BK Polyomavirus microRNA in Kidney Transplant Recipient.

BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PyVAN) remains a serious threat for renal dysfunction and graft loss in kidney transplant recipients on immunosuppressive medication. In this study, a pilot cohort of 16 kidney transplant recipients were recruited of which eight were with significant BKPV viremia (sBKPV) and the rest were controls matched to age, gender, and time since transplant. We used next-generation sequencing to characterize the miRNA expression profile in urine samples.

Is Compensation Prediction Score Valid for Contralateral Kidney After Living-Donor Nephrectomy in the United States?

Background: Compensation after living donor nephrectomy is well known, and a compensation prediction score (CPS) was made in Japan previously. The aim of this study was to perform external validation of CPS in the United States.

Methods: We studied retrospectively 78 living donor nephrectomies in our institution.

HIV in kidney transplantation.

Purpose Of Review: The aim of this study was to describe recent developments in renal transplantation for HIV-positive recipients, especially the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) trial results.

Recent Findings: HOPE trial data show that HIV-positive D+/R+ results are excellent and similar to D-/R+ in patients controlled on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Patients coinfected with hepatitis C or B virus now have effective treatment available.

The Case For Cadmium and Lead Heavy Metal Screening.

Exposure to cadmium and lead is widespread, and is related to environmental contamination, occupational sources, food, tobacco and other consumer products. Lower socioeconomic status increases the risk of heavy metal exposure and the diseases associated with cadmium and lead toxicity. Concurrent toxicity with both cadmium and lead is likely but has not often been assessed.