Species diversity in the new lamprey genus Occidentis, formerly classified as western North American 'Lampetra'.

Accurate taxonomy is fundamental to the study and conservation of biodiversity. Because of their morphological similarities, most brook and river lampreys in western North America have been placed in the genus Lampetra along with lampreys from Eurasia and eastern North America. However, molecular-based phylogenetic studies dating back several decades indicate that lampreys from Pacific drainages are genetically distinct from Atlantic Lampetra.

Identification of long-preserved specimens reveals the historical geographic range of the Patagonian lamprey Geotria macrostoma (Burmeister, 1868) in southern South America.

The lamprey genus Geotria Gray, 1851 currently includes only two species: G. australis and G. macrostoma.

Clinical experience with intraperitoneal sodium thiosulphate for calciphylaxis in peritoneal dialysis: A case series.

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon but life-threatening syndrome in end-stage kidney disease, characterised by painful medial and intimal calcification of the arterioles in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate serves as an off-label but effective treatment in haemodialysis patients. However, this approach confers considerable logistical challenges for affected peritoneal dialysis patients.

A real-world study on SGLT2 inhibitors and diabetic kidney disease progression.

Background: Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, real-world data on CKD progression and the development of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) remains scarce. Our aim was to study renal outcomes of people with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) using SGLT2is in a highly prevalent DKD population.

On the invalid resurrection of the lamprey genus Exomegas Gill, 1883.

The lamprey genus Exomegas Gill, 1883, was erected on the assumption that it was distinguishable from Geotria Gray, 1851, by possessing three rather than two cusps on the transverse lingual lamina (TLL). Based on literature review and examination of holotypes and new data, the authors reaffirm that the TLL of Geotria possesses two or three cusps in the adult stage. The reduction or disappearance of the middle cusp at the beginning or during the spawning run constitutes a key feature of Geotria.

Morphometric and physical characteristics distinguishing adult Patagonian lamprey, Geotria macrostoma from the pouched lamprey, Geotria australis.

The pouched lamprey, Geotria australis Gray, 1851, has long been considered monotypic in the Geotriidae family with a wide southern temperate distribution across Australasia and South America. Recent studies have provided molecular and morphological evidence for a second Geotria species in South America; Geotria macrostoma (Burmeister, 1868). The aim of this study was to determine morphometric and physical characteristics of adult G.

Morphology-based taxonomic re-assessment of the Arctic lamprey, (Tilesius, 1811) and taxonomic position of other members of the genus.

The lamprey genus Creaser & Hubbs, 1922 is widespread across Eurasia and North America, but the number and distribution of its constituent species is not firmly established. After a morphological examination of extant type material of the currently recognized species and their synonyms, (Hatta, 1901) is resurrected with Vladykov & Kott, 1978 as its junior synonym. Amongst nonparasitic species (Dybowski, 1869) and are confirmed as present in Japan and the former is also present on Sakhalin.

Faculty Use of Active Learning in Postgraduate Nephrology Education: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Background: Active learning is an effective instructional tool in medical education. However, its integration by nephrology faculty remains limited despite residents' declining interest in nephrology.

Study Design: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design was used to explore nephrology faculty understanding of difficult teaching topics and active learning integration using the theory of planned behavior as theoretical framework.

Outcomes of a nephrologist-driven tunnelled dialysis catheter insertion service in South East Asia.

Introduction: Tunnelled dialysis catheters (TDCs) are being increasingly inserted by nephrologists globally but there is limited experience and paucity of published outcomes data from South-East Asia (SEA). This study was conducted to analyse the outcomes of TDC insertion by nephrologists from a single centre in SEA.

Methods: All patients who underwent TDC insertion by nephrologists from October 2013 to June 2016 were included.

Post-hemodialysis dosing of 1 vs. 2 g of ceftazidime in anuric end-stage renal disease patients on low-flux dialysis and its pharmacodynamic implications on clinical use.

