Vitamin K-Dependent Proteins as Predictors of Valvular Calcifications and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.

: Vitamin K deficiency in chronic kidney disease (CKD) could potentially occur due to multiple factors, leading to an increased risk of vascular and valvular calcifications. Vitamin K status can be indirectly assessed by measuring the blood levels of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs), such as matrix GLA protein (MGP). This study aims to examine the relationship between the levels of inactive MGP (dp-uc MGP) and the presence of valvular calcifications, as well as its association with mortality in hemodialysis patients.

The Prognostic Value of Serum Creatinine Dynamics in Neonates-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in neonates with increased mortality and longer hospitalization. Few studies have evaluated AKI outcomes in relation to serum creatinine dynamics in neonates from the first day of life. We performed an observational, retrospective, single-center study on newborns admitted to the "Louis Turcanu" Emergency County Hospital for Children between 2014 and 2022.

Climate refugia in the Great Barrier Reef may endure into the future.

Although global warming is leading to more frequent mass coral bleaching events worldwide, parts of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) have consistently escaped severe coral bleaching. Modeling and satellite observations show that climate refugia are created by the upwelling of cooler water to the surface through the interactions of tides and currents with dense reef structures. Here, we use a high-resolution nested regional ocean model to investigate the future status of two relatively large refugia.

Arterio-Venous Fistula Calcifications-Risk Factors and Clinical Relevance.

(1) Background: Arterio-venous fistulas (AVFs) are considered the gold-standard vascular access (VA) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) therapy. AVF calcifications represent a less studied VA related complication, even though HD patients are at a higher risk for extraosseous calcifications. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of AVF calcifications, as well as the 5-year impact on AVF functionality and on overall mortality.

Compact Plasma Ionization for Ion Mobility Spectrometry Using a 4.3 MHz Miniature Tesla Coil.

In this study, a low-cost 4.3 MHz plasma ionization source for ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), utilizing a miniaturized Tesla coil, is presented. This compact design, combined with a 3D printed cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) housing, delivers a stable and directed plasma suitable for ionization in IMS applications.