The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for detection of pathogens from dialysis effluent in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis .

Background: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can improve pathogen identification in infectious diseases.

Methods: A prospective parallel control study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical significance of mNGS in identifying pathogens in dialysis effluent of patients with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (peritonitis). Dialysis effluent specimens were detected both by peritoneal dialysis effluent culture and mNGS.

Gd/Y Hydroxide Nanosheets as Highly Efficient T/T MRI Contrast Agents.

To develop highly efficient T/T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs), Gd/Y hydroxide nanosheets were synthesized by a simple exfoliation method from layer compounds using sodium polyacrylate (PAA) as a dispersant and stabilizer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) results revealed the excellent performance of monolayer nanosheets with thicknesses of up to 1.5 nm.

Suspension precipitation: A simple sediment-collecting method for microbiological culturing in diagnosis of peritonitis .

Background: Rapid and accurate microbiological detection is crucial for effective treatment of peritonitis patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although centrifugation of dialysis effluents can increase the pathogen culture-positive rate, a lack of both centrifugation facilities and experienced staff has prevented its widespread implementation, particularly in basic-level hospitals in developing countries. Thus, we developed a simple peritoneal sediment-collecting method, suspension precipitation method, for microbiological diagnosis of peritonitis.