Identification of conserved gene expression changes across common glomerular diseases by spatial transcriptomics.

Background: Glomerular diseases encompass a group of kidney diseases that may share common gene expression pathways. Here, we analyzed glomerular-specific gene expression profiles across various glomerular diseases.

Methods: We performed spatial transcriptomic profiling using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy specimens of controls and patients with five types of glomerular diseases using the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler.

Causal Effects From Kidney Function to Plasma Proteome: Integrated Observational and Mendelian Randomization Analysis With >50,000 UK Biobank Participants.

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes detrimental systemic effects, including inflammation or apoptosis, which lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. However, the causal effect of reduced kidney function on systemic proteomic signatures is incompletely understood.

Methods: We performed an integrated Mendelian randomization (MR) and observational analyses to identify the causal association between kidney function and plasma protein levels, based on 1815 plasma protein profiles in 50,407 UK Biobank participants and the CKDGen Phase 4 genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis for the genetic instruments of eGFR.

Silver embedded porous carbon composite for high-performance lithium-metal anode.

Using a lithium (Li) metal anode is essential for high-energy batteries, however, dendritic Li growth is unavoidable during Li plating and stripping processes. Strategically, a porous carbon structure derived from a metal-organic framework is suggested for directly storing metallic Li, although problems still exist with plating Li from the core to the surface and with stripping Li from the surface. Herein, we strategically utilize the carbon structure of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 as an anode and replace the inactive residual Zn with Ag through galvanic displacement.

Electrocardiogram indicators for risk of respiratory failure in patients with tetrodotoxin poisoning.

Tetrodotoxin blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, which are responsible for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. Impairment of action potential conduction in myocardial cells affects the cardiac conduction system and can influence electrocardiogram output. In this retrospective study, we investigated whether tetrodotoxin poisoning prolong the PR, QRS and QTc intervals, which might be used as prognostic indices of respiratory failure after tetrodotoxin poisoning.

Acute kidney injury after non-cardiac major surgery: has it reduced?

Background: It remains unclear whether the incidence of post-operative acute kidney injury (PO-AKI) has been reduced despite the recent emphasis on its early recognition and prevention in clinical practice. We aimed to investigate the trend in the incidence of PO-AKI and to identify the associated factors affecting its changes.

Methods: We gathered clinical data from patients who underwent non-cardiac major surgeries at three referral hospitals from 2005 to 2020.

Graphene Quantum Dots as Antifibrotic Therapy for Kidney Disease.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received much attention for their biomedical applications, such as bioimaging and drug delivery. Additionally, they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We used GQDs to treat renal fibrosis and confirmed their ability to protect renal cells from excessive oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and albuminuria in Korean adults: a nationwide populationbased study.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Albuminuria, an early marker of kidney damage, is a proposed risk factor for OSA and its adverse outcomes. The study explored the association between OSA and albuminuria in Korean adults.

Effects of Graphene Quantum Dots on Renal Fibrosis Through Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Restoring Mitochondrial Membrane Potential.

Podocyte injury and proteinuria in glomerular disease are critical indicators of acute kidney injury progression to chronic kidney disease. Renal mitochondrial dysfunction, mediated by intracellular calcium levels and oxidative stress, is a major contributor to podocyte complications. Despite various strategies targeting mitochondria to improve kidney function, effective treatments remain lacking.

Clinical Significance of Incident Osteoporotic Fractures After Kidney Transplantation: A National Korean Cohort Study.

Rationale & Objective: Recipients of kidney allografts are at risk of osteoporotic fractures (OF), but the association of OF with transplant patient outcomes remains uncertain due to common coexisting risks and complex medical conditions. This study sought to assess whether the overall incidences of OF among recipients of kidney allografts compared to that of patients receiving maintenance dialysis for kidney failure.

Study Design: A national retrospective cohort study.

Effects of dietary fatty acid on all-cause mortality according to the kidney function based on the nationwide population study.

Background: Although the relationship between fatty acids (FAs) and the risk of all-cause mortality has been long discussed, there is little evidence about the impact of each FA component on all-cause mortality by kidney function status.

Methods: We used data from the U.S.

Sex-Specific Impact of Serum Calcium Levels on Acute Coronary Syndrome Risk: A 19-Year Cohort Study in Korea.

This study aims to investigate the association between serum calcium levels and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk, examining whether this relationship differs by sex, given the known differences in calcium metabolism and hormonal influences between males and females. Utilizing the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KoGES) prospective cohort data, our primary exposure variables were serum calcium level and sex. The incidence of ACS served as the main outcome of interest.

Synergistic effect of periodontitis and C-reactive protein levels on mortality: NHANES 2001-2004.

Periodontitis is associated with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Although the coexistence of periodontitis and elevated CRP levels may heighten the risk of mortality, previous studies have not confirmed their synergistic effect. Understanding this interaction is crucial for identifying potential interventions to reduce mortality risk in individuals with periodontitis.

Potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended for alleviating vasomotor symptoms or preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hormone replacement therapy on major adverse cardiovascular events, kidney failure, and mortality in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: This population-based cohort study analyzed data from the National Cancer Screening Program and the national health examination of South Korea.

Bioimpedance-Guided Fluid Removal in Continuous KRT: The VENUS Randomized Clinical Trial.

Key Points: This study, the sole randomized trial of its kind, proposes guidelines for fluid balance management in continuous KRT (CKRT) patients using bioimpedance. Despite this, bioimpedance analysis–guided volume management did not influence the proportion of patients achieving estimated euvolemia at 7 days into CKRT. Further investigation is needed to assess whether bioimpedance analysis guidance can facilitate rapid fluid removal in the early phase of CKRT for patients with AKI.

Association between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and the Incidence of Stroke in Never Smoker According to Alcohol Intake: 19-Year Prospective Cohort Study in Korea.

Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate both the independent and combined effects of secondhand smoking (SHS) and alcohol intake on the occurrence of stroke.

Methods: Utilizing the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study prospective cohort data, our primary exposure variables were SHS exposure and alcohol intake. The occurrence of stroke served as the main outcome of interest.

Impact of hyperuricemia on CKD risk beyond genetic predisposition in a population-based cohort study.

The bidirectional effect of hyperuricemia on chronic kidney disease (CKD) underscores the importance of hyperuricemia as a risk factor for CKD. We evaluated the effect of hyperuricemia on the presence and development of CKD after considering genetic background by calculating polygenic risk scores (PRSs). We employed genome-wide association study summary statistics-excluding the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) datasets among published CKD Gen Consortium papers-to calculate the PRSs for CKD in white background subjects.

Validation of neuron-specific enolase in cardiac arrest patients with limited withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy.

Aim: We validated the prognostic performance of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) according to the recommended values in cardiac arrest (CA) survivors.

Methods: We analyzed the data of adult CA survivors who underwent targeted temperature management between January 2014 and December 2020. We measured the NSE level 48 h and 72 h after CA.