Mycophenolate Mofetil with Steroid, a Reasonable Alternative to Current First-line Therapy, for Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy in Resource-constrained Settings: A Randomized, Open-label Study.

Background: The modified Ponticelli regimen (mPR) is a first-line therapy in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN); however, it has a less favorable safety profile. Though mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) + steroid (S) is not recommended by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines, it can be used as an alternative to mPR due to higher tolerability and steroid-sparing effect. Thus, we compared the safety and effectiveness of MMF + S and mPR regimens in patients with IMN.

Light microscopic morphology of blood cells of non-descript indigenous Zoar chicken of Mizoram, India.

Identifying and analysing distinct blood cells is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the field of biomedicine. The present study was undertaken to study the cytomorphological and cytochemical characteristics of the blood cells of Zoar, a non-descript indigenous breed of chicken extensively reared under backyard poultry farming in Mizoram, India. For this study, 2 mL of blood samples were aseptically collected from the wings veins of 12 chickens and were processed for light microscopic study under standard protocols.

Rituximab treatment in resistant lupus nephritis: A single-center prospective study.

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and failure to respond to traditional immunosuppression increases morbidity and mortality. Rituximab has been considered a novel therapeutic option for the management of SLE.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study from July 2018 to June 2019 to evaluate the effectiveness of rituximab in patients with resistant LN.

Morphologic appearance of peripheral blood cells from Zovawk pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) visualized by transmission electron microscopy.

Background: Ultrastructural information regarding the peripheral blood cells of local (Zovawk) pigs from Mizoram, India, is not available in the scientific literature.

Objectives: The present study was designed to reveal the fine structural details of the blood cells from these local pigs using a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 healthy Zovawk pigs of either sex and processed according to a standard protocol.

Idiopathic Nonlupus Full-House Nephropathy: Clinicopathological Presentation and Comparison with Lupus Full-House Nephropathy.

Full-house pattern on immunofluorescence (IF) on kidney biopsy in a patient without systemic lupus erythematosus is termed as nonlupus full-house nephropathy (FHN). In this study, we retrospectively compiled patients with nonlupus FHN and compared them with lupus FHN for clinicopathological presentation. We included patients with full-house IF patterns in renal biopsies collected from March 2007 to August 2018, clinical and histopathological data at the time of presentation were studied retrospectively.

Peripheral blood cells of native pig (Zovawk) of Mizoram, India: Light and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

The literature on the blood cells of Zovawk pigs is scanty; thus, this study was designed to elaborate the light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of blood cells of Zovawk pigs by LM and SEM. Twelve different blood samples were aseptically obtained from adult healthy Zovawk pigs, irrespective of sex. To determine the cytomorphological and cytochemical structures of the many produced constituents of blood, blood smears were stained with various stains.

Ultrastructural characteristics of the blood cells of chickens commonly reared under backyard poultry farming in Mizoram, India.

The present study was undertaken to characterize the ultrastructural morphology of the blood cells of commonly reared chickens in the state of Mizoram, India under backyard poultry farming. For this study, 2 ml of whole blood was aseptically collected from the wings veins of 12 chickens of three different breeds namely the Zoar, Aseel and Rhode Island Red and processed for ultrastructural imaging under standard protocols. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the matured erythrocytes of Zoar, Aseel and Rhode Island Red appeared elliptical in shape while the leukocytes and thrombocytes appeared round in shape with variable surface modifications.

Observations on the cytomorphology and ultrastructure of the peripheral blood cells of native cattle (Zobawng) of Mizoram, India.

This study aims to characterize the cytomorphology and ultrastructure of blood cells of native cattle of Mizoram. Twelve numbers of blood samples (10 ml) were collected from the Zobawng cattle, irrespective of sex. Blood smears were prepared and stained with different stains for cytomorphological study.

Histological patterns of renal diseases in children: A 12-year experience from a single Tertiary Care Center in North-East India.

This study was conducted to retrospectively investigate the indications for renal biopsy in the native kidneys of children and to analyze the pathological findings in a single tertiary care hospital in North-East India for the past 12 years. All children (≤18 years) who underwent renal biopsy at our hospital from March 2007 to April 2018 were included. Renal tissue specimens were studied under light and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Preparation of blood samples for electron microscopy: The standard protocol.

Electron microscopy is a powerful tool to study biological samples at higher magnification. The higher magnifications achieved by the electron microscopes are helpful to the researchers to study surface morphology as well as cellular morphology of the samples. The blood sample surface morphology can be visualized at higher magnification by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes of acute kidney injury in preeclampsia: A prospective, single-center study.

Background: Preeclampsia is an important cause of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (AKI). The objective of our study was to determine the incidence, characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes of AKI in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Materials And Methods: A prospective, observational, single-center study from January 2019 to January 2020.

A comparative study on the morphology, radiography and computed tomography of the skull bones of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor).

Background: There is scanty information on the skull morphology of barking and sambar deer; thus the present study was designed to provide information on morphology, radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the skull bones of both deer species.

