[Physical, chemical and morphological urine examination guidelines for the Analytical Phase from the Intersociety Urinalysis Group].

With these guidelines the Intersociety Urinalysis Group (GIAU) aims to stimulate the following aspects: Improvement and standardization of the analytical approach to physical, chemical and morphological urine examination (ECMU). Improvement of the chemical analysis of urine with particular regard to the reconsideration of the diagnostic significance of the parameters that are traditionally evaluated in dipstick analysis together with an increasing awareness of the limits of sensitivity and specificity of this analytical method. Increase the awareness of the importance of professional skills in the field of urinary morphology and the relationship with the clinicians.

Adsorption techniques: dialysis sorbents and membranes.

Adsorption is based on the attraction between the sorbent and the solute through hydrophobic interactions, ionic or electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding or van der Waals forces. Adsorption is the adherence of molecules by the above-mentioned forces not only to the surface of the membrane but also to its interior. Since polymethylmethacrylate membranes have a much higher inside effective exchange surface than polysulfone membranes, these membranes are able to ensure a high level of adsorption, and therefore reduce the concentration of high-molecular-weight molecules and protein-bound uremic toxins.

Molecular biology-based assessment of vitamin E-coated dialyzer effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular remodeling.

Cardiovascular disease represents the most common cause for the excess of morbidity and mortality found in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and has prompted the exploration of multiple approaches to improve outcomes in these patients. Cardiovascular risk factors such as increased oxidative stress (OxSt) and inflammation are found in ESRD patients. A vitamin E-coated dialyzer using polysulfone membranes has been suggested to have positive effects on these factors.

Extracorporeal removal of endotoxin: the polymyxin B-immobilized fiber cartridge.

Endotoxin, which consists of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is an outer membrane component of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall. Endotoxin in the blood stream from an infectious focus or through translocation from the gut plays an important role in the pathogenesis of severe sepsis and septic shock. It binds to monocytes and macrophages, activating them to trigger the production of a variety of mediators.

Lack of effect of a booster dose of influenza vaccine in hemodialysis patients.

To assess whether the administration of a booster dose of influenza vaccine may enhance immune response in hemodialysis patients, 58 subjects were given two doses of the 2003/2004 season influenza vaccine, 1 month apart. "European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products" (EMEA) criteria were fully met in terms of percentage of response and of mean-fold increase of hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody titer, but not in terms of seroprotection rates (HI antibody titers > or =1:40). The second vaccine administration did not result in additional increase in seroprotection rate or in geometric mean titers.