Single-Cell Advances in Investigating and Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its subset diabetic kidney disease are progressive conditions that affect >850 million people worldwide. Diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis are the most common causes of CKD, which is associated with significant patient morbidity and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart failure, ultimately leading to premature death. Despite newly approved drugs, increasing evidence shows that patients respond to treatment differently given the complexity of disease heterogeneity and complicated pathophysiology.

Impact of Cumulative 6 mg/kg Antithymocyte Globulin on Early Posttransplant Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Delayed Graft Function.

Delayed graft function in kidney transplant is associated with an increased risk of rejection and graft loss. Use of rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction in delayed graft function has been correlated with less rejection compared to basiliximab, but optimal dosing remains unknown. The purpose of this evaluation was to retrospectively assess the short-term effectiveness and tolerability of a clinical protocol that increased the net state of immunosuppression in delayed graft function kidney transplant recipients using cumulative 6 mg/kg rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction.

Glucocorticoid- and pioglitazone-induced proteinuria reduction in experimental NS both correlate with glomerular ECM modulation.

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common glomerular disease. Although glucocorticoids (GC) are the primary treatment, the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (Pio) also reduces proteinuria in patients with NS and directly protects podocytes from injury. Because both drugs reduce proteinuria, we hypothesized these effects result from overlapping transcriptional patterns.

Safety and Efficacy of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may be effective in reducing body weight and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) post-kidney transplantation. Limited literature exists on use of these agents outside of kidney transplant. The purpose of this program evaluation was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SGLT2i in kidney, liver, and lung transplant recipients.

Multiomics Analysis of Plasma Proteomics and Metabolomics of Steroid Resistance in Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome Using a "Patient-Specific" Approach.

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) occurs commonly in children with glomerular disease and glucocorticoids (GCs) are the mainstay treatment. Steroid resistant NS (SRNS) develops in 15% to 20% of children, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease compared to steroid sensitive NS (SSNS). NS pathogenesis is unclear in most children, and no biomarkers exist that predict the development of pediatric SRNS.

ATP and NAD Deficiency in Parkinson's Disease.

The goal of this study is to identify a signature of bioenergetic and functional markers in the muscles of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Quantitative physiological properties of in vivo hand muscle (FDI, first dorsal interosseus) and leg muscle (TA, Tibialis Anterior) of older individuals with PD were compared to historical age/gender-matched controls (N = 30). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging (MRS) were used to assess in vivo mitochondrial and cell energetic dysfunction, including maximum mitochondrial ATP production (ATPmax), NAD concentrations linked to energy/stress pathways, and muscle size.

Outbreak of colistin resistant, carbapenemase ( , ) producing causing blood stream infection among neonates at a tertiary care hospital in India.

Infections caused by multi-drug resistant are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients. In neonatal intensive care units (NICU), blood stream infections by are one of the most common nosocomial infections leading to poor clinical outcomes and prolonged hospital stays. Here, we describe an outbreak of multi-drug resistant among neonates admitted at the NICU of a large tertiary care hospital in India.

Study of Judd-Ofelt, Urbach energy and photosensitization process in luminescent Sm(III) complexes with heterocyclic ligands.

Six samarium (III) complexes were synthesised by employing the β-ketocarboxylic acid as main ligand and five N-donor systems as ancillary ligands through the environmentally safe liquid-assisted grinding method. Various characterisation techniques were employed to determine the structure of the complexes i.e.

Single-center Evaluation of Safety & Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Solid Organ Transplantation.

Given the negative outcomes associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, non-insulin therapies with glycemic, cardiovascular, and weight-loss benefits in the general population, such as the glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) have become a more alluring therapeutic option in transplant populations. However, limited evidence exists to demonstrate its safety and efficacy in solid organ transplant. This program evaluation included adult kidney, liver, lung transplant recipients initiated on a GLP1-RA for diabetes mellitus management for a minimum of 3 months, had at least one follow-up visit after starting therapy, and had at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level drawn between 3-12 months after GLP1-RA initiation.

Unique Challenges Faced by a Child with Standard Risk Leukemia in Post-COVID Era: A Case Report.

Unlabelled: Children with malignancies are facing new challenges in post-COVID-19 era. We report an interesting case of a child on treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia having a very protracted course of illness with complications not often seen with standard therapy. It intends to make pediatric oncologists and intensive care specialists wary of potential newer complications.

Advances in proteomic profiling of pediatric kidney diseases.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can progress to kidney failure and require dialysis or transplantation, while early diagnosis can alter the course of disease and lead to better outcomes in both pediatric and adult patients. Significant CKD comorbidities include the manifestation of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, coronary disease, and hypertension. The pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases can present as subtle and especially difficult to distinguish between different glomerular pathologies.

Effect of Urolithin A Supplementation on Muscle Endurance and Mitochondrial Health in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Aging is associated with a decline in mitochondrial function and reduced exercise capacity. Urolithin A is a natural gut microbiome-derived food metabolite that has been shown to stimulate mitophagy and improve muscle function in older animals and to induce mitochondrial gene expression in older humans.