Ceftazidime is a cost-effective antimicrobial against Gram-negative pathogens associated with sepsis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) hemodialysis patients with potential for wider use with the advent of ceftazidime-avibactam. Dosing ceftazidime post-hemodialysis appears attractive and convenient, but limited in vivo data on pharmacodynamic efficacy (PE) attainment, defined as >70% of the interdialytic period drug concentrations exceed susceptible pathogens minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (%TMIC), warrants further assessment. We therefore evaluated PE and tolerability of 1 against 2 g regime in anuric ESRD patients on low-flux hemodialysis.

Effect of brachial plexus block-driven vascular access planning on primary distal arteriovenous fistula recruitment and outcomes.

Objective: Hemodialysis vascular accesses (VAs) are traditionally planned based on the nondominant upper extremity preoperative physical and sonographic vascular findings. Clinical guidelines advocate the use of the most suitably distended vein in the most distal location. Brachial plexus block (BPB), through its sympathectomy-like effect, promotes vasodilation and can thus further optimize vein recruitment and operative strategy.

Redescription of the Far Eastern brook lamprey Lethenteronreissneri (Dybowski, 1869) (Petromyzontidae).

Nonparasitic Lethenteronreissneri (Dybowski) is redescribed based on four syntypes (two adults and two ammocoetes) from the Onon and Ingoda rivers, Russia, and 15 topotypic specimens (seven metamorphosing ammocoetes and eight ammocoetes) from the Onon River system, Russia and Mongolia. Posterial teeth were not mentioned in the original description, but Berg (1931) stated that they were sometimes absent, which he later (Berg 1948) changed to usually absent, based on material (some of which we have re-identified as parasitic Lethenteroncamtschaticum) from far outside of the type locality. The latter view has been widely accepted by subsequent authors.

Effect of ultra-low dose and standard heparin locks on early tunnelled dialysis catheter outcomes in low-risk dialysis patients.

Aim: Initial heparin locks instilled after tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertion can leak causing systemic anticoagulation and also promote staphyloccocal biofilm formation, predisposing to catheter-related infection (CRI). The 1000 U/mL concentration is thus advocated as the optimal dose for preventing catheter bleeding and malfunction. The effect of lower heparin concentrations on further lowering these complications is not known.

Transjugular tunnelled dialysis catheter tip placement into the inferior vena cava upper segment after length overestimation.

Purpose: The right atrium is preferred over the superior vena cava (SVC) for tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) tip placement as it offers the best compromise between optimal catheter performance and complications. However, clinical practice guidelines are not all unanimous on this as a universal recommendation. Right atrial tip placement may also fail due to variations in body surface area, venous anatomy or TDC designs and lengths.

Comparative outcomes of primary autogenous fistulas in elderly, multiethnic Asian hemodialysis patients.

Background: The number of elderly (≥65 years) end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis is rapidly increasing. Vascular access outcomes remain contradictory and understudied across different elderly populations. We hypothesized age might influence primary autogenous fistula use and outcomes in a predominantly diabetic multiethnic Asian ESRD population.

Comparative outcomes of treated symptomatic versus non-treated asymptomatic high-grade central vein stenoses in the outflow of predominantly dialysis fistulas.

Background: Witholding treatment in asymptomatic/pauci-symptomatic high-grade central vein stenosis (CVS), i.e. those not causing debilitating painful extremity oedema, the benefits of which have been shown in only one study in grafts, is debatable.

The clinical course of rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterial peritoneal dialysis infections in Asians: A case series and literature review.

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infections due to rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (RGNTM) are rare in Asians and have variable clinical outcomes.

Methods: We analysed retrospectively a series of RGNTM infections in a single-centre multi-ethnic Asian population over a 5-year period. Clinical features, treatment, risk factors and outcomes are discussed.

High-dose cefazolin on consecutive hemodialysis in anuric patients with Staphylococcal bacteremia.

Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia is a leading cause of infection in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Cloxacillin, cefazolin, and vancomycin are the mainstay antimicrobials. Cloxacillin administration leads to frequent drug dosing, longer length of stay (LOS), and higher cost, while resistance and poorer outcomes are associated with vancomycin use.