Materials And Methods: The study was conducted on 12 skulls of adult barking deer (n = 6) and sambar deer (n = 6) of either sex (n = 3 males and n = 3 females) collected from Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, Mizoram. The skulls of both species were macerated as per the standard maceration techniques.

Lymphocyte subsets in the small intestine of piglets fed with probiotic and zinc: a qualitative and quantitative micro-anatomical study.

Background: Piglet mortality is a real concern to the pig farmers. The major cause is due to the late maturation of the immune system and dietary changes in postweaned piglets. The potential role of probiotic and zinc in the stimulation of the immune system is well established.

Comparative morphometrical studies on the skull bones of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor).

The present study reports data on the skull bone morphometry of barking and sambar deer. The skulls of adult barking deer (n = 6) and sambar deer (n = 6) of either sex (n = 3 males and n = 3 females) were collected from the Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, Mizoram, India, with official permission from the Government of Mizoram. Anatomically, barking and sambar deer's skulls were elongated, pyramid-like, dolichocephalic and consisted of thirty-two cranial and facial bones.

A Comparable Study on the Outcomes of Urgent Initiated Peritoneal Dialysis Versus Conventional Start, A Single Centre Study from North-East India.

Introduction: To avoid temporary hemodialysis, urgent initiated PD (UIPD) has been designed. In these patients, PD is initiated within 3 days after PD catheter placement. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of UIPD in end-stage renal disease patients compared with the conventional start of PD.

Prevalence of Nondiabetic Renal Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Clinicopathological Correlation: A Study from a Tertiary Care Center of Assam, India.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. The prevalence of nondiabetic renal disease (NDRD) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) varies widely. This study aimed to evaluate the renal biopsies performed on type 2 diabetic patients for suspicion of NDRD and to correlate clinicopathological findings.

Small intestinal mucosal cells in piglets fed with probiotic and zinc: a qualitative and quantitative microanatomical study.

Background: Probiotics and zinc are commonly used and beneficial in pig production. This work aimed to assess the effects of probiotic and zinc on the mucosal cells of the small intestine in respect to digestive capacity and immunity in pre- and post-weaned piglets.

Materials And Methods: Eighteen Large White Yorkshire piglets were divided equally into control and treatment groups.

Applied anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor).

Background: There is no previously reported information on the applied anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the barking deer and sambar deer.

Materials And Methods: Therefore, the present study was designed to provide some important clinical landmarks related to tracking of the infraorbital, mental and mandibular nerves with its clinical implications in regional anaesthesia in both the species.

Results: In the present study, the distance between the most lateral bulging of the facial tuberosity to the infraorbital foramen and from the latter to the root of the alveolar tooth directly ventral to it was found to be 2.

Clinical and histopathological profile of lupus nephritis and response to treatment with cyclophosphamide: A single center study.

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an immune-complex glomerulonephritis that is usually manifested by proteinuria, active urinary sediment, hypertension, and renal failure. The objective of this study is to study the clinical and histopathological profile of LN and the response to treatment with cyclophosphamide. This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center in Assam, India, where 176 LN patients who underwent renal biopsy were included.

Outcomes of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury in elderly patients: a single-centre study.

Background: HAAKI is a common clinical problem in hospitalized patients. Its incidence is high in older patients and carries worse prognosis. The presence of multiple co-morbidities, aging process, and frequent diagnostic and therapeutic interventions predispose elderly patients to HAAKI.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer: 68 cases from the Food and Drug Administration database and review.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) are widely used in modern oncology and have improved the prognosis of lung cancer, malignant melanoma, and other malignancies. Unlike cytotoxic chemotherapy, drugs such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab are associated with immune-related adverse effects. We recently observed a patient with lung cancer who developed a fulminant warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).

Etiological profile of chronic kidney disease: A single-center retrospective hospital-based study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases globally, with rising incidence and prevalence. It is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and coronary artery disease, which are the main causes of death in this population. The etiology of CKD is varied.

Zerumbone reduces proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells by inhibition of TNF-alpha.

Zerumbone is a known anti-cancer herbal compound. However, the actual protein target is not fully understood or known. This investigation focus on the association of zerumbone in HCT116 colon cancer cell proliferation and its link with TNF-alpha.

Changing picture of acute kidney injury in pregnancy: Study of 259 cases over a period of 33 years.

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in pregnancy is declining in developing countries but still remains a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to analyze the changing trends in pregnancy related AKI (PR-AKI) over a period of thirty-three years. Clinical characteristics of PR-AKI with respect to incidence, etiology and fetal and maternal outcomes were compared in three study periods, namely 1982-1991,1992-2002 and 2003-2014.

Serum sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of patients with membranous nephropathy and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Diagnosis of membranous nephropathy (MN) and focal and segmental glomerulo- sclerosis (FSGS) needs a renal biopsy, which is an invasive procedure with potentially serious complications. Proteomics may be applied for the development of a biomarker for these diseases which will obviate the need of biopsy. Serum sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electro-phoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis gives an idea of the various proteins with different molecular weights (MWs) in a given sample.