Objective: To investigate whether oral administration of urolithin A improved the 6-minute walk distance, muscle endurance in hand and leg muscles, and biomarkers associated with mitochondrial and cellular health.

Methenamine for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Solid Organ Transplantation.

Introduction: Recurrent urinary tract infections remain a challenge in solid organ transplant and have a negative impact on morbidity/mortality.

Project Aim: The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine the impact of methenamine on recurrent urinary tract infection in kidney and liver-kidney transplant recipients.

Design: This retrospective review included patients > 18 years of age who received a kidney or liver-kidney transplant.

Revisiting Plant-Microbe Interactions and Microbial Consortia Application for Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Review.

The present scenario of agricultural sector is dependent hugely on the use of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides that impact the nutritional quality, health status, and productivity of the crops. Moreover, continuous release of these chemical inputs causes toxic compounds such as metals to accumulate in the soil and move to the plants with prolonged exposure, which ultimately impact the human health. Hence, it becomes necessary to bring out the alternatives to chemical pesticides/fertilizers for improvement of agricultural outputs.

SS-31 and NMN: Two paths to improve metabolism and function in aged hearts.

The effects of two different mitochondrial-targeted drugs, SS-31 and NMN, were tested on Old mouse hearts. After treatment with the drugs, individually or Combined, heart function was examined by echocardiography. SS-31 partially reversed an age-related decline in diastolic function while NMN fully reversed an age-related deficiency in systolic function at a higher workload.

Two-miRNA-based finger-stick assay for estimation of absorbed ionizing radiation dose.

Nuclear radiation and radioactive fallouts resulting from a nuclear weapon detonation or reactor accidents could result in injuries affecting multiple sensitive organs, defined as acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Rapid and early estimation of injuries to sensitive organs using markers of radiation response is critical for identifying individuals who could potentially exhibit ARS; however, there are currently no biodosimetry assays approved for human use. We developed a sensitive microRNA (miRNA)-based blood test for radiation dose reconstruction with ±0.

Comparative studies of two generations of NanoString nCounter System.

The NanoString nCounter System has been widely used in basic science and translational science research for the past decade. The System consists of two instruments: the PrepStation and the Digital Analyzer, and both have been continuously improved with evolving technologies. A great amount of research data have been generated at multiple research laboratories with the employment of different generations of the System.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaque at Clinically Relevant Field Strengths (1T) by Targeting the Integrin α4β1.

Inflammation drives the degradation of atherosclerotic plaque, yet there are no non-invasive techniques available for imaging overall inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, especially in the coronary arteries. To address this, we have developed a clinically relevant system to image overall inflammatory cell burden in plaque. Here, we describe a targeted contrast agent (THI0567-targeted liposomal-Gd) that is suitable for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and binds with high affinity and selectivity to the integrin α4β1(very late antigen-4, VLA-4), a key integrin involved in recruiting inflammatory cells to atherosclerotic plaques.

Urinary miRNAs as Biomarkers for Noninvasive Evaluation of Radiation-Induced Renal Tubular Injury.

Radiation nephropathy is one of the common late effects in cancer survivors who received radiotherapy as well as in victims of radiation accidents. The clinical manifestations of radiation nephropathy occur months after exposure. To date, there are no known early biomarkers to predict the future development of radiation nephropathy.

Pre-clinical evaluation of a nanoparticle-based blood-pool contrast agent for MR imaging of the placenta.

Introduction: Non-invasive 3D imaging that enables clear visualization of placental margins is of interest in the accurate diagnosis of placental pathologies. This study investigated if contrast-enhanced MRI performed using a liposomal gadolinium blood-pool contrast agent (liposomal-Gd) enables clear visualization of the placental margins and the placental-myometrial interface (retroplacental space). Non-contrast MRI and contrast-enhanced MRI using a clinically approved conventional contrast agent were used as comparators.

Autophagy in kidney transplants of sirolimus treated recipients.

Background: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are increasingly used as immunosuppressive agents in kidney transplantation. In the experimental setting it has been shown that mTOR inhibitors promote autophagy, but the concept that this might also occur in transplant patients has not been addressed.

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the association between mTOR inhibition and autophagy in renal transplants under routine clinical conditions.

The impact of autophagy on the development of senescence in primary tubular epithelial cells.

Autophagy and senescence are 2 distinct pathways that are importantly involved in acute kidney injury and renal repair. Recent data indicate that the 2 processes might be interrelated. To investigate the potential link between autophagy and senescence in the kidney we isolated primary tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) from wild-type mice and monitored the occurrence of cellular senescence during autophagy activation and inhibition.

Autophagy Induces Prosenescent Changes in Proximal Tubular S3 Segments.

Evidence suggests that autophagy promotes the development of cellular senescence. Because cellular senescence contributes to renal aging and promotes the progression from AKI to CKD, we investigated the potential effect of tubular autophagy on senescence induction. Compared with kidneys from control mice, kidneys from mice with conditional deletion of autophagy-related 5 (Atg5) for selective ablation of autophagy in proximal tubular S3 segments (Atg5(Δ) (flox/) (Δ) (flox)) presented with significantly less tubular senescence, reduced interstitial fibrosis, and superior renal function 30 days after ischemia/reperfusion injury.