Ankenbrand, Markus Johannes and Lohr, David and Schl{\"o}telburg, Wiebke and Reiter, Theresa and Wech, Tobias and Schreiber, Laura Maria}, title = {Deep learning-based cardiac cine segmentation: Transfer learning application to 7T ultrahigh-field MRI}, series = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, volume = {86}, journal = {Magnetic Resonance in Medicine}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1002/mrm.28822}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-257604}, pages = {2179-2191}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose Artificial neural networks show promising performance in automatic segmentation of cardiac MRI. However, training requires large amounts of annotated data and generalization to different vendors, field strengths, sequence parameters, and pathologies is limited. Transfer learning addresses this challenge, but specific recommendations regarding type and amount of data required is lacking. In this study, we assess data requirements for transfer learning to experimental cardiac MRI at 7T where the segmentation task can be challenging. In addition, we provide guidelines, tools, and annotated data to enable transfer learning approaches by other researchers and clinicians. Methods A publicly available segmentation model was used to annotate a publicly available data set. This labeled data set was subsequently used to train a neural network for segmentation of left ventricle and myocardium in cardiac cine MRI. The network is used as starting point for transfer learning to 7T cine data of healthy volunteers (n = 22; 7873 images) by updating the pre-trained weights. Structured and random data subsets of different sizes were used to systematically assess data requirements for successful transfer learning. Results Inconsistencies in the publically available data set were corrected, labels created, and a neural network trained. On 7T cardiac cine images the model pre-trained on public imaging data, acquired at 1.5T and 3T, achieved DICE\(_{LV}\) = 0.835 and DICE\(_{MY}\) = 0.670. Transfer learning using 7T cine data and ImageNet weight initialization improved model performance to DICE\(_{LV}\) = 0.900 and DICE\(_{MY}\) = 0.791. Using only end-systolic and end-diastolic images reduced training data by 90\%, with no negative impact on segmentation performance (DICE\(_{LV}\) = 0.908, DICE\(_{MY}\) = 0.805). Conclusions This work demonstrates and quantifies the benefits of transfer learning for cardiac cine image segmentation. We provide practical guidelines for researchers planning transfer learning projects in cardiac MRI and make data, models, and code publicly available.}, language = {en} } @article{ArltBiehlTayloretal.2011, author = {Arlt, Wiebke and Biehl, Michael and Taylor, Angela E. and Hahner, Stefanie and Lib{\´e}, Rossella and Hughes, Beverly A. and Schneider, Petra and Smith, David J. and Stiekema, Han and Krone, Nils and Porfiri, Emilio and Opocher, Giuseppe and Bertherat, Jer{\^o}me and Mantero, Franco and Allolio, Bruno and Terzolo, Massimo and Nightingale, Peter and Shackleton, Cedric H. L. and Bertagna, Xavier and Fassnacht, Martin and Stewart, Paul M.}, title = {Urine Steroid Metabolomics as a Biomarker Tool for Detecting Malignancy in Adrenal Tumors}, series = {The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology \& Metabolism}, volume = {96}, journal = {The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology \& Metabolism}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1210/jc.2011-1565}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154682}, pages = {3775 -- 3784}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Context: Adrenal tumors have a prevalence of around 2\% in the general population. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare but accounts for 2-11\% of incidentally discovered adrenal masses. Differentiating ACC from adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) represents a diagnostic challenge in patients with adrenal incidentalomas, with tumor size, imaging, and even histology all providing unsatisfactory predictive values. Objective: Here we developed a novel steroid metabolomic approach, mass spectrometry-based steroid profiling followed by machine learning analysis, and examined its diagnostic value for the detection of adrenal malignancy. Design: Quantification of 32 distinct adrenal derived steroids was carried out by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in 24-h urine samples from 102 ACA patients (age range 19-84 yr) and 45 ACC patients (20-80 yr). Underlying diagnosis was ascertained by histology and metastasis in ACC and by clinical follow-up [median duration 52 (range 26-201) months] without evidence of metastasis in ACA. Steroid excretion data were subjected to generalized matrix learning vector quantization (GMLVQ) to identify the most discriminative steroids. Results: Steroid profiling revealed a pattern of predominantly immature, early-stage steroidogenesis in ACC. GMLVQ analysis identified a subset of nine steroids that performed best in differentiating ACA from ACC. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis of GMLVQ results demonstrated sensitivity = specificity = 90\% (area under the curve = 0.97) employing all 32 steroids and sensitivity = specificity = 88\% (area under the curve = 0.96) when using only the nine most differentiating markers. Conclusions: Urine steroid metabolomics is a novel, highly sensitive, and specific biomarker tool for discriminating benign from malignant adrenal tumors, with obvious promise for the diagnostic work-up of patients with adrenal incidentalomas.