Expanded Hemodialysis Enhancement in Middle Molecule Clearance for Patients With Low Blood Flow Rates of Tunneled Dialysis Catheters.

Introduction: Expanded hemodialysis (HDx), being based on medium cut-off (MCO) membranes, improves the removal of medium molecule uremic toxins. HDx efficacy has been proven with blood flow rates (Qb) of 350-400 ml/min, while low Qb have only been assessed in single sessions. We evaluated the effectiveness of HDx in patients with tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) and low Qb over six months, comparing it with high-flux hemodialysis (HF-HD).

Synovial fluid alpha-defensin in periprosthetic knee infection workup : liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detection of alpha-defensin in synovial fluid.

Aims: The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continues to present a significant clinical challenge. New biomarkers have been proposed to support clinical decision-making; among them, synovial fluid alpha-defensin has gained interest. Current research methodology suggests reference methods are needed to establish solid evidence for use of the test.

Investigating Adherence to COVID-19 Vaccination and Serum Antibody Concentration among Hospital Workers-The Experience of an Italian Private Hospital.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been high, especially among healthcare workers worldwide during the first wave. Vaccination is recognized as the most effective approach to combat the pandemic, but hesitation to get vaccinated represents an obstacle. Another important issue is the duration of protection after administration of the full vaccination cycle.

Analytical evaluation of direct bicarbonate measurement with the new gem premier chemstat in hemodialysis patients.

GEM Premier ChemSTAT is a whole-blood analyzer designed for providing a rapid basic metabolic panel, inclusive of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, with the unique characteristic of providing measured bicarbonate (HCO) levels. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical performance of HCO assessment with this analyser in a real-life hemodialysis setting. Imprecision was calculated at different HCO levels, along with assay comparison with Gem Premier 4000 analysers.

The role of D-dimer in periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The current literature on diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) provides controversial evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of D-dimer. Therefore, this critical literature search and meta-analysis was aimed to summarize the diagnostic accuracy of D-dimer for diagnosing PJI.

Content: We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies on D-dimer for diagnosing PJI, according to the PRISMA flowchart.