Causality Analysis with Information Geometry: A Comparison.

The quantification of causality is vital for understanding various important phenomena in nature and laboratories, such as brain networks, environmental dynamics, and pathologies. The two most widely used methods for measuring causality are Granger Causality (GC) and Transfer Entropy (TE), which rely on measuring the improvement in the prediction of one process based on the knowledge of another process at an earlier time. However, they have their own limitations, e.

Extent and reproduction of coastal species on plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.

We show that the high seas are colonized by a diverse array of coastal species, which survive and reproduce in the open ocean, contributing strongly to its floating community composition. Analysis of rafting plastic debris in the eastern North Pacific Subtropical Gyre revealed 37 coastal invertebrate taxa, largely of Western Pacific origin, exceeding pelagic taxa richness by threefold. Coastal taxa, including diverse taxonomic groups and life history traits, occurred on 70.

Impact of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis over the past decade.

Objective: This is a study on the demographics and clinical outcomes including the response to therapy of patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) over the past decade.

Materials And Methods: All histologically proven FSGS cases diagnosed between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed for their clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics including treatment that could influence the disease progression and renal outcome of these patients. We used the Columbia Classification for FSGS for the renal biopsy.

Regional citrate anticoagulation vs systemic heparin anticoagulation for double-filtration plasmapheresis.

Introduction: Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) has been utilized for immunomodulation in kidney transplantation. Anticoagulation is important to maintain circuit patency during DFPP. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) with systemic heparin anticoagulation during DFPP in kidney transplant recipients.

Validation of the kidney failure risk equation in predicting the risk of progression to kidney failure in a multi-ethnic Singapore chronic kidney disease cohort.

Introduction: The Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) was developed to predict the risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Although the KFRE has been validated in multinational cohorts, the Southeast Asian population was under-represented. This study aimed to validate the KFRE in a multi-ethnic Singapore chronic kidney disease (CKD) cohort.

Death and cardiovascular outcomes in end-stage renal failure patients on different modalities of dialysis.

Introduction: Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients are high. We examined the incidence and predictors of death and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in ESRF patients on different modalities of dialysis.

Method: Data were obtained from a population-based database (National Registry Disease Offices) in Singapore.

Conditional disruption of AMP kinase in dopaminergic neurons promotes Parkinson's disease-associated phenotypes in vivo.

Emerging studies implicate energy dysregulation as an underlying trigger for Parkinson's disease (PD), suggesting that a better understanding of the molecular pathways governing energy homeostasis could help elucidate therapeutic targets for the disease. A critical cellular energy regulator is AMP kinase (AMPK), which we have previously shown to be protective in PD models. However, precisely how AMPK function impacts on dopaminergic neuronal survival and disease pathogenesis remains elusive.

Outcomes of arteriovenous fistula in elderly patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

Background: The optimal vascular access strategy in elderly patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) remains controversial. We aim to report the outcomes of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in elderly patients initiated on maintenance HD in our centre.

Methods: Medical records of 688 incident patients initiated on HD from 2010 to 2012 in a tertiary centre were retrospectively reviewed.

Evolution of IgA nephropathy in Singapore over four decades and a comparison of two cohorts from the first and fourth decade.

Objective: In this study, we trace the changes in the clinical and histological pattern of IgA nephritis (IgAN) in Singapore as it has evolved over 4 decades and compare the clinical, demographic, histological, and renal outcome of patients with IgAN from the 1 decade and the 4 decade.

Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective study of all histologically proven IgAN diagnosed between 1976 and 2018. Clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics between the 1 and the 4 decade, including treatment which could influence the disease progression and renal outcome of these two groups, were compared.

The Value of Renal Biopsy in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Singapore over the Past Two Decades.

Objective: This study on the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and coexistence of non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) in a cohort of 255 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients aims to determine the value of performing renal biopsies in these patients and elucidate the factors which could affect their progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods: Among 255 NIDDM patients, 93 had DN alone, 69 had NDRD alone, and the remaining 93 had DN plus NDRD (mixed group). The indications for renal biopsy were based on clinical suspicion of superimposed NDRD, including heavy or rapidly increasing proteinuria, renal impairment even though diabetes is of relatively short duration, rapidly declining renal function, and presence of hematuria with dysmorphic red blood cells suggesting presence of glomerulonephritis.

Mental Health First Aid training and assessment among university students: A systematic review.

Objective: To explore the literature describing the delivery and assessment of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training among university students.

Data Sources: The databases MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, and PsycINFO were searched to identify publications describing MHFA training and assessment among university students since 2000.

Study Selection: All studies, regardless of design, that described the delivery and assessment of MHFA training among university students, at any level, were included in this systematic review.

Hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy in end-stage renal disease patients: review of an alkaline phosphatase-based treatment protocol.

Aim: Hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Parathyroidectomy is widely carried out as treatment despite complications such as hypocalcaemia post-surgery. Our centre has been using an ALP-based protocol to replace calcium postoperatively to prevent hypocalcaemia.

A Global Evolutionary Trend of the Frequency of Primary Glomerulonephritis over the Past Four Decades.

Objective: The pattern of glomerulonephritis (GN) in Singapore is compared with that of 19 other countries to review changing trends in the evolution of GN in Asian, Eastern, and Western countries.

Method: Three thousand two hundred and eighty-nine renal biopsies in Singapore were reviewed and compared with that of 19 other countries.

Results: IgA nephritis is on the decline in many countries, including Singapore, though it still remains the commonest GN in Singapore.

Perspectives on decision making amongst older people with end-stage renal disease and caregivers in Singapore: A qualitative study.

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing both globally and in Asia. Singapore has the fifth highest incidence of ESRD worldwide, a trend that is predicted to rise. Older patients with ESRD are faced with a choice of haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or conservative management, all of which have their risks and benefits.

Biopsychosocial experiences and coping strategies of elderly ESRD patients: a qualitative study to inform the development of more holistic and person-centred health services in Singapore.

Background: As the incidence and prevalence rates of end stage renal disease (ESRD) rise globally, a disproportionate increase has been observed in the elderly population. Singapore has the fifth highest incidence of treated ESRD worldwide, with the upward trend of ESRD being most apparent among those aged 70 years and older. Although it is well-documented that ESRD patients suffer an impaired quality of life compared to the general population, there is limited research focusing on the unique experiences and needs of elderly ESRD patients in Asian populations.

Validation of the failure to maturation equation and proposal for a novel scoring system for arteriovenous fistula maturation in multiethnic Asian haemodialysis patients.

Introduction: A successful arteriovenous fistula is essential for effective haemodialysis. We aim to validate the existing failure to maturation equation and to propose a new clinical scoring system by evaluating arteriovenous fistula success predictors.

Methods: Data of end-stage renal disease patients initiated on haemodialysis from January 2010 to December 2012 were retrospectively obtained from medical records with follow-up until 1 January 2014.

A prospective study of clinical characteristics and outcomes of acute kidney injury in a tertiary care Centre.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major global health problem. We aim to evaluate the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of AKI episodes in our single centre.

Methodology: We prospectively identified 422 AKI and acute on chronic kidney disease episodes in 404 patients meeting KDIGO definitions using electronic medical records and clinical data from 15th July to 22nd October 2016, excluding patients with baseline estimated GFR (eGFR) of < 15 mL/min.

The effect of parathyroidectomy on patients' symptoms in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: The efficacy of parathyroidectomy for primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism is well-established but evidence in tertiary hyperparathyroidism is lacking. We examined parathyroidectomy's effect in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: Patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy were followed up for 12 months.

Spray-Dried Particles of Nitric Oxide-Modified Glutathione for the Treatment of Chronic Lung Infection.

Antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria has emerged as a big challenge to human and animal health and significant economy loss worldwide. Development of novel strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance is of the utmost priority. In this study, we combined glutathione (GSH), a master antioxidant in all mammalian cells, and nitric oxide, a proven biofilm-dispersing agent, to produce GSNO.

Changes in primary glomerulonephritis in Singapore over four decades .

This review of 3,289 native kidney biopsies over the past four decades in Singapore documents the changing pattern of biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis (GN)from that of a third world country to that of a developed nation. In the 1st decade, mesangial proliferative GN was the most common form of primary GN, similar to the Asian region. In the 2nd decade, the percentage of mesangial proliferative GN decreased, but membranous GN became more common, as was seen in China and Thailand.

Names of hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) established by Charles McLean Fraser (1872-1946), excluding those from Allan Hancock Expeditions.

An account is given of the names of families, genera, and species of hydroids established by C.M. Fraser of Canada, excluding those from Allan Hancock Pacific Expeditions and the Allan Hancock Caribbean Sea Expedition.

Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula and Graft Stenoses: Randomized Trial Comparing Drug-eluting Balloon Angioplasty with Conventional Angioplasty.

Purpose To compare lesion primary patency and restenosis rates between drug-eluting balloon (DEB) percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and conventional balloon PTA (cPTA) in the treatment of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) stenosis. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 119 participants (mean age, 59.2 years; 79 men, 40 women) with failing AVFs (n = 98) or AVGs (n = 21) were randomly assigned to undergo either DEB PTA (n = 59) or cPTA (n = 60) from January 2012 to May 2013.