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Arquint2012, author = {Arquint, Flurina}, title = {Einfluss der kardialen Biomarker N-terminales pro Brain natriuretisches Peptid und kardiales Troponin T auf pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod, Schlaganfall, Myokardinfarkt und Gesamtmortalit{\"a}t bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 an der H{\"a}modialyse}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-75274}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In dieser post-hoc Analyse der Deutschen Diabetes und Dialyse Studie wurde der Einfluss von NT-proBNP und Troponin T auf pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod, Schlaganfall, Myokardinfarkt und die Gesamtmortalit{\"a}t w{\"a}hrend vierj{\"a}hriger Studiendauer bei 1255 Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 an der H{\"a}modialyse analysiert. Des Weiteren wurde die Bedeutung einer longitudinalen Messung der Biomarker nach 6 Monaten auf die Endpunkte untersucht. Patienten mit dem h{\"o}chsten NT-proBNP respektive Troponin T wiesen die gr{\"o}ßte Ereignisrate f{\"u}r pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod, Schlaganfall und die Gesamtmortalit{\"a}t auf. In der multivariaten Regressionsanalyse waren sowohl NT-proBNP als auch Troponin T jeweils starke unabh{\"a}ngige Pr{\"a}diktoren f{\"u}r pl{\"o}tzlichen Herztod, Schlaganfall und die Gesamtmortalit{\"a}t. Eine Assoziation von NT-proBNP mit dem Auftreten von Myokardinfarkten wurde nicht gesehen. Nicht nur ein hoher Ausgangswert der Biomarker, sondern auch eine Zunahme von NT-proBNP und Troponin T nach 6 Monaten waren assoziiert mit einer schlechteren Langzeitprognose}, subject = {Brain natriuretic Peptide}, language = {de} } @article{AsciertoWorschechYuetal.2011, author = {Ascierto, Maria Libera and Worschech, Andrea and Yu, Zhiya and Adams, Sharon and Reinboth, Jennifer and Chen, Nanhai G and Pos, Zoltan and Roychoudhuri, Rahul and Di Pasquale, Giovanni and Bedognetti, Davide and Uccellini, Lorenzo and Rossano, Fabio and Ascierto, Paolo A and Stroncek, David F and Restifo, Nicholas P and Wang, Ena and Szalay, Aladar A and Marincola, Francesco M}, title = {Permissivity of the NCI-60 cancer cell lines to oncolytic Vaccinia Virus GLV-1h68}, series = {BMC Cancer}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Cancer}, number = {451}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2407-11-451}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-141503}, pages = {1-14}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Oncolytic viral therapy represents an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. We previously described GLV-1h68, a modified Vaccinia Virus with exclusive tropism for tumor cells, and we observed a cell line-specific relationship between the ability of GLV-1h68 to replicate in vitro and its ability to colonize and eliminate tumor in vivo. Methods: In the current study we surveyed the in vitro permissivity to GLV-1h68 replication of the NCI-60 panel of cell lines. Selected cell lines were also tested for permissivity to another Vaccinia Virus and a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) strain. In order to identify correlates of permissity to viral infection, we measured transcriptional profiles of the cell lines prior infection. Results: We observed highly heterogeneous permissivity to VACV infection amongst the cell lines. The heterogeneity of permissivity was independent of tissue with the exception of B cell derivation. Cell lines were also tested for permissivity to another Vaccinia Virus and a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) strain and a significant correlation was found suggesting a common permissive phenotype. While no clear transcriptional pattern could be identified as predictor of permissivity to infection, some associations were observed suggesting multifactorial basis permissivity to viral infection. Conclusions: Our findings have implications for the design of oncolytic therapies for cancer and offer insights into the nature of permissivity of tumor cells to viral infection.}, language = {en} } @article{AssfalgSeligTolksdorfetal.2020, author = {Assfalg, Volker and Selig, Katharina and Tolksdorf, Johanna and van Meel, Marieke and de Vries, Erwin and Ramsoebhag, Anne-Marie and Rahmel, Axel and Renders, Lutz and Novotny, Alexander and Matevossian, Edouard and Schneeberger, Stefan and Rosenkranz, Alexander R. and Berlakovich, Gabriela and Ysebaert, Dirk and Knops, No{\"e}l and Kuypers, Dirk and Weekers, Laurent and Muehlfeld, Anja and Rump, Lars-Christian and Hauser, Ingeborg and Pisarski, Przemyslaw and Weimer, Rolf and Fornara, Paolo and Fischer, Lutz and Kliem, Volker and Sester, Urban and Stippel, Dirk and Arns, Wolfgang and Hau, Hans-Michael and Nitschke, Martin and Hoyer, Joachim and Thorban, Stefan and Weinmann-Menke, Julia and Heller, Katharina and Banas, Bernhard and Schwenger, Vedat and Nadalin, Silvio and Lopau, Kai and H{\"u}ser, Norbert and Heemann, Uwe}, title = {Repeated kidney re-transplantation—the Eurotransplant experience: a retrospective multicenter outcome analysis}, series = {Transplant International}, volume = {33}, journal = {Transplant International}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1111/tri.13569}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-214161}, pages = {617 -- 631}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In Eurotransplant kidney allocation system (ETKAS), candidates can be considered unlimitedly for repeated re-transplantation. Data on outcome and benefit are indeterminate. We performed a retrospective 15-year patient and graft outcome data analysis from 1464 recipients of a third or fourth or higher sequential deceased donor renal transplantation (DDRT) from 42 transplant centers. Repeated re-DDRT recipients were younger (mean 43.0 vs. 50.2 years) compared to first DDRT recipients. They received grafts with more favorable HLA matches (89.0\% vs. 84.5\%) but thereby no statistically significant improvement of patient and graft outcome was found as comparatively demonstrated in 1st DDRT. In the multivariate modeling accounting for confounding factors, mortality and graft loss after 3rd and ≥4th DDRT (P < 0.001 each) and death with functioning graft (DwFG) after 3rd DDRT (P = 0.001) were higher as compared to 1st DDRT. The incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF) was also significantly higher in re-DDRT (12.7\%) than in 1st DDRT (7.1\%; P < 0.001). Facing organ shortage, increasing waiting time, and considerable mortality on dialysis, we question the current policy of repeated re-DDRT. The data from this survey propose better HLA matching in first DDRT and second DDRT and careful selection of candidates, especially for ≥4th DDRT.}, language = {